Find out more about studying Sociology MA (15 months) at Anglia Ruskin University? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Cambridge Campus
Full Time
Jan 2028
15 Month
Gain an in-depth understanding of the latest issues in sociology. Hone your research skills and develop expertise for a career in social policy, public service and more. Our MA Sociology will help deepen your knowledge of the theoretical and substantive aspects of contemporary sociology. You’ll become skilled in the principles and application of social research methodology as you examine key debates and issues such as progress and reason, genetic structuralism and the role of modernity. Study in Cambridge, where you’ll be supported by our research-active staff, whose interests reflect the latest developments in sociology.Our academics are experts in a wide range of areas, which include gendered inequalities, intersectional feminism, social theory, race and racism, the social and political aspects of scientific and technological innovation, ‘race’ and ethnicity and urban sociology.You’ll have the chance to take optional modules in more specialist areas of sociology that are of particular interest to you. These could include modern crime control, nationalism or nature and society. You’ll be welcome to attend and contribute to our research seminar series, symposia and frequent conferences, where you can network and benefit from access to leading practitioners.
Apart from the core modules, students will also be required to study optional modules.
Your focus in this module will be on two key debates in social theory. The first is the structure-agency debate which asks whether social action exists merely as (the often complex) activities of individuals or it exists sui generis, as a product of social structure and an object in its own right. You will look at four different attempts to reconcile the debate: Anthony Giddens's structuration theory; Pierre Bourdieu's genetic structuralism; the critical realisms of Roy Bhaskar and Margaret Archer; and the neopragmatisms of Richard Rorty and Patrick Baert. Your second focus of attention is the debate over the role of modernity and its ideals of progress and reason, starting with the Frankfurt School and looking at post-modern social theory as well as ?late? modernity and concepts like Ulrich Beck's risk society thesis; Anthony Giddens's 'reflexive individual'; or Zygmunt Bauman's 'liquid modernity.' Your assessment for this module will be the submission of two 3,500 words essays.
Apart from the core modules, students will also be required to study optional modules.
This module will support you in the preparation and submission of a Masters dissertation, allowing you to explore in-depth a particular topic that reflects your academic interest.
Apart from the core modules, students will also be required to study optional modules.
This module will provide you with the research skills and techniques needed both to critically evaluate the literature you will be using in your Masters course, and to put into practice in your own Dissertation. It will explore the methodologies and methods applied in contemporary social science research to enable you to select an appropriate range for your own needs.
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) offers gold standard teaching (Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), 2023) and expert tuit...
