MA in Sociology

at University of Manchester

Course unit details

You will take four compulsory course units:

• social theory and cultural identity;
• culture, modernity and media;
• research design I and II;
   

Together with four options chosen from a wide range of specialist units.

Examples of optional course units include:

• politics and culture;
• protest and progress: understanding movements for social and political chance;
• cultures of digital play;
• new developments in theories of gender and sexuality;
• qualitative research methods; or
• Methodological issues in social research.
   

You may also negotiate an independent studies course unit, linked to your particular research interests, subject to a suitable academic supervisor being available. If you have registered for the MA (or upgraded from the PG Diploma), you will need to complete a 12,000 word dissertation, on a research topic of your choice, in addition to the eight taught course units.
 

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Social Theory & Cultural Identity
• Cultural Criticism: Sources for a Public Sociology
• Research Design
• Research Strategy and Project Management
• Criminology and Mass Violence
• Power and Resistance in Postcolonial Societies
• Critical Globalisation Studies
• The Arab Uprisings and Revolutionary State Formation
• Anthropology of Vision, Senses and Memory
• Screening Culture

Academic entry qualification overview
 

• We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in Sociology or a Social Science subject for direct entry to the MA programme.
• When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
   

English language
 

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:
 

• IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.5

• TOEFL IBT 100 with 25 in writing and no further score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757

• Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall, with 76 in writing and no further score below 70
   

You are not required to submit an English language certificate at the time of application, however if you are eligible for an offer it will be subject to meeting our English language requirements.

• MA (full-time)
  
  UK students (per annum): £11,500
  
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,000

Many MA students go on to take research degrees (PhD) however, the skills gained on this course can be put to use in a variety of career paths, such as:
 

• education;
• social and community work (such as welfare advice, working with families, or dealing with issues such as homelessness and mental health problems);
• human resources;
• working in the media.