MA Sociology

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MA Sociology

Objectives To provide students with knowledge of current debates and theoretical perspectives in Sociology To enable students to critically evaluate current theoretical work in Sociology To develop students' capacity for independent, critical and creative thinking with respect to the production of original sociological research To enable students to integrate philosophical and theoretical concepts with methodological perspectives, empirical data and analysis To enable students to develop knowledge and skills to design and conduct independent research To provide the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through independent, self-directed learning To enable students to enhance their intellectual capabilities, sociological, and generic skills in preparation for further academic and/or the professional work Postgraduate Diplomas are identical to those for MA Schemes with the exception of the Learning Outcomes of the Dissertation. Diploma Students do not write a dissertation.
Entry requirements Entry Qualifications A good undergraduate degree in sociology or a related discipline that has already been awarded, or in the case of students in the final year of their degree, that is anticipated. For British students a good first degree means an upper second class honours degree. More mature students need only satisfy the University that their background is suitable for a higher degree by virtue of other forms of training and experience and in exceptional cases this could include someone without a first degree.For non-native speakers of English either a TOEFL score of 580 or an IELTS score of 6.5 is required. For candidates who are not yet ready to proceed directly to a sociology MA we offer a Graduate Certificate in Sociology to prepare students for postgraduate study in Sociology.
Academic title MA Sociology
Course description
Course Description
The MA in Sociology is an advanced course that takes a broad, engaging and advanced approach to sociology. Students are able to develop and follow their own particular interests in sociology and connected fields.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    COLONIALISM, CULTURE AND GLOBALIZATION
    CONSUMER CULTURE
    CONVERSATION ANALYSIS AND THE DYNAMICS OF REAL-TIME SOCIAL INTERACTION
    Core: CONTEMPORARY DEBATES IN SOCIOLOGY
    Core: MA DISSERTATION
    Core: SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH DESIGN
    Core: TEXTS, DOCUMENTS AND ETHNOGRAPHY
    CULTURAL STUDIES: THEORY AND HISTORY
    CURRENT CONTROVERSIES IN CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH
    DYNAMICS OF HOME AND WORK IN GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
    FORMATIVE DEBATES IN CRIMINOLOGY
    GAY, LESBIAN AND QUEER LIFE: GENDER, SEXUALITIES AND CHANGE
    GAY, LESBIAN AND QUEER LIFE: HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE
    GENDER DIVISIONS AND FEMINIST THEORY
    GENDER, JUSTICE AND DEVELOPMENT
    GLOBALIZATION, INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND ETHNICITY
    INTERVIEWING AND QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS
    MEDIA THEORY
    QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS FROM UNIVARIATE TO MULTIVARIATE METHODS
    SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
    SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
    SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE AGE OF GLOBALISATION
    SOCIOLOGY OF HUMAN RIGHTS 1
    SOCIOLOGY OF HUMAN RIGHTS 2: SELECTED SPECIAL TOPICS
    THE CONTEMPORARY NATION STATE
    THE DYNAMICS OF GLOBALISATION
    THE USE OF CULTURE: KNOWLEDGE, POWER AND DIFFERENCE

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Advanced knowledge of current debates and isses in Sociology
    A2 : Advanced knowledge of the range of different ontological, epistemological and theoretical positions within the field
    A3 : An advanced understanding of the relationship between theoretical concepts and empirical research
    A4 : An advanced comprehension of basic principles of research design and strategy and the ethical and political dimensions of research
    A5 : An advanced understanding of the differing epistemological foundations of research and the necessity of reflexivity in research design and execution
    A6 : The ability to design and execute independent and original research
    A7 : An advanced appreciation of the centrality of research questions and hypotheses in structuring sociological enquiry

    Teaching Methods
    The course is designed to provide an understanding of contemporary sociological theories and the philosophical positions underpinning them (A1, A2 and A5). It also aims to give an understanding of methodological approaches to research in the field (A3, A4 and A5). These aims are delivered in Contemporary Debates (SC901), and in the core module, Sociological Research Design (SC905). A specialised knowledge of a particular method of research will be provided by a constrained methods option in which students are asked to choose from four methods modules.
    The core module (SC901) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding outlined in A1 and A2. Both SC901 and the second compulsory module (SC905) provide the outcomes A3 and A5, and together with the constrained methods option, they also provide the outcome A7. SC905 and the constrained methods option provide the outcome A6. The outcome A4 is provided by SC905.Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars, and student learning also takes place through the work undertaken in preparing for essay work and other forms of assignment.
    SC901 is based on a lecture of one hour and a separate one hour seminar. A broad but detailed range of philosophical and theoretical positions are outlined in the lectures in a clear and structured manner, mapping the field of contemporary social and sociological theory and the major positions in the philosophy of the social sciences. Students are required to write two essays for the module, one for each term.
    SC905 is designed to develop students advanced understanding of epistemological traditions and the process and logic of research design, and to provide students with the capabilities to develop their own research project through the dissertation. The latter is enhanced in a more specialised manner through the constrained methods option.

    The range of options modules within the Sociology Department allows students to study substantive bodies of knowledge germane to their own particular interests and also familiarises them with the issue specific nature of many conceptual and methodological issues.

    Assessment Methods
    Outcomes A1 to A7 are assessed through coursework. Coursework includes oral presentations and assignments (SC905) as well as essays. In addition, the assessed work for all MA students includes a dissertation, which assesses at least 6 of the stated aims, and all 7 in the case of dissertations involving a research project that engages with empirