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University of Southampton: Sociology and Social Policy
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.SS@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4393 |
| Study type | Taught |
Master of Science - MSc (PG)
Summary
On this master’s in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll take a research-first approach, with a thorough methods education, to understand the social theories on which sociology and social policy are based.
You’ll join a community of academics at the forefront of research in Social Sciences. We are strongly committed to providing the very best learning experience for all our students in a friendly, stimulating and research-led environment. You’ll be supported to gain the tools you need to critically examine sociological concepts, such as interest, modernity, inequality, globalisation, class, and gender.
You can choose from three pathways, allowing you to fit your studies to your interests or career plans:
• Substantive pathway - Focussing on fundamental concepts of sociology and social policy and on how these relate to contemporary policy issues.
• International Social Policy - Focussing on understanding global social inequality and policy responses with a grounding in governance.
• Research methods pathway - Students who wish to obtain thorough quantitative and qualitative methods training should enrol in the Research methods pathway.
We keep a global perspective; using social theory and concepts to understand societies around the globe, comparing richer and poorer regions. On this UK master’s course, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of:
• the main themes and debates in sociology and how to use them to analyse social issues
• the main issues in the philosophy of social science
• conceptual debates in social policy
• qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data analysis techniques
• designing and conducting independent research in sociology or social policy
You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community, we offer an exceptional academic experience, with small-group teaching that allows you to explore topics in depth and plenty of support to ensure you achieve your potential.
You’ll graduate well placed to pursue careers in social research, public administration, or public policy in the public, private or voluntary sector. In the last Graduate Outcomes survey published in 2020, 100% of postgraduate Sociology, Social Policy, and Criminology graduates were employed or in further study fifteen months after graduation (latest Graduate Outcomes, 2017/18). You will have also taken the first step towards a PhD in sociology and/or social policy.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | First- or upper second-class degree or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in a relevant discipline such as Sociology, Social Policy, Citizenship, Politics, Political Economy or other Social Science subjects. |
| Location | Main Site - Highfield Campus Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ |
Fees
| EU | 19850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 19850 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Do you want to explore the structure of human society?
Our students study sociological concepts, such as interest, modernity, inequality, globalisation, class and gender and link them to concepts such as social risk and the welfare state. Throughout, our perspective on these topics will be global; we use social theory and concepts to understand societies around the globe, comparing richer and poorer regions.
Overview
Choose from three pathways
• Substantive pathway - Focussing on fundamental concepts of sociology and social policy and on how these relate to contemporary policy issues
• International Social Policy - Focussing on understanding global social inequality and policy responses should choose the International Social Policy pathway which will also give them a grounding in governance.
• Research methods pathway - Students who wish to obtain thorough quantitative and qualitative methods training should enrol in the Research methods pathway.
Our students gain advanced knowledge in the social theories on which sociology and social policy are based with an understanding of how to use quantitative and qualitative methods.
Experience
• Understand of classical and contemporary themes and debates in sociology
• Understand of key conceptual debates in social policy and the capacity to evaluate competing explanatory frameworks
• Learn about key issues in the philosophy of social science and the ability to apply this knowledge in the design and practice of social research
• Explore the principal methods of qualitative or quantitative research utilised in the social sciences and an understanding of their application in different contexts
• Understand the techniques of data analysis utilised in the social sciences and their applications
• Design and conduct independent research utilising appropriate research methodologies
• Present ideas, arguments and research findings
Students from this programme are well placed to pursue careers in social research, public administration or public policy in the public, private or voluntary sector. It is also the first step towards a PhD in sociology and/or social policy.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | First- or upper second-class degree or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in a relevant discipline. In some circumstances, professional qualifications are considered |
| Location | Main Site - Highfield Campus Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ |
Fees
| EU | 19850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 19850 GBP for Year 1 |
Visit us at a postgraduate open event
Study your postgraduate degree at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group university ranked in the top 15 in the UK* and 77th among global universities**.
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