Program Overview

Overview

The MA Sociology program at Newcastle University offers in-depth engagement with contemporary debates in sociology, taught by a lively and welcoming team of diverse subject specialists. The program equips students with an awareness and understanding of the theoretical traditions and concepts that shape the discipline.

What You'll Learn

Throughout the MA Sociology program, students will:

• Learn about contemporary sociological research from subject specialists
• Gain an understanding of the range of sophisticated conceptual and theoretical tools applied to make sense of social life
• Be empowered to conduct their own empirical research, supported by methods training and a subject mentor
• Develop their own disciplinary expertise and take forward knowledge of the social processes and issues they've researched into their professional future

Modules

The program includes the following modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Engaging with Research (G)
  • Thinking about Research
  • Critical Approaches to Environment and Society
  • Global Sex Global Race
  • Inequalities: Issues and Intersections
  • Perpetual Wars? Crime, Policing and (in)Security
  • Dissertation
• Optional Modules:
  • Creative Methods in Social Science
  • Heritage Lives: Media, Messages and Form
  • Theorising Gender and Its Intersections

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include:

• Interactive lectures and workshops
• Seminars Assessment methods include:
• Case study
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Poster
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Research proposal
• Thesis

Your Development

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. Graduates will deepen their understanding of the social world and enrich their methodological skills. The program helps students discover their own interests in social issues and opens up diverse career options.

Your Future

Graduates from this program often find it helps them discover their own interests in social issues and opens up diverse career options. Many graduates have taken up roles in various sectors, such as:

• Voluntary and community sector
• Local government
• International organizations
• Journalism
• Central government/civil service
• Social and legal research
• Marketing
• Education Many graduates also go on to study for a PhD.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 200 for Sociology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The School has common student workspaces, including bookable rooms as well as access to basic kitchen facilities and social areas. There is also a café on the ground floor of the School building.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

• Qualification: MA Full time
  • Home students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £11,400
  • International students: Full time: 12 months, Tuition fees (per year) £25,900
• Qualification: MA Part time
  • Home students: Part time: 24 months, Tuition fees (per year) £5,700

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a sociology/policy discipline such as:

• Criminology
• Organisational studies
• Cultural studies
• Media studies
• Film studies
• Human geography

English Language requirements

Select your qualification:

• IELTS
• Pearson
• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL
• Other
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeks
• Pre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

How to Apply

Before you start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but it is recommended that you apply by the start of September.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

Programme codes

• Qualification: MA Full time, Programme Code: 4105F
• Qualification: MA Part time, Programme Code: 4105P

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them. You can choose to start your application, save your details, and come back to complete it later.