Program Overview

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Sex, Gender, Violence, MSc

Introduction

Investigate how gendered violence arises, is quelled, and our response to it, during and in the aftermath of violent conflict. This programme brings into focus the nuances of development, reconciliation and the psychological implications of sustained exposure to violence.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,100

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• Advanced Social Theory (SO5014)
• Advanced Qualitative Methods in Social Science (SL5011)
• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

Advanced Social Theory (SO5014)

Karl Popper argued, wisely, at least this time, that all languages are theory-laden. In other words, if we are doing social science, it is impossible not to do theory, but we have a choice to do it well or poorly, informed by the thinking of others who have gone before us, or in ignorance of it. In this course we learn to reflect explicitly about that which may otherwise simply remain implicit in empirical sociological examination. In this project, we are assisted by important thinkers who have developed distinctive and influential ways of considering the social. We begin with classical sociological theory before moving on to the work of more recent social thought, giving students an advanced working knowledge of the most important theoretical tools available to jobbing social scientists.

Advanced Qualitative Methods in Social Science (SL5011)

Qualitative Sociology: Philosophy and Methods: This course introduces students to a range of methods used in qualitative social science research (such as participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, diaries, photography and film, and archived data sources). The emphasis will be on the research process, from project design to analysis and presentation, with methodological issues raised in the context of researchable questions. Issues of reliability, representativeness and validity, and the potential for combining methods will be addressed. Students use the course work to develop their research interests and reflect on their research practices.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)

This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.

Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.

Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Sex, Gender, Violence: Critical Approaches (SO5519)

Sex, Gender, Violence: Critical Approaches (SO5519)

This course investigates the ways people think about, understand, and respond to violence. How do we know what counts as violence or a violence act? Why does legislation against violence often seem inadequate, perhaps especially in the case of gendered and sexual violence?

Optional Courses

Plus, select ONE of the following courses below:

• Dimensions of Globalization (SO5512)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods in Social Science (SL5512)
• Peace and Conflict Studies (SO5529)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation (MSc in Sex, Gender, Violence) (SO5906)

Dissertation (MSc in Sex, Gender, Violence) (SO5906)

Students who meet the necessary requirements proceed to the dissertation. Students identify an appropriate dissertation topic in consultation with the programme co-ordinator. The dissertation is especially designed to extend an interest which students develop throughout the programme, particularly whilst undertaking the specialist and elective courses in the second semester, and to have experience in formulating, designing and conducting their own social science research investigation. The dissertation can also be library-based around conceptual and theoretical issues.

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£23,000
UK	£11,100

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: Applicants for admission will normally be expected to hold a relevant Honours degree with a 2:2 standard from a recognised university or body. Applicants without this qualification may be admitted subject to having an alternative qualification, or an approved level of work experience appropriate to the field of study.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
• Reference x 2: two reference letters, one of which should be from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employers, or other professional individuals

Careers

This MSc programme provides you with a critical and informed understanding of this subject, ideal for careers in international development, charities/NGOs, policy, human rights, and peace-building.

Career Opportunities

• Advisor
• Development Officer
• Diplomacy, Defence, Development
• Government Officer
• International Non-Governmental Officer
• Public Advocacy
• Research Consultant
• Social Researcher
• Support Worker

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Luisa Gandolfo

Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology is held within the School of Social Science. All of our degrees provide thorough advanced level training in the principles of social science with a wide choice of specialised subjects.