Sociology (Taught)

This MA Sociology offers you the theoretical and practical tools for understanding the political, social and ecological crises with which we are currently confronted - and for imagining how the world might be different.

Why choose this course?

• By examining social relations and structures of power in their local and global manifestations, and in the present moment and across time, this course will help you to envision alternative futures.

• You will be taught by lecturers with expertise in a wide range of sociological areas, including race and racism, decolonial theory, urban sociology, and human rights and migration.

• You will gain skills in analysis and research design that are widely applicable to policy, community and social justice work.

• You will join a vibrant intellectual community within the School of Social Sciences, with opportunities for one-to-one engagement with experts in your areas of interest.

What you will learn

Drawing on perspectives from the Global South as well as the UK, you will be taught both foundational and emerging sociological approaches to gain a better understanding of:

• capitalism and intersectional inequalities

• the roots and impacts of climate change

• health and disability

• human rights and social movements.

You will also receive an advanced introduction to sociological methods to support you in designing a research project to explore an issue that is important to you.

How you will learn

This course is available to study full- or part-time, and you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops taking place in the evening. You will also hone valuable writing and communication skills through coursework and the completion of your research project.

This MA additionally offers you a lively programme of extracurricular events to give you in-depth engagement with sociological theories and issues. These include talks given by a range of speakers engaged in community-based work and activism on how we grapple with sociological issues within particular contexts.

Highlights

• You will be able to participate in seminars and events hosted by Birkbeck’s many research institutes, including the Centre for Psychosocial Research, Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality, the Centre for Research on Race and Law, the Race Forum and the Birkbeck Institute for Social Research.

• Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books, journals and learning resources in relevant disciplines. You will also be able to use the rich research resources nearby including Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (the LSE Library), SOAS Library and the British Library.

• You will be part of a student body whose diversity in social, professional and generational experience will enrich your learning.

• You will study in a historic central London neighbourhood, close to transport, museums and cafes, as well as tranquil garden squares.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating with this MA Sociology, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• assessing and evaluating a range of social issues and problems

• the ability to design and complete research projects

• how to present yourself and communicate an argument to a range of audiences.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including:

• policy research

• campaigning and social justice work

• teaching

• social work

• media and culture.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.