Ranking
Top 20
for Sociology in the UK
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Course overview
Our MA Sociology degree offers the tools to understand the drivers of this change as well as the challenges these present to our societies.
Better understand a world of dynamic identities and race and gender inequalities within our societies. We offer a suite of optional modules that examine a broad range of social issues and divisions.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode.
Course highlights
The 21st Century has seen rapid social changes in identities, communities, politics, and technology. Our MA Sociology degree equips students with the tools to understand these changes and the challenges they bring to society.
- Tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans
- Engage critically with cutting-edge, research-led modules on social transformation
- Top 100 in the World
for Sociology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2024)
Course delivery
Our MA Sociology course includes traditional and interactive lectures, seminars, computer labs, and field trips to Birmingham City Council and Parliament.
- Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops
- Research-based modules – working on your own and in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work
- Assessments – these will include a range of coursework, such as traditional essay, policy reports and a dissertation
You will be taught by those who are involved in cutting-edge research and who write the publications that you will study. You will be taught primarily by academic experts from the Department’s ‘Social Theory and Social Transformation’ research theme, which carries out high quality research to make sense of societal change. Our research investigates global, national and local transformations, the patterns of social relationships and interactions and the culture of everyday life.
Module information
The course comprises of a series of 2 taught core modules and a Dissertation project (100 credits) complemented by optional modules (80 credits).
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 | Full Term |
| Transforming Identities | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Transforming Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students also choose 80 credits from the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environment, Policy and Society | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Communicating Science in Diverse, Unequal and Polarised Societies | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Justice in a Globalised World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Crime and Social Harm | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Wellbeing and Inclusion: a Social Policy Perspective | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Gendering Migration and Diaspora | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Global Policy Institutions and Networks | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies? | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Policy Evaluation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Poverty, Wealth & Inequality | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Sociology of race and racism | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
For entry onto this programme you will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least a 2:1. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis, if you have extensive related work experience. International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
This programme will equip you with critical reasoning and analytical skills that are valued across a range of careers, including social and market research, policy and campaigns, the media, charities and the voluntary sector as well as providing a basis for doctoral study.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.