Sociology and Social Research Newcastle University

Our Sociology and Social Research MA provides specialist research training. The course provides high-quality research training to enhance key skills and employability. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognise it as offering the requisite skills training for preparation for a PhD.

Sociology at Newcastle has a solid track record of excellence in research-grounded postgraduate studies.

Throughout the course you will gain:

• an appreciation of the theoretical traditions that influence and shape sociology as a discipline
• an awareness of the philosophical principles and epistemological frameworks that underpin all social enquiry
• an understanding of social divisions as structures of power and inequality
• an understanding of the profound transformations in contemporary society and the implications of this for understanding collective and individual agency
• a strong practical grounding in a range of research methods and awareness of the epistemological consequences of methodological issues and choices

Many of our graduates go on to study funded PhDs, others have pursued careers in:

• the corporate and financial sectors
• international and national non-governmental organisations
• regulatory bodies such as environmental agencies

Find out about the staff who will be teaching you.

As a core component of the ESRC North East Doctoral Training Centre, our UK and European students benefit from the support of the most prestigious funding scheme in the country.

Delivery

Modules typically include a diverse range of approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, exercises and student presentations. Assessment is by continuous assessment only. The programme involves a dissertation on a sociological topic. You will work on this with a dedicated member of staff who will be your dissertation supervisor during your MA.

This programme is taught and based on the Newcastle campus. Teaching sessions happen at different times of the day to benefit the needs of both full and part time students. Contact and independent study times will vary depending on the modules chosen. You are typically expected to attend an average of three to four modules per week and pursue weekly independent study.

We aim for small groups of students which will enable constructive discussion and analysis. Some modules are seminar-based whilst others offer a combination of lectures and seminars. You are normally assessed through coursework and exam although modules may vary.

You are also welcome to attend the Sociology Seminar Series. At these events national and international speakers present their work to members of the subject area.

Facilities

The School provides a dedicated postgraduate computer room, postgraduate common room and postgraduate study rooms.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a sociology/policy discipline such as:

• criminology
• organisational studies
• cultural studies; media studies
• film studies
• human geography

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 3 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course.

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

• 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills)
• 10 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.