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Sociology at Goldsmiths, 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 sociology engage with the most significant challenges facing societies today and the patterns and dynamics of contemporary social life? Through an introduction to the sociological imagination and sociology as a craft and vocation, you will study core themes of sociology at an advanced level to develop your capacity to think critically and sociologically.

  • The MA Sociology provides an advanced introduction to key debates about society, culture and the world in which we live. It combines a broad base of knowledge and theory, with a sharp focus on specific areas of expertise (methodological and theoretical) within the social sciences. You will also be able to build your core knowledge and skills for sociological research alongside a uniquely creative approach that enables you to focus on specialist areas.
  • You’ll be able to build on your core sociological knowledge and methodological skills alongside a uniquely creative approach that enables you to focus on specialist areas to match your individual interests.
  • You’ll join a community of students from around the world who have a range of backgrounds and interests, and who bring these unique perspectives to the study environment. We welcome graduates from fields such as social science, humanities and philosophy, as well as more creative and artistic pursuits.
Gain a strong foundation in the sociological imagination You’ll acquire a base of sociological knowledge, theory and methods that will enable you to study core themes of sociology in-depth at an advanced level and to develop your ability to think critically and sociologically. You will also study how sociological methods are being transformed in the age of visual, digital and other technologies and how live or inventive forms of empirical research challenge other modes of social and cultural analysis. Learn from expert academics with cutting-edge research specialisms You'll be taught and supervised by academics in the Department of Sociology, and you'll be invited to actively take part in the Department's cutting-edge research culture. This includes events organised by the following research centres and units: • Centre for Philosophy and Critical Thought • Unit of Play • Centre for Invention and Social Process • Unit of Global Justice • Methods Lab • Centre for the Study of Global Media and Democracy • Centre for Feminist Research • Political Economy Research Centre • Centre for Urban and Community Research

Modules

Compulsory modules You will take two compulsory modules that will provide you with foundational training in sociological knowledge, theory and methods: Methodology Now Sociological Exhibition Making Optional modules You will choose two optional modules (60 credits in total): one from across the options offered by the Sociology Department annually and a second option from within the department or from across Goldsmiths. Not all modules are suitable for students from all academic backgrounds: you will discuss your choices with the convenor at the start of your degree. Dissertation You will also undertake a dissertation. This is a substantive piece of research, empirical or theoretical, on a topic of your choice. You'll meet for individual supervision with a member of the Sociology staff and participate in dissertation workshops led both by staff and students (based on presentation and discussion of your work in progress). Structure As a full-time student, you will normally complete one compulsory module and one option module in each of the Autumn and Spring terms. As a part-time student, you will spread these modules over two years. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.

Assessment method

The assessment consists of coursework, extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs, group projects, reflective essays, and seen and unseen written examinations.

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in a relevant/related subject (or equivalent). You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level. We accept a wide range of international qualifications. If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

For details of fees and funding please visit https://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ or the programme page on our website.
Sociology at Goldsmiths, University of London - UCAS