This course will introduce you to several dimensions of social inequality. You will study key topics such as social class and social stratification, work and employment, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, health and disability. You will develop an in-depth understanding of key theoretical approaches and concepts for understanding inequality, and you will be introduced to key empirical studies in the area of social inequalities.

The main aim of this course is to provide you with a thorough training in sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research methods that can be used to understand social inequalities. You will have the opportunity to further specialise in research methods of your choice in your dissertation project.

By the end of this course, you will have solid skills in research design, data collection, data management, and data analysis, and a wide-ranging understanding of the methodological and analytical aspects in the study of social inequalities.

Module overview

Core Modules

• Researching Inequality: Race, Class, and Gender in Global Perspective
• Qualitative Methods in Social Research
• Quantitative Methods in Social Research
• Dissertation

Optional Modules

Previously, a selection of the following options have been offered:

• Gender, Imperialism and International Development
• Social Data Science
• Gender Analysis and Development Practice
• Cultures of Life, Authority and Power in Modernity
• Market Life: Wealth and Poverty in Global Capitalism
• Social Research for Social Change
• Understanding Social Science
• The Sociology of Urban Life
• Postcolonial Theory and Practice
• Transnational Media Ecologies
• Feminist Pedagogy/Feminist Activism
• Queering Sociology
• Key Problems in Criminal Justice
• Creative Research Methods
• Ethnography and the Anthropological Tradition
• Sociology of End Times
• Social Data Science

More about our modules

Teaching

This MSc course has 3 core modules which will be studied alongside a range of optional modules of your choice. You’ll be required to choose 3 optional modules. All our MA courses follow a consistent structure, with a programme of taught modules, followed by a 15,000 word dissertation. Part-time students will take 3 modules in Year 1, and 3 modules plus dissertation in Year 2.

Contact Hours

Each module consists of at least 20 hours of teaching. Many modules follow a 1-hour lecture/1-hour seminar format, while other modules are taught in 2-hour workshops. You will have a supervisor for your dissertation research project, who you will meet regularly for guidance and advice.

Class Sizes

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

Assessment

Taught modules are assessed through written assignments. You will focus on completion of your MSc dissertation following the end of Spring Term.

Skills from this degree

• Ability to analyse and evaluate research in the broad field of social inequality
• Ability to analyse and evaluate theories that seek to explain causes and effects of social inequality
• Ability to critically evaluate and utilise basic and advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques for the study of social inequality
• Ability to conduct independent research
• Ability to write about complex ideas in a clear way
• Ability to understand and assess claims to knowledge made by a range of relevant disciplines

Minimum requirements an upper-second class (2:1) honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements Band B
IELTS score of 7.0 with no more than two components at 6.5 or 6.0, or other accepted language test.

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.

Department advice

Department specific advice on applying to ensure your application has the best chance for success.

For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

For up-to-date information for department fees and funding opportunities please visit the Department Fees and Funding webpage.

Additional Course Costs

This course may also include additional course costs.

This course will prepare students for work in a range of careers that value analytical ability and research methods skills. Students will be suited for roles within central and local government, non-governmental organisations, academic and commercial research, journalism, and policy-making.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

• Make Your Mark - Careers with a degree in Sociology
• Working for More than Profit
• Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
• Your Sociological future: Sociology Alumni Evening
• My Sociological Future- What next? Career planning for undecided Sociology finalists

There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.