Department of Sociology | MSc Sociology

MSc Sociology at Durham University

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This academically-stimulating course draws on current research to examine the ways in which societies, cultures, institutions and practices are formed, organised and constituted, and how they change over time.

The MSc in Sociology equips you with an advanced and critical understanding of sociological theories and perspectives, and how they are applied  to contemporary issues and social transformations. It paves the way into careers in a range of fields, from government and NGOs to charitable organisations, social research and teaching. The analytical focus of the MSc also offers a route into academic research.

Through a range of engaging learning approaches, you will begin to view the world in a different way. You will explore the Interrelationships of Power, Social Divisions, Social Diversity and Social Inequality and their application to Social Action and Public Sociology. Course content draws directly on the research specialisms of internationally renowned experts in the Department. These areas of specialism link to many important issues in Contemporary Society, from Gender, Violence & Abuse to Health & Social Theory, Education & Inequalities to Communities & Social Justice.

Core modules such as 'Public Sociology: Theory & Practice' develop your understanding of the use of sociological inquiry to inform social change in the contemporary world, while 'Researching Society, Policy & Practice' provides a thorough grounding in the main approaches and methods of social research and how it is used to inform Social Welfare Policy & Practice. The wide selection of optional modules on offer allows you to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations and the MSc dissertation is a further opportunity to explore a particular area of Sociology in greater depth.

As the course progresses you will develop your own approaches to research, taking into consideration the Methodological, Epistemological & Ethical Issues inherent in Sociological Research, activism and public engagement in contemporary societies.

Teaching and Research in Sociology develops the skills and knowledge required to carry out further research at a high level.

It also provides an excellent foundation for careers in a wide range of sectors by enhancing skills that are appropriate for the workplace and are highly sought after by employers. These range from interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument.

Previous postgraduates have progressed to stimulating and rewarding roles in health and welfare, local and central government, the Civil Service, the police, the voluntary sector, banking and the media as well as business, with high-profile employers such as M&S, Mencap, Accenture and Unilever.

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