This MA provides research training with a specific focus on developing the skills needed to examine and analyse how societies, cultures, institutions and practices came into being, how they are organised today and how they continue to change.
Please note, this course is under review for the academic year 2027/28 and may be subject to change or withdrawal.
You’ll be part of a department at the forefront of research that supports social justice. We aim to give you a stimulating and supportive environment where you can explore what it means to be social, where society might be heading and how we can shape our shared futures.
World-leading experts from across the social sciences teach our programmes, and a specialist in your chosen area will supervise your independent research project. You’ll gain advanced research and communication skills, along with the ability to think analytically. These are vital for a successful career across many sectors and also provide an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study.
You’ll study the politics and practice of social research, looking at the role of the social scientist and the opportunities and challenges of different approaches. We’ll also introduce you to the debates that have shaped the relationship between method and knowledge, and how these continue to influence the social sciences today.
This master’s has Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 recognition status and is designed for those intending to pursue professional or academic research in sociology, social policy or criminology. It will equip you to examine how societies, cultures and institutions came into being, how they are organised now and how they continue to change.
This master’s is suitable for graduates in the Social Sciences or related areas. It is an excellent step for those who want to progress to postgraduate study at MPhil and PhD level, or pursue a career as an independent social researcher.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country .
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications .
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests , to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
| QS 综合 | 院校 | 学制 | 学费 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第 85 位 | 杜伦大学Durham University | 1年 | 28750英镑/年 |