Program Overview

Geography and Sociology, MA

Introduction

Study Geography combined with Sociology allows you to study the earth and modern society evolution. If you are fascinated with natural science, social science, humanities and society, this course is for you.

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: LL73
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Course Overview

Geography is the study of the Earth's surface, with particular emphasis on the relationships between people and their environment. Few other subjects cover such a diversity of phenomena, combining elements of the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities.

Sociology is the study of modern societies and how they have evolved through time. At Aberdeen, you will gain a deep understanding of how society influences people. Throughout the programme, you will explore a range of different themes, including crime, religion, family and the state. The social awareness and analysis skills that you develop will help you prepare for a variety of interesting careers.

Human Geography at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2024 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 100%.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

• Academic Writing for Social Sciences (AW1006)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
• Creating the Anthropocene (GG1010)
• Introduction to Sociology I: Self, Identity & Society (SO1007)
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World (GG1512)
• Introduction to Sociology II: Systems of Power (SO1509)

Optional Courses

• Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

• Space, Economy and Society (GG2014)
• Sociology of Everyday Life i: the Embodied Self (SO2006)
• Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (GG2508)
• Sociology of Everyday Life II: Global Issues in the 21st Century (SO2509)

Optional Courses

• Select two of the following:
  • Physical Environments (GG2013)
  • Environment and Society (GG2509)
  • Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (GG2510)

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

• Approaches to Geography (GG3071)

Optional Courses

• Select one from each of the following options:
  • Social Research Methods (SO3524) or Ten Sociological Studies (SO3568)
  • Thinking Sociologically (SO3066) or Sociology of Religion (SO3070)
• Plus further credit points from level 3 or 4 courses in Geography to gain a total of 60 credits in the discipline.

Year 4

Optional Courses

• Select one of the following dissertation options:
  • Research Project Part 1 (SO4068) and Research Project Part 2 (SO4568) and Geographical Issues (GG4537)
  • Geography Dissertation (GG4023)
• Plus further credit points from level 3 or 4 course(s) in Geography to gain a total of 60 credits in the discipline.
• Plus further credit points from level 4 course(s) in Sociology to gain a total of 60 credits in the discipline.

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

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

Why Study Geography and Sociology?

Why Geography

• Our Royal Geographical Society accredited degree in Geography includes extensive fieldwork options and is designed to provide you with key skills and knowledge – such as data analysis and GIS – often required by employers
• Our degree programmes focus upon key current environmental, economic, societal, and technological challenges including climate change, sustainable development, social inequalities, and environmental protection.
• Human Geography at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction in the 2024 National Student Survey with an overall satisfaction score of 100%

Why Sociology

• Aberdeen has an international reputation for our sociology research, and we are recognised by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a centre for research training and supervision for postgraduate students
• 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

• 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

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.