Description

The MSc Sociology and Social Policy is designed to equip postgraduate students with advanced knowledge in the disciplines of sociology and social policy, and it allows for greater flexibility than either the MSc Sociology and Social Research or the MSc Social Policy and Social Research by enabling you to specialise in quantitative or qualitative methods.

This programme explores contemporary issues in sociology and social policy, such as social inequality and diversity, migration and terrorism, and can be used as a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue careers in the public, private or voluntary sector.

Aims and objectives

The aims of this programme are to provide you with:

* An in-depth understanding of classical and contemporary themes and debates within sociology and (dependent on your choice of options in semester 2) their application in the analysis of selected social issues
* An in-depth understanding of key conceptual debates within social policy, the capacity to evaluate competing explanatory frameworks, and (dependant on your choice of options in semester 2) the role of cross-national and comparative perspectives
* A knowledge of key issues within the philosophy of social science and the ability to apply this knowledge in the design and practice of social research
* A knowledge of the principal methods of qualitative or quantitative research utilised within the social sciences and an understanding of their application in different contexts, and (dependent on your choice of options in semester 2) a knowledge of the techniques of data analysis utilised within the social sciences and their applications
* The ability to design and conduct independent research within the field of sociology and/or social policy, utilising appropriate research metholodogies, and grounded within an understanding of the process of research management and ethical and legal issues associated with the conduct of social research
* The capacity to present ideas, arguments and research findings through different means of communication

Length of the course

Full time 1 year; Part time 2 years

Subject Areas

• Social Policy
• Sociology

Cost in US$:

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants.

University of Southampton - School of Social Sciences's Mission Statement

At the University of Southampton, we are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities both in employment and for students. We seek to treat individuals on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and to ensure that they are given equal opportunities within the University.