MA Sociology

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in sociology, anthropology, statistics, data or English. While we normally only consider applicants who meet this criterion, if your first degree is in a different discipline, you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level, or have relevant work experience, we would welcome your application.

Course content

The programme will draw on the department’s research strengths and interdisciplinary outlook to provide students with a sound foundation in sociology at postgraduate level. In addition to taking optional modules from sociology, anthropology and philosophy, you will explore a range of different social research methods and theoretical and conceptual tools, learning to use and apply them in your own research into the social world. 

Our programmes have been planned, organised and are delivered in a way oriented towards tapping into and addressing points of overlap and divergence between different disciplinary perspectives. These perspectives are explored, explained and made relevant to the material covered.

The core module in social theory is concerned in the broadest sense with the distinctiveness, or not, of human life and experience in late modern society. More specifically, social theory can be understood as a series of intellectual formulations concerned to respond to a range of questions:

• How does the structure and organisation of society shape how individuals think and (inter-)act?
• What does it mean to say that social order is achieved and how does this occur?
• How and in what ways are our identities and actions enabled and constrained by social structures?

We’ll introduce you to a range of central themes and issues that both classical and contemporary social theorists have addressed in their work equipping you with a broad range of conceptual tools and research methods with which to investigate the social world.

You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules covering fields such as research methods, cultures and environments of health, food and society and philosophy of science.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Fees

2025/26 entry

UK fees per year:

£12,500 full-time; £6,250 part-time

International fees per year:

£25,300 full-time; £12,650 part-time

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

^{*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Teaching and research

The department is home to a number of leading figures in the subject areas covered by our MA Sociology. Giving students the opportunity to be taught by and learn from some of the most esteemed and respected scholars in their respective fields.

Many of the modules offered on the MA Sociology are taught by members of staff who are actively engaged in research within their specialist areas. Very often, this means that students are typically taught using journal articles, monographs and textbooks, written by the course leader. Not only does this mean they have direct access to the authors whose work they are reading and engaged with, but that the opportunity to discuss the ideas and themes directly both in seminars and a range of more informal settings.

Teaching takes place over the first two terms, leaving the third for your dissertation. Research-centred teaching is at the heart of the programme. Teaching is done in small seminar groups to allow students the best possible interaction with academic staff, through individual presentations and round table discussions of common readings.

Students have the opportunity to engage in a serious piece of research into a topic of their choosing through the dissertation module. You will be assessed through coursework which will vary depending on the modules you choose and the completion of a dissertation.

Careers

Employer-valued skills

In addition to the specialist knowledge you will gain during your programme, you will also develop transferrable skills valued by employers such as: 

• researching, analysing and assessing sources of information
• written and verbal communication skills
• managing and interpreting information
• developing ideas and arguments

Career support

The College's Employability Officer works with our central Career Zone team to give you access to a wealth of business contacts, support and training, as well as the opportunity to meet potential employers at our regular Careers Fairs.

Related courses

The University of Exeter is recognised for its distinctive emphasis on cultural sociology, which includes the study of sociology of music, science and technology, health and addiction, and power and inequality. 

The MA Sociology draws on classical and current theoretical concepts and frameworks to interrogate a wide range of empirical research, studies, and data sets. However, it is worth noting this is not a practically based programme.

We know finding the right programme to study can take time, particularly if you’re looking for something that corresponds with and maps closely onto your own intellectual interests, academic knowledge, and experiences to date. To help you decide which course is right for you please see our related courses below.

Related courses

View all Sociology courses