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Faculty of Humanities

School of Social Sciences

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Sociology MA

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-Time | 24 months Part-Time

About the course

Join one of the UK’s largest and most respected sociology departments, where you’ll tackle today’s most pressing social challenges – from inequality, identity, and climate justice to migration, technology, and social change. You’ll be taught and supported by leading experts in areas such as race, gender, social networks, culture, and sustainability.

Our MA Sociology equips you with the tools to critically investigate society through advanced theory, cutting-edge methods, and hands-on research. You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your learning by selecting from a wide range of specialist course units and will develop an independent dissertation on a topic you care deeply about.

This course not only enhances your understanding of how societies function and transform, but also strengthens the skills that employers value most: critical analysis, research design, and persuasive communication. Whether your ambition is to shape public policy, advance social justice, pursue doctoral research, or simply gain a deeper insight into the systems that define modern life, this MA gives you the expertise and confidence to make a real impact. See the full course profile on our website >

Be part of a Sociology department ranked Top 5 in the UK and Top 20 worldwide

(QS World University Rankings 2025)

Benefit from research-led teaching at one of the UK's Top 3 universities for Sociology research

(Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Our graduates are among the most targeted by top UK employers

(High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2024)

Join one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious sociology departments, with specialisms in race, inequality, social networks, and more

Compulsory Units

  • Research Design;
  • Research Strategy and Project Management;
  • Social Theory: Structure, Relations and Interaction (SRI);
  • MA Dissertation.

Optional Units

  • Qualitative Research Methods;
  • Protest and Progress: Understanding Movements for Social Change;
  • Social Network Analysis: Concepts and Measures;
  • Sociology of Consumption;
  • Science, Sustainability and Society;
  • Theories of Gender and Sexuality.

These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

See the full list of units and find out more on the full course profile >

Where will your course take you?

Demand is growing for graduates who can understand and analyse the social forces shaping today’s world – from inequality and migration to climate crisis and digital change.

Studying sociology with us will develop your skills in research design, data analysis, critical thinking and communication – preparing you for roles across policy, education, international development, NGOs, and government.

Our graduates work in positions such as Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Equality and Diversity Consultant, Community Engagement Officer, and Project Manager – and many go on to pursue careers in research and academia at Manchester and other top global universities.

Georgia Shaw

MA Sociology

"At Manchester, I’m excited to be taught by lecturers who are at the top of their field and have the opportunity to meet classmates who are just as passionate about the sociological world as I am. The module choices are impressive and there’s the chance for individual study to hone my knowledge on topics that I think are worth exploring."

Apply online >
View full course profile >

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School of Social Sciences

Faculty of Humanities

The University of Manchester