Sociology
Build on your interest in sociology and make the most of this opportunity to extend and deepen your knowledge through postgraduate study. At Manchester, we’ll support you to develop crucial analytical and investigative skills, train you in sought-after research skills and equip you with the tools for confident independent thinking - much in demand from employers today.
Through topical research-led teaching, you’ll cover all areas of contemporary sociology and benefit from diverse expertise in the fields of socio-cultural change, gender and sexuality, and consumption and sustainability at one of the largest and most prestigious centres for sociology in the UK.
Research excellence
We're ranked in the UK's top three institutions for the quality of our research in Sociology
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Top 5
Study at a Sociology department ranked Top 5 in the UK and Top 30 worldwide
(THE Rankings 2024)
Proud heritage
Study at one of the most prestigious centres for Sociology - home of the UK's largest group of sociologists
Graduate Destinations
Our Sociology graduates can be found on every continent, working across sectors as diverse as education, NGO management, medicine and healthcare or government services.
Many of our graduates choose to go on to research degrees (PhD), either at Manchester or at another leading university, where they expand the boundaries of our knowledge and pursue careers in research or academia.
Top job sectors*
*Information based on graduate data across all postgraduate Sociology programmes, 2017-2021.
Further / Higher Education
Education (other)
Third sector
Scientific Services / R&D
Medicine / Healthcare
Example job titles
- Research Fellow
- Project Manager
- Lecturer
- Consultant
- Recruitment & Conversion Officer
Example employers
- Brunel University
- Adelphi Research UK
- Alternative Futures Group
- Microsoft Research
- Africa Unite
Meet the Academics
Our Sociology academics are global experts at the cutting- edge of their fields, incorporating the most recent ideas and findings directly into our courses and teaching.
Hilary Plikington
Professor of Sociology
Hilary Pilkington’s contribution to sociology focuses on misrecognised, marginalised, politically - and even radically - active young people. The DARE project examines the socio- political influences that motivate those on the fringe to take their frustrations to radical ‘Islamist’ milieus, while the PROMISE project looks at why young people mislabelled by society are prevented from contributing. Her work captures the tone, and identifies where second- guessing by society has sometimes got it wrong.
Dr Andrew Balmer
Research focus: Technology, science, and everyday life
Andrew has been teaching in our department for 7 years, and is currently working on projects focusing on secrecy and lying. He enjoys using his own research to teach in the classroom and encourages students to analyse data and consider how it may challenge current views in the field.
Faculty of Humanities
The University of Manchester