Sociology MA

Find out more about our Sociology taught Master's degree.

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P-L3PD

MA

1 year full-time;
2 years part-time

29 September 2025

Sociology

University of Warwick

Sociology MA is a lively and engaging programme for students interested in grappling with the key social phenomena of our time from racisms and imperialism, to climate catastrophe, to the social effects of AI and Big Tech, to gender identity and trans rights. The course provides students with valuable skills, knowledge and understanding for life and their careers beyond.

Warwick’s MA in Sociology provides an opportunity for students to engage with a broad range of social issues in the global north and global south, centring around questions of power and inequality, and relations between subjectivity and social structures. By bringing together social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of social life, the course equips students with tools to better understand key events of our time.

A core aspect of the programme entails thinking through the relationship between theory and praxis and multiple theoretical approaches to Sociology. Over the course of the programme, you will gain a thorough understanding of theories and methodologies that explore the social world. You will also have the opportunity to tailor your programme to your own specific interests through our wide range of options.

Skills from this degree

• Ability to analyse and evaluate complex intellectual ideas
• Ability to analyse and evaluate competing approaches to understanding the contemporary world
• Ability to build sophisticated and persuasive arguments from an array of sources
• Ability to gather and analyse data using a range of techniques
• Ability to carry out independent research
• Ability to write about complex ideas in a clear way

Each of our MA courses has specified core modules which will be studied alongside a range of optional modules. You will be required to choose four optional modules from our departmental list.

All our MA courses follow a consistent structure meaning that you will follow a programme of taught modules, followed by a 15,000-word dissertation.

Class sizes can range from 6 to 30 students, dependent on each module.

Each module consists of at least 20 hours of teaching. You will also have contact hours available at your own disposal for dissertation supervisor, etc.

Taught modules are assessed through written assignments. You will focus on your 15-000 word dissertation after the end of Spring Term.

If you study part-time then you will study your taught modules over two years: with teaching taking place during the academic terms. The order in which you study your modules will be agreed following discussion with your course convenor. You will also begin planning your dissertation in year one.

Reading lists

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform. 

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.  

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department. 

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

Read our department advice on applying to ensure your application has the best chance for success.

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

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