21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
The MSc in Sociology equips you with an advanced and critical understanding of sociological theories and perspectives, and how they are applied to contemporary issues and social transformations. It paves the way into careers in a range of fields, from government and NGOs to charitable organisations, social research and teaching. The analytical focus of the MSc also offers a route into academic research. Through a range of engaging learning approaches, you will begin to view the world in a different way. You will explore the interrelationships of power, social divisions, social diversity and social inequality and their application to social action and public sociology. Course content draws directly on the research specialisms of internationally renowned experts in the Department. These areas of specialism link to many important issues in contemporary society, from gender, violence and abuse to health and social theory, education and inequalities to communities and social justice. Core modules such as 'Public Sociology: Theory and Practice' develop your understanding of the use of sociological inquiry to inform social change in the contemporary world, while 'Researching Society, Policy and Practice' provides a thorough grounding in the main approaches and methods of social research, and how it is used to inform social welfare policy and practice. The wide selection of optional modules on offer allows you to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations, and the MSc dissertation is a further opportunity to explore a particular area of sociology in greater depth. As the course progresses you will develop your own approaches to research, taking into consideration the methodological, epistemological and ethical issues inherent in sociological research, activism and public engagement in contemporary societies.
Modules
Core modules: Public Sociology: Theory and Practice examines contemporary sociological theories and how they apply to real-world issues and social transformations in modern society. This module places sociological theories in historical contexts, exploring different theories of social divisions, examining the concepts of self and identity, and assessing how theorists have sought to account for recent social changes. Researching Society, Policy and Practice develops your critical understanding of main approaches and methods of social research, and the skills used in this area. The module makes particular reference to the use of research in social welfare practice settings within an ethical framework, exploring areas such as research questions, sampling, methods of data collection and analysis, and interpretation. The 15,000-word Dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore and write about a suitable subject of your choice under the guidance of a supervisor, and to use the techniques developed in the research modules. It enables you to demonstrate your capacity for independent thought, critical thinking and analysis. Examples of optional modules: Gender, Violence and Abuse; Social Policy and Society; Communities, Civil Society and Social Justice; Education and Social Inequality; Sociology of Health and Illness; Policy Related and Evaluation Research; Participatory Action Research; Analysing Causal Relations in Social Science Research; Computational Social Science; Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices Across Social Research; Quantitative Methods and Analysis; Qualitative Methods and Analysis; Prisons, Crime and Justice; Placement; A language module.
Assessment method
Most teaching involves a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops. Lectures introduce key concepts, theories and current debates. Seminars involve opportunities to discuss lecture content, share experience of conducting research and consider your own and other students' work. Modules that teach the use of computer software packages include practical sessions in computer rooms, enabling you to carry out hands-on exercises with support. This teaching will be supplemented by independent learning, including further reading and research. To support this, you will have access to a variety of learning resources, including learning spaces in libraries and teaching rooms, computers, databases, journals and a wide range of textbooks. In addition, every member of teaching staff is available for two allocated hours each week so you can access additional support. You will also be assigned a named supervisor for your dissertation. Your supervisor will provide support through a series of individual tutoring meetings, dissertation workshops and forums. The majority of the MSc is assessed through coursework, and this takes a variety of forms depending on the modules studied. Assessment methods include written assignments, statistical/computer-based projects, presentations, portfolios, reflective journals and research proposals. The statistics modules may require you to complete specific analyses with more structured instructions. The 15,000-word MSc dissertation, carried out under the guidance of a supervisor, makes up one-third of your credits.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
Normally an upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent. An undergraduate degree in social sciences is desirable but not compulsory and we welcome students with degrees in arts, humanities and science subjects. You should demonstrate clearly why you are interested in the MSc Sociology in your personal statement. Explaining how your interests align to the teaching and research done in the Sociology Department will assist in assessing your application. This is particularly useful if you are coming from a different discipline. Additional requirements When submitting your online application, you will also need to provide: Current Transcript and Certificate (if possible) Two academic references (it is the applicant's responsibility to obtain their references from their referees).
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11100 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25900 | Year 1 |
| International | £25900 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £25900 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE