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MSc - Master of Science
Old Aberdeen Campus
Full Time
Sep 2027
1 Year
The MSc Sociology provides you with theoretical and methodological concepts in sociology to think critically about issues affecting contemporary society. The MSc Sociology provides an in-depth understanding of and training in the use of sociological theory and methodology, with a key focus on the distinct research specialisms of staff in the Department of Sociology. You will examine classical sociological theory (Marx, Weber, Nietzsche) before moving on to more recent social thought to develop an advanced working knowledge of the most important theoretical tools available to professional social scientists today. You will also learn the latest advanced qualitative methods employed by social scientists, including participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, diaries, photography and film, and archived data sources. In addition to the core theoretical and methodological concepts and debates in sociology, you can tailor your programme to your own sociological interest by choosing from a number of optional courses in topics such as globalisation, peace and conflict studies, comparative European societies, and gendered and sexual violence. You will have the opportunity to draw upon the knowledge and skills developed during the programme with your dissertation, wherein you will undertake a critical analysis of a relevant sociological topic; the topic will be chosen by you in consultation with a member of the Department faculty. Gaining a deeper understanding of society through learning sociological theory and the methods used by current social scientists will help prepare you to make a real-world impact with a career in various sectors. You will also be well-equipped to continue your research and education at the PhD level. The MSc Sociology is designed for those with a background in sociology, or those wishing to extend their knowledge of the subject to the postgraduate level. The programme is also suitable as a conversion degree for students with little or no previous experience of Sociology.
Qualitative Sociology: Philosophy and Methods: This course introduces students to a range of methods used in qualitative social science research (such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, diaries, photography and film, and archived data sources). The emphasis will be on the research process, from project design to analysis and presentation, with methodological issues raised in the context of researchable questions. Issues of reliability, representativeness and validity, and the potential for combining methods will be addressed. Students use the course work to develop their research interests and reflect on their research practices.
Karl Popper argued, wisely, at least this time, that all languages are theory-laden. In other words, if we are doing social science, it is impossible not to do theory, but we have a choice to do it well or poorly, informed by the thinking of others who have gone before us, or in ignorance of it. In this course we learn to reflect explicitly about that which may otherwise simply remain implicit in empirical sociological examination. In this project, we are assisted by important thinkers who have developed distinctive and influential ways of considering the social. We begin with classical sociological theory before moving on to the work of more recent social thought, giving students an advanced working knowledge of the most important theoretical tools available to jobbing social scientists.
This is a compulsory element on the MSc Sociology programme.
