Sociology (Inventive Urban Research)​

Entry requirements

You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in sociology, a related social science discipline or a humanities degree.

If you do not possess the standard qualifications, you might also be considered for this programme if you demonstrate exceptional commitment or abilities to study for the degree. This may include relevant professional experience, other qualifications, or skills demonstrated as part of an interview.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This MA is designed for students interested in new ways of exploring and understanding the social world through visual, sensory, and other experimental approaches. You will draw on urban sociology to examine the meaning of cities, urban life and culture.

• Combining lectures and seminars with practical sessions and workshop-based projects, this MA will help you develop a hands-on approach to sociological research. You’ll gain skills in methods which could be used in public sector contexts, art or media research, design or commercial application
• You’ll develop the ability to carry out empirical research and present it publicly in a variety of media and materials. You’ll engage with sociology as an inventive research practice, using creative research methods to address classic and changing sociological problems
• You’ll engage in current debates about sociological methodology, including the impact of visual, digital and other technologies and will be encouraged to build to on these debates through your own inventive practice
• As well as presenting your ideas through writing, you’ll have the opportunity to produce different outputs, including film/video, photography, sound and multimedia pieces
• You’ll design and reflect on your own research projects. The dissertation allows you to complete a substantive research project on your individual interests, supported by one-to-one supervision with a member of staff
• You’ll have access to post-production and editing stations, as well as equipment for photography and video. You can also borrow audio-visual and media equipment
• You’ll be part of a lively community of researchers and urban practitioners, including the Centre for Urban and Community Research and will join students who have a range of experiences and interests in communication, management, politics, design and cultural industries
• We use research-led teaching to explore the importance of sociological knowledge in understanding cities, urban economies, culture, politics and social justice. Our department is world-leading. We've been rated top 10 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2023

Information for international students

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.

Fees and funding

Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.