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Full time | University of Aberdeen | 12 months | 23-SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

12 months

Start date

23-SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Sociology

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

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 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, this MSc programme offers a series of courses that reflect the department’s expertise and current research, in topics such as globalisation, peace and conflict studies, comparative European societies and gendered and sexual violence.

You will also complete your dissertation on an approved topic chosen by you in consultation with a member of the Department faculty. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to draw upon the knowledge and skills you gain on the programme by undertaking a critical analysis of a relevant sociological topic.

The MSc Sociology is designed for you if you have a background in sociology, or if you wish to extend your 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.

Modules

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.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£11,100

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£23,800

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:1 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study. Also taken into careful consideration is the trajectory of results, an applicant without an overall 2.1 but with 2.1 results in their final two years of study may be admitted.