Culture is at the heart of social life, and so understanding it is key to understanding society. Gain the tools you need to understand culture in a rigorous, social scientific way.
Explore a range of debates within the so-called 'cultural turn' in sociological studies, including theoretical and substantive elements. Get to know the work of important thinkers in social and cultural theory, as well as the role of cultural explanations within theories of race and ethnicity, class, gender relations, sexuality and the sociology of religion (among others).
Situate these issues within the framework of analyses and critiques of wider debates and discourses in social and cultural theory, covering questions such as postmodernism, postfeminism and postcolonialism.
You will take a combination of mandatory and optional taught units within the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Each unit is assessed by an essay (or equivalent form of written submission). The taught section of the programme is followed in the summer term by a dissertation.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Social and Cultural Theory.
You will typically need a strong second-class honours degree (55% or higher) or an international equivalent in any discipline.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have additional qualifications, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.