Program Overview

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English and Sociology, MA

Introduction

English and Sociology at Aberdeen combines all the advantages of the UK’s second most highly-rated research and creative hub for English literature, language and creative writing.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MA
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: QL33
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Academic Writing for Language & Literature (AW1008)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Acts of Reading (EL1009)
  • Introduction to Sociology I: Self, Identity & Society (SO1007)
  • Introduction to Sociology II: Systems of Power (SO1509)
• Optional Courses:
  • Controversial Classics (EL1513) AND/OR Rethinking Reading (EL1536)
  • Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Encounters with Shakespeare (EL2011)
  • Sociology of Everyday Life i: the Embodied Self (SO2006)
  • Sociology of Everyday Life II: Global Issues in the 21st Century (SO2509)
• Optional Courses:
  • EL 2512 The Tragedy of Knowledge OR EL 2518 Power, Empire and Equality

Year 3

• Optional Courses:
  • Two level 3 EL courses to be chosen from two of the groups below:
    • Group 1: Medieval/Renaissance Literature courses:
      • EL 30CP Page and Stage: Renaissance Writings
      • EL 35DQ Knights, Virgins and Viragos: Chaucer and Medieval Writing
    • Group 2: Romantic/Victorian Literature courses:
      • EL 30QA Sympathy for the Devil: Scottish Short Stories
      • EL 35SB Britain and the Nineteenth- Century World
      • EL 30XR Romanticism
      • EL 35VC Fallen Women and Self-Made Men
    • Group 3: Contemporary/Modern Literature courses:
      • EL 30FF Modernism: Make IT New
      • EL 35KN Haunted Texts
      • EL 30RD American Voices: Self and Society, 1850 - 1930
      • EL 35UT Art and Atrocity: Representations of Violence and Trauma

Year 4

• Optional Courses:
  • Select ONE of the following dissertation options:
    • Research Project Part 1 (SO4068) AND Research Project Part 2 (SO4568) OR English Dissertation (EL4502)
  • Plus further credit points from level 4 course(s) in English and Sociology to gain a total of 60 credits in each discipline.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learned on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study English and Sociology?

Why English

• An international profile through major literary projects
• Engage with the WORD Centre for Creative Writing
• Access the spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library
• Enjoy a packed campus programme of student and public events, exhibitions, seminars, invited speakers and the annual WayWORD Festival

Why Sociology

• Aberdeen has an international reputation for sociology research
• Teaching with a top rating of ‘Excellent’ in the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment
• Aberdeen is ranked 2nd in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in sociology, social policy, and anthropology in the 2024 National Student Survey
• Sociology at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2025

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
  • EU / International students: £20,800
  • Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
  • Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability.
• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.