Sociology MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
This Sociology Masters degree offers you an exciting opportunity to study sociology at an advanced and specialised level with a distinctive focus on the tradition and contemporary forms of public sociology.
The MA Sociology course at NTU has a distinctive and specialist focus on Public Sociology. This is a course that enables you to link theory, research and practice, develop in-depth knowledge and insights as well as build your expertise as Public Sociologist through public engagement activities, projects, creative assessments and the dissertation.
If you have any questions about our Sociology course, you can now chat to our experienced lecturers and course leaders through Unibuddy.
of MA Sociology students would recommend studying at NTU (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2023)
What you’ll study
*We are currently reviewing the content of our courses to ensure that they remain relevant and current to out students’ future ambitions and society. Please continue to check this course webpage for the latest developments.
Public Sociology awakens and empowers your sociological imagination by connecting what you study with the social issues and challenges faced by contemporary civil society. It not only gives you the opportunity to develop advanced and specialist knowledge of sociological theory and research: it supports and challenges you to use this knowledge in ways that directly benefit others. The course is designed and delivered by academic professionals with expertise in carrying out research for and with many different clients, groups and communities. Human rights, migration, and community engagement feature strongly in our research portfolio.
Public Sociology reaches beyond the University, creating the spaces where academics, students and diverse publics can interrogate and apply sociological research and methods to real world situations. From day one of the course, you will take what you learn in the classroom to the various 'publics' of Nottingham and beyond, gaining valuable experience through modules that emphasise working with communities, engaging with local and national policy makers and contributing to debates that ignite public interest.
The course embodies not only the pursuit of understanding, critique and argument essential to advanced sociology, but also a call to action. Through a course design that emphasises the continuous interplay between theory and practice, you will develop both your in-depth knowledge and your practical skills in being a Public Sociologist
Throughout the course you'll explore historical and contemporary issues and debates with a focus on social inequalities and social issues and develop an understanding of a range of global issues. Key issues addressed in the course include human rights, migration, and community engagement. You'll also become part of a lively and creative research culture with staff who have specialist interests in the study of disaster, race, gender and social class.
Through dedicated service learning placements you will apply your sociological imagination in work with practitioners, academics and community members to propose and test solutions to some of the challenges those groups face.
Fellowship of the RSA
As a result of an exciting partnership with the national policy organisation, the RSA, you will also be automatically enrolled as an Honorary Fellow. The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today's social challenges. Honorary Fellowship will open up a number of opportunities for you to engage with this important national organisation.
This course has been designed to provide a challenging contemporary curriculum, which reflects the specific features of public sociology as an area of specialised advanced study.
The MA Sociology consists of 180 credit points, consisting of four taught modules (30 credit points each) and a dissertation (60 credit points). All modules are compulsory.
Theorising Public Sociology
This module will explore the theoretical origins and contemporary developments of a distinct form of sociology: public sociology. You will be provided with a critical introduction to a range of interpretations of the possible ‘public’ roles of sociology. Beginning from a consideration of Burawoy’s seminal statement on the need for a public sociology, the module will dissect this position and analyse pre-existing traditions of engaged, activist and critical sociology.
The module will also examine contemporary theories of sociological engagement and dissemination with communities and a variety of publics, and the tension between these traditions and the objective ‘scientific’ tradition in sociology. From this you will be able to develop a view on, and place yourself in, a continuum of engaged sociological practice.
Researching Methods for Public Society
This module will build your awareness of methodological debates in quantitative and qualitative methods and in doing so will ensure that you have a grounding in and working knowledge of a variety of approaches to researching social issues. You will explore some existing empirical studies, and approaches to community-based research, to encourage you to reflect on appropriate methods, approaches and problem-solving techniques related to a variety of public sociology research areas.
The module will focus on research with communities and hard to reach populations and will encourage you to apply your research skills to specific research populations and circumstances.
Service Learning
This module provides the opportunity to link work within social and civic organisations seeking to make a difference to a wide range of contemporary social issues, and public sociology. Through a service learning placement, you will apply the sociological imagination to issues in the civic sphere, and work with practitioners, academics, and community members to propose and test solutions to some of the challenges those groups face.
Through structured academic input you will also be encouraged to think critically about the sociological debates that have informed contemporary understandings of social citizenship and welfare. The module will explore the following themes: the Social Democratic tradition of social citizenship and welfare; the challenge from the New Right; Communitarian approaches; the relationships between issues of disability, race, class and gender and social citizenship and welfare; race, social citizenship and welfare; gender, social citizenship and welfare.
Contemporary Approaches to Public Sociology
This module explores a number of different contemporary topics of social significance. It does so through a selection of guest lectures and / or self-contained, focussed engagements in public sociology drawn from the research areas of current academic staff. The specific module topics will reflect cutting edge issues in research and practice.
Examples of such areas of practice could include:
- Sexualities
- Political activism
- Homelessness
- Community health
- Domestic violence
- The nature of career and employment
- Community health
Dissertation
The dissertation is a sustained, independent, advanced and critical piece of work in a self-chosen area of Sociology. You can progress research ideas commenced elsewhere in your MA, or you can choose an entirely new topic.
