About the programme 

The specialisation is intended to develop sociological knowledge and skill in social research and theoretical analysis to the professional level. To achieve this, advanced and intensive modules and courses dealing with research methods, statistics and social theory, form the core of the specialisation, while students are able to select substantive electives from a wide range of those offered in the department and in other social science departments, based on their own research and career interests.

Admission requirements 

  • Faculty requirements are set out under Rules FH3 and FM3 (see Faculty of Humanities Postgraduate Handbook)
  • Specialisation requirements: For entry into the Honours, a BA or BSocSc degree, majoring in Sociology or Industrial
    Sociology (or equivalent qualification) with at least good second class passes (i.e. 68%) in both third year courses of the major is required. Acceptance is at the recommendation of the Convener and the Postgraduate Committee.
    For entry into the Master’s, a good pass (i.e. an overall average of 68%) in an Honours degree in Sociology, Industrial Sociology, Development Studies or a cognate discipline is required for acceptance into year two of the specialisation leading to the Master’s degree.
    Acceptance is not automatic and is at the recommendation of the Convener and the Postgraduate Committee.​

Normally, to progress to the Master’s level, an overall average result of not less than 68% must be achieved in the Honours degree.

BSocScHons specialising in Sociology (126 NQF credits)

The Honours are required to complete a research essay/project and taught courses with a combined total of 96 NQF credits.

Duration: The Honours degree must be completed within one year

Compulsory courses:

  • SOC4000H Research Essay/Project (30 credits)  
  • SOC4028F Social Theory (12 credits) 
  • SOC4015F Social Research Methods: Qualitative (12 credits)
  • SOC4013F Social Research Methods: Quantitative (12 credits) 

Select ONE of the following

  • SOC4004S Political Sociology (12 credits); or 
  • SOC4019F Gender, Families & the State (12 credits)

Elective courses:
The remaining courses are to be selected from the electives offered in the department or, with the approval of the Convener and the relevant host department, in cognate departments of the University. 

 

MA/MSocSc specialising in Sociology (192 NQF credits)

Master’s students are required to complete a minor dissertation and taught courses with a combined total of 96 NQF credits of which no more than two can be at HEQSF level 8 (4000 level).

Duration: The minimum registration period for a Coursework Master's degree is one year. In practice, students normally take somewhere from 12 to 24 months to complete a Master's degree. Students typically complete their coursework in their first year and their dissertation in the second year of enrolment.

Compulsory (core) courses: 
SOC5003F Diversity and Society (12 credits)
SOC5030F In-Depth Interviewing and Analysis (12 credits) 
SOC5032W Minor Dissertation (96 credits) 

Select ONE of the following
SOC5036U Quantitative Research Design (12 credits) - Note: this course is offered during the Summer term. Please contact the Department for more information.
SOC5052F Survey Data Analysis (12 credits)

And at least one of the following
SOC5012S Sociology of Deviance (12 credits)
SOC5014S Sociology of Gender and Globalisation (12 credits)
SOC5019F Race, Class and Identities (Not offered in 2016) (12 credits)
SOC5028S Advanced Social Theory (12 credits) 

Elective courses:
The remaining courses are to be selected from the electives offered in the department or, with the approval of the Convener and the relevant host department, in cognate departments of the University.