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Sociology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

How can we make sense of the turbulent post-pandemic world and its possible futures? Sociology examines social relations and structures of power in their local and global manifestations, in the present moment and across time. It also helps us to envision alternative futures. This distinctive new MA Sociology offers you the theoretical and practical tools for understanding the political, social and ecological crises with which we are currently confronted - and for imagining how the world might be different. You will engage with both foundational and emerging sociological approaches to understanding:

  • capitalism and intersectional inequalities
  • the roots and impacts of climate change
  • health and disability
  • human rights and social movements.
Taking perspectives from the Global South as well as the UK, this Master's degree in sociology examines the transnational contemporary social relations and formations, the histories from which they emerge, and how people in particular contexts have sought to change them. You will consider key interventions in critical sociological theory, including from:
  • post and decolonial studies
  • race critical, feminist and indigenous studies
  • psychoanalytic theory
  • critical ecologies.
You will also receive an advanced introduction to sociological theories of knowledge production and approaches to research. This will enable you to make your own contribution to sociological debates by carrying out a research project to explore a problem or issue that is important to you. Highlights
  • You will have the opportunity to enhance your sociological imagination by exploring how social structures and histories shape our inner lives, experiences and identities.
  • This MA Sociology degree offers you a lively programme of extracurricular workshops and activities to give you in-depth engagement with particular sociological theories and issues. These include talks given by a range of speakers engaged in community-based work and activism to understand how we grapple sociological issues within particular contexts.
  • You will be part of a vibrant intellectual community with opportunities for one-to-one engagement with experts in your areas of interest. You will also be able to participate in seminars and events hosted by the Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality, the Centre for Research on Race and Law, the Race Forum and the Centre for Researching and Embedding Human Rights.
  • Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books, journals and learning resources in relevant disciplines. You will also be able to use the rich research resources nearby including Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (the LSE Library), the SOAS Library and the British Library.
Careers and employability This MA Sociology is especially designed to develop the sociological knowledge and skills - including analytical and communication skills - you will be able to apply in a range of future employment situations, as well as in further study at MPhil/PhD level. 85% of recent graduates in this area have gone into full-time employment, while the rest continued into further study. Our graduates work in a range of fields including:
  • mental health and other caring and social professions
  • the education sector
  • the community and voluntary sector
  • NGOs and campaigning organisations.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Written assignments.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above. We will consider applicants without a first degree where you have substantial professional or community-based experience (for example, in teaching, social work, or youth work) and can demonstrate through interview and a written assignment that you have the required academic abilities to complete a Master's-level course. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience, or a lively interest in the subject area, will be taken into consideration positively.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £11070 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11070 Year 1
Scotland £11070 Year 1
Wales £11070 Year 1
International £20340 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Sociology at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS