Sociology MSc

UCL (University College London)

The Sociology MSc provides you with the critical skills needed to analyse the defining issues of our time. Through a curriculum that emphasises a plurality of perspectives and rigorous methodological training, you will explore diverse sociological approaches to social change, cultural norms, institutions, and the complexities of the modern world. Topics that may be covered include race and gender dynamics, the climate crisis, wealth and income distribution, mental health and wellbeing, immigration, data-empowered societies and the impact of AI, social inequalities and injustices, and LGBTQ+ rights. The Sociology MSc provides a comprehensive approach to understanding society through a series of foundational modules: Advanced Social Theory, Global Sociology, Principles of Sociological Explanation, and Social Change in Contemporary Society. Each module is designed to deepen students' understanding of the social forces that shape our world. In Advanced Social Theory, students explore foundational theories and their relevance to contemporary issues like civil rights, welfare, migration, and gender. Global Sociology broadens this perspective, integrating sociological thought from diverse cultural contexts beyond the Euro-American sphere. In Principles of Sociological Explanation, students examine the building blocks of sociological analysis, learning to test and apply theoretical explanations empirically. Social Change in Contemporary Society covers mechanisms and patterns of social change, as well as sociology’s role in understanding these developments. Students can tailor their studies with optional modules, including advanced training in both quantitative and qualitative methods, data science, intersectionality, and policy engagement. The dissertation component provides an opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choosing, demonstrating your understanding and application of sociological tools to a contemporary issue. Graduates of the course leave with a nuanced understanding of sociological concepts, critical and analytical skills, and hands-on research experience highly sought after in today’s labour market. The course is one of four postgraduate sociology degrees offered by UCL Social Research Institute. Others are Sociology and Data Science MSc, Sociology and Social Inequalities MSc, and Sociology of Childhood and Children's Rights MA. It is available full-time (one year), part-time (two years) or via flexible/modular study (taking a maximum of five years to complete). This degree is likely to be of interest to students with a sociology background wishing to expand their sociological training or those from other social science backgrounds who wish to switch to sociology. It will appeal to people with an interest in how the world works, and those in jobs related to understanding and benefiting society, including policy makers, teachers, journalists, NGOs and those working in charities.