Program Overview

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Key Information

Duration

1 year

Start of Programme

18 August 2025: This programme begins in August at the start of SNU’s Monsoon semester. Students who require a visa for study in India should consider applying for this programme as early as possible.

Attendance Mode

Full-time

Location

On Campus

Fees

For all students: £13,000

Entry Requirements

Students will need to meet all the following entry requirements:

• We will consider a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant Social Science or humanities subjects.
• References are not required but can help build a stronger application.
• For applicants from India:
  • a four-year UG degree from a recognised institution;
  • or a completed Master's degree in any relevant discipline.

Course Overview

This jointly-taught MA between SOAS and Shiv Nadar University (SNU) in Delhi is one of the only programmes to focus on global sociology and specifically on the global sociology of cities and urban life-worlds.

All modules will utilise a combination of academic, policy and popular literature. There will be significant emphasis on case studies from around the world to illuminate theoretical and analytical frameworks. Students will receive excellent sociological training as well as cultural immersion in the UK and India, in a partnership programme that combines an exciting level of student mobility with cutting edge research-led teaching.

Structure

To be awarded the MA, students must take modules to a total value of 180 SOAS credits, consisting of a dissertation (60 credits) and 120 credits of taught modules (60 credits taught by SOAS and 60 credits taught by SNU).

Core - Dissertation

• 799D Dissertation (MA) in Sociology - 60 credits

The MA dissertation provides a unique opportunity to pursue a long-standing or new interest and/or to explore, in some depth, a topic that is relevant to your anticipated career and/or future research plans.

SNIoE Semester 1 - Core

• Urban Humanitarianisms - 15 credits
• Urban Ecologies - 15 credits
• Theory and Method in Global Urban Sociology I - 15 credits

SNIoE Semester 1 - Guided Options

• Urban Commons - 15 credits
• Anthropology and Mental health: Global and Local perspectives - 15 credits
• Sound and the City - 15 credits

SOAS Semester 2 - Core

• 761 Theory and method in Global Urban Sociology II - 15 credits
• 762 Ethnographic Approaches to Urban Life - 15 credits
• Studying (in) the City: Themes and Challenges - 15 credits

SOAS Semester 2 - Guided Options

• 730 Anthropology and Climate Change - 15 credits
• 725 African and Asian Diasporas: Culture, Politics, Identities - 15 credits
• 723 Diet, Society and Environment - 15 credits

Teaching and Learning

The language of instruction of the programme will be English.

Contact Hours

The Master in Global Urban Sociology consist of 180 SOAS credits/48 SNU credits, made up of taught modules of 15/4 credits taught over two terms term, and a dissertation of 60/16 credits.

Knowledge and Understanding

Students will:

• be expected to grasp key debates in urban sociology
• develop a critical understanding of the relationship between sociological examples and theory in the construction of sociological knowledge and an understanding of the ways in which sociology offers a specific set of viewpoints and methods
• develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of sociological frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project on the ‘Dissertation’ module
• develop their ability to reflect in a critical and informed manner on current global issues around urbanism with reference to specific case studies drawn from different cities around the world

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• develop rigour in analysis and assessment of sociological arguments
• develop the ability to understand, summarise and critically assess differing perspectives on theoretical debates
• be encouraged to bring to bear their own previous experience and knowledge in addressing urban issues in a critical manner
• learn to identify issues and formulate questions for further research through independent work
• be able to apply the research methodology tools and skillsets in their dissertation and for future research work

Employment

Graduates of this programme will leave with a solid grounding in global urban sociology as civic-minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to making their communities and societies more sustainable. They will have a thorough understanding of the key debates and issues in urban sociology and will be valued by employers due to their analytical skills, specialist knowledge, and a global perspective.

The programme is designed to focus on real world issues and their connect to social science insights. It is aimed at providing a firm base for both academic work into the future or professional upskilling in any employment environment that seeks expertise in urban issues.

The MA will be particular interest to those seeking careers in journalism, think-tanks, NGOs and INGOs. For applicants already working within these areas, this is a unique opportunity of engaging with cutting-edge scholarship on one of the most significant features of contemporary human existence.