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Sociology and Social Policy (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
Next course starts
Course suspended

About this course

This course is now suspended to new applicants for 2024 entry. It has been replaced by Global Sociology: Challenges, Interventions and Action (MSc)

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

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

  • a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

As a research-led University we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this course may be revised however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

Course lead

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 Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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