MA Sociology

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.

What you'll study

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.

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.

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.

Students will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree (normally a 2.2 or above). Students 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.