MSc in Sociology

This course prepares students for doctoral work in Sociology and provides a stand-alone training for careers in social research. It is a 12-month taught course with four main components:

1. Sociological Analysis, assessed by a 3-hour examination at the end of Trinity Term (25% of final mark)
   
   
2. Methods of Social Research, assessed by a mixture of formal examination and coursework (25% of final mark)
   • Statistical Methods
   • Qualitative Methods
   • Research Design
     


3. One optional paper, generally assessed by a 3-hour examination at the end of Trinity Term (25% of final mark)
   
   
4. A thesis of not more than 10,000 words, equivalent to an article in an academic journal, which is submitted around the end of August (25% of final mark)

Programme Specification

Download .pdf file

(Note: the Examination Regulations, known as the 'Grey Book', are the ultimate authority on all questions relating to courses.)

MSc 'Pathways'

The MSc offers various pathways into specialised options, with expert teaching in all:

1. Crime and governance - Prof Federico Varese
2. Social inequality - Dr Tak Wing Chan
3. Political sociology - Dr Michael Biggs, Dr Stephen Fisher, Dr Heather Hamill
4. Gender and family - Prof Francesco Billari, Prof John Ermisch, Dr Christiaan Monden
5. Sociology of Japan / Latin America - Prof Takehiko Kariya, Prof Leigh Payne
6. Quantitative methods - Dr Stephen Fisher, Dr Christiaan Monden

External Reports

The Department received a very positive report on its MSc programme from the external examiner. To access the 2010 / 2011 report, click here