The module culminates with a presentation on key findings to a public audience comprising local policy makers and practitioners, members of the public and academics from the School of Social Sciences.
The first two of these four modules are designed to provide you with a firm grounding in a theoretically informed analysis of a publicly engaged sociology, and a solid preparation for carrying out both academic and participatory forms of sociological research. Together they provide you with a firm foundation to become a critical, creative, and engaged sociologist. You will also be familiar with the enduring concerns of professional sociology and the problems and challenges of the social world it seeks to study.
The other two taught modules, Service Learning and Contemporary Approaches to Public Sociology, provide a carefully structured exploration of the huge variety of ways in which public sociology can be, and is, practiced. The Service Learning module seeks to integrate the worlds of sociological scholarship and its application to the lived experience of community groups and citizens, to strengthen and transform them both. Through dedicated service learning placements you will apply your sociological imagination in work with practitioners, academics and community members to propose and test solutions to some of the challenges those groups face. The Contemporary Approaches to Public Sociology module consists of four 'mini modules' in which practicing sociologists from the course team introduce you to their research and various aspects of public engagement associated with it.
The dissertation is intended to be a crystallisation of all your learning and development of the theoretical, methodological and substantive knowledge, understanding and skills covered in the course. It gives you a structured, supported opportunity to display your knowledge, creativity and imagination in the design and execution of a research project. As such, you will be able to display specialist skills of design and project management, critical, analytic and synthesising skills that would be transferable to further postgraduate studies or to working in other professional settings. Academic staff across the Division of Sociology will be available to supervise dissertations in their area of specialism, and where possible we could allow a dissertation to be supervised by another colleague from the wider School of Social Sciences.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Study and support
The teaching and learning for the course will involve a mixture of lectures, workshops, enquiry-based learning, blended learning, and individual dissertation / project support to ensure that you develop a critical and in-depth understanding of key themes, issues and topics in a supportive environment.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be through a variety of written forms, for example: traditional academic essays, a personal manifesto, reports, and through a presentation, as well as your dissertation.
In-sessional English language support
In-sessional English language support classes are available to all international (non-EU) students studying on degree courses at NTU. There is no extra charge for these classes.
Careers and employability
It is envisaged that you might be entering the course because at a later date you'll seek employment within the fields of community development, charity and voluntary sectors, social entrepreneurship, or public service. You'll also be well placed to pursue careers and training in a wide variety of professions such as, politics or public administration.
You may consider progressing on to a MPhil / PhD program to continue the intellectual curiosity and imagination the MA will have fostered.
As an MA Sociology graduate you will have had the opportunity to reflect on the subject and the transferable skills that you develop during the course. These include expertise in writing complex yet concise analytical pieces, developing and implementing a research project, and the ability to present in-depth ideas. You will also have been helped and encouraged to articulate those skills in relation to the pursuit of your career development plans.
The course further develops and enhances the qualities and skills desired by prospective employers operating in the ‘third sector’, as well as the academy. Above all, these include independent critical thought, analysis and evaluation, partnership working and organisational skills, and self-directed learning. Furthermore, this course offers the opportunity to develop the following skills: communication, time-management, team-working, and IT and modern technologies.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.
Campus and facilities
As a Social Sciences student you will have easy access to the fantastic facilities in the Chaucer and Taylor buildings including:
- Lecture theatres and teaching classrooms;
- Open access PCs and secure wireless points;
- Study areas and social spaces;
- Chaucer cafe serving drinks and light snacks;
- Our brand new School of Social Sciences reception, providing you with easy access to our helpful and friendly support staff.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across our City Campus, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services, with a free printing allowance for each student.
Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.
Books and library resources
Our state-of-the-art Boots library will give you access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the built environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.
Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge and can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources, and also with areas such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
Entry requirements
Applying with prior qualifications
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally a 2.2 or above)
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
- Applicants without such qualifications will be considered but will be required to outline their motivation for study in their personal statement as well as demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level.
No references are required when applying for this course.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
We accept qualifications from universities all over the world for entry onto our courses. If you’re not sure how your international qualification matches our course requirements please visit our international qualifications page.
Applying with prior qualifications
- You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally a 2.2 or above)
Applying with non-standard entry qualifications/experience
- Applicants without formal qualifications will be considered but will be required to outline their motivation for study in their personal statement as well as demonstrate an ability to study at postgraduate level.
No references are required when applying for this course.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | Home (UK students) |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £8,600 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
There are numerous sources of funding available for postgraduate students, both from external sources such as the Government and funding bodies, and from the University.
There are two main costs involved with postgraduate study: the cost of your tuition fees which is paid directly to the University, and living expenses such as accommodation, travel and food.
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies, We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Please take a look at our postgraduate fees and funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Fees for September 2024
| Study route | International/ EU students |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,500 |
*Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
As places are limited, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. The course starts in September so in order to receive enrolment materials in good time, we advise that applications are submitted before the end of July.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide.
All applications welcome
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through our NTU Applicant Portal.
If you're applying without prior qualifications, you'll need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Open days
The School of Social Sciences holds open events throughout the year. Come along and learn more about our courses, speak to programme leaders and find out about studying with the School.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or contact us at Ask NTU.
Good luck with your application!
All applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal.
You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.