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. Gain a strong foundation in the sociological imagination and craft 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. Tailor your degree to match your interests You’ll be able to build on your core sociological knowledge and methodological skills by selecting from a range of option modules that enable you to tailor the degree 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. 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 Our department is world-leading. We've been rated top 10 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Modules
The MA Sociology consists of: • Two compulsory modules (30 credits each) provide foundational training in sociological knowledge, theory and methods. • Two option modules (or equivalent for 60 credits in total) • A dissertation (60 credits) As a full-time student, you would 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. Compulsory and option modules are normally taught by one-hour lectures, followed by one-hour seminars. Compulsory modules Thinking Sociologically 30 credits Methodology Now 30 credits Dissertation 60 credits Option modules You can choose two options for a total of 60 credits: one from across the options offered by the Sociology department 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 For your dissertation, 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). The dissertation is a substantive piece of research, empirical or theoretical, on a topic of your choice. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) awards are also available for this pathway of the MA Sociology programme. For the award of Postgraduate Diploma, you would need to complete the compulsory modules and option modules to the value of 120 CATS; for the Postgraduate Certificate, you would need to complete the compulsory modules to the value of 60 CATS. Please note that these are exit awards; if you successfully complete the whole programme you'll be awarded an MA Sociology. 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. 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
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.
Provider information
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross
Lewisham
SE14 6NW