Sociological Research MSc

This programme aims to educate and train students to give them the requisite skills and knowledge to become an effective professional sociological researcher. This entails teaching them: (i) the philosophical underpinnings of sociology, (ii) key issues and questions in sociology, (iii) key sociological theories, (iv) key issues in selected substantive areas of sociology (students are offered a range of options of such substantive areas), (v) principles of research design, (vi) techniques and principles of quantitative analysis, (vii) techniques and principles of qualitative analysis. This is a recognised 1+3 entry route for ESRC PhD training.

You take six course units in Research Design, Social Theory; Cultural Identity; Methodological Issues; Quantitative Methods, and Qualitative Methods, and two optional course units. Examples of optional course units include: Politics and Culture; Protest and Progress: Understanding Movements for Social and Political Change; Cultures of Digital Play; New Developments in Theories of Gender and Sexuality. Students may also negotiate an Independent Studies course unit, linked to their particular research interests, subject to a suitable academic supervisor being available. Students complete a 12,000 word dissertation, on a research topic of their choice, in addition to the eight taught course units.

Academic entry qualification overview:

2:1 Honours Degree (or overseas equivalent) in Sociology or a Social Science subject for direct Masters entry.

English language:

IELTS - overall score of 7, including 7 in writing with no further component score below 6.0

TOEFL IBT - overall score of 100 with 25 in each section.

TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757

Scores are valid for 2 years.

For students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, your test score is valid for 2 years preceding the date that your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued.  CAS statements will be issued from June-September 2013.

For example;

Test taken on or after 1 June 2011 - CAS issued June 2013 = Score is VALID

Test taken before 1 June 2011 = Score is INVALID

Please note that CAS statements are issued only when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, PDF copy of passport received and the offer accepted.

Applicants from certain countries MAY be exempt from having to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score.  Please email us for advice.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON PART-TIME STUDY

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over two years.  There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme.  

You must first check the schedule of the compulsory modules and then select your optional modules to suit your requirements.  

Updated timetable information will be available from mid-August and you will have the opportunity to discuss your module choices during induction week with your Course Director

School of Social Sciences

See: School Disciplines

Contact name: Zoe Woodend

Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 1296

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 275 2450

Email: pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/disciplines/sociology/