Sociology (MA)

About the Course

The Master’s programme in Sociology aims to set new standards in the critical study and application of social sciences. This innovative degree, one of the very few pure Sociology degrees in the North, has its foundations in contemporary conflict theory and debates related to relevant and creative research strategies and philosophies in the field. Our highly skilled teaching team will provide the students with an overview of existing social theories that relate specifically to the key concepts of inequality, social divisions, participatory democracy, political ideology and political economy with the aim to instil the students with the ability to visualise and conceptualise new political realities in an increasingly complex global capitalist system. Understanding intersections between class, gender, race and disability is the lens applied to all our courses. The questions of power and distribution are essential for any contemporary sociological study, which is reflected in the work of our very vibrant research communities.

With strong focus on research, this course enables our students to develop the central skills required to analyse, understand and critically evaluate a variety of sociological issues. The programme benefits from the knowledge and teaching skills of research active colleagues across the School of Social Sciences and is therefore a strong example of authentic interdisciplinary teaching. We provide the students with an opportunity to thoroughly explore and critique the most recent developments and scholarship in the discipline and to communicate this experience to others through an extended, supervised research project, designed to spark further development within the chosen fields. Our ethos is not only related to creating a teaching environment in which the students can make sense of current political turbulence experienced globally, but we also strive to create new knowledge which might contribute to global efforts at creating social change.

Why choose Liverpool Hope?

• Ability to shape own studies – You will have the possibility to develop your own ideas and research interests, collect and analyse original data and participate in small group work and presentations. This work culminates in the opportunity to produce a final original dissertation project.
• Expert teaching and learning - Liverpool Hope University’s academic faculty has considerable teaching and research experience both in the UK and internationally. You will benefit from the knowledge of academics, professionals and practitioners within the discipline.
• Focused learning in small class settings - Students will have the benefit of focused teaching from dedicated specialists in a small group setting.
• Exciting new programme based on latest developments in the discipline - Liverpool Hope University’s MA Sociology has been written with a contemporary curriculum in mind ensuring that you gain the most up-to-date knowledge. This is a vibrant and exciting new post-graduate development in an up-and-coming research-focused school.
• Career development - Liverpool Hope University is renowned for its first class student support and career development. You will have a dedicated tutor available for one-to-one guidance on learning, academic writing and career planning.

Curriculum Overview

The programme consists of four modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include academic essays, reports, presentations and examinations, research proposals and a research dissertation. 

Courses:

• Advanced Research for Social Change (30 credits) – This module adopts an innovative pedagogical approach, which combines a study of research philosophies with practical exercises, thereby providing insights into strategies and experiences acquired by social scientists at Liverpool Hope. Here, you will learn about a diverse range of innovative research techniques and become equipped with the skills to design a high-quality research dissertation.
• Advanced Social Theory (30 credits) – You will engage with, evaluate and critically analyse a range of classical and contemporary social theory, with a focus on theoretical explanations of social change in the areas of economic relations, political ideologies, and patterns of political domination. 
• Contemporary Inequalities (30 credits) – This module presents an innovative way of teaching inequalities, which does not only focus on contemporary forms of social exclusion, including those based around class, gender and race, but also incorporates a study of how individual identities are affected by these inequalities. The module explores mechanisms of representation and stigmatization of minority groups and their role in reproducing social exclusion and injustice.
• Political Sociology (30 credits) – This module examines the sociological study of political action. It covers key theories of democracy, globalisation, social movements and citizenship, while drawing on and applying concepts of power and ideology. The course investigates social change and asks whether we are moving into a post-democratic age, and what this means for human societies and how power is constituted within them.
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits) – The focus of the research project will be on an issue of relevance to the study of sociology. The study can involve the collection of primary data or a literature-based dissertation.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

All classes are held at Liverpool Hope University’s main campus, Hope Park. The campus is situated just four miles from the city centre and offers superb academic and support facilities, including on-campus library, free computer and wi-fi access, and a careers service for advice on part-time work opportunities and post-study careers.

The School of Social Sciences is an exciting new development at Hope. It brings together, and provides synergies between, a wide range of disciplines - including Sociology and allied specialism such as Criminology, Social Policy, Disability Studies, Childhood & Youth, Social Work, and Health & Wellbeing/Social Care.

'We are a growing School with a diverse and enthusiastic team of staff who are research active and have published on a wide variety of topics. For more information about the School and the research interests of its staff, please visit our webpages at: www.hope.ac.uk/socialsciences/

UK/EU Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for Home/EU students for 2023/24 are £5,200

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

International Tuition Fees

The International tuition fees for courses starting in the 2023/24 academic year are £12,500 per year.

If you are an international student, visit our international scholarships pages.

Careers

The MA Sociology will enhance the career development and prospects of entering occupations such as social work, public sector welfare work, probation service, teaching, journalism, local and national government, social research, charity/voluntary sector, campaigning and non-governmental organisations. Graduates will also have developed the skills in research and communication and in critical and flexible thinking that are sought after by a wide range of employers. This post-graduate qualification would enable graduates to embark on a research degree or PhD programme.