About this course
Explore how society works and discover the causes of social inequality on this MSc Sociology and Social Policy master's course. Here at the University of Southampton, you'll learn about issues such as globalisation, gender and class, and understand how they relate to social policy concepts. These include health, social risk and the welfare state. We offer 3 different pathways on this course, allowing you to fit your studies to your interests or career plans.
On this UK master’s course you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of:
- the main themes and debates in sociology and how to use them to analyse social issues
- the main issues in the philosophy of social science
- conceptual debates in social policy
- qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data analysis techniques
- designing and conducting independent research in sociology or social policy
When you apply for this course, we’ll ask you to choose one of the 3 following pathways to reflect your personal interests or career plans. There is some module variation between pathways, but you’ll gain the same overview of key topics whichever pathway you choose.
- Substantive pathway: This focuses on the key concepts of sociology and social policy, and how these relate to contemporary policy issues.
- International social policy pathway: This focuses on understanding global social inequality, policy responses, and governance.
- Research methods pathway: This focuses on quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Flexible study
You can take this master’s part-time if you prefer. You’ll study the same course content over 2 years.
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course leader
Your course leader is Traute Meyer, Professor of Social Policy. Her research contributes to comparative welfare state research in Europe, with a particular focus on the role of private agents as social policy players in European pension regimes. Read Professor Meyer’s staff profile to find out more about her work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject, such as:
- sociology
- social policy
- social administration
- criminology
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Your studies on the full-time course will last 12 months, from September to the following September.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of the course.
The modules you study will depend on your choice of pathway. Some modules will be compulsory, other we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules listed below currently include all modules for all MSc Sociology and Social Policy pathways.
Your module choices, and what you must study, will vary depending on the pathway you choose.
Download the programme specification in the 'About this course' section for full details.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- seminars
- workshops
- discussions
- debates
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- essays
- oral presentations
- group projects
- a dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll research and write a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor.
The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show your expertise in a particular area of sociology or social policy.
You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With this degree you’ll be in an ideal position to start a career in social research, public administration or public policy in the public, private or voluntary sector.
You’ll also be well placed to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £18,812.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
How to apply
You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least two weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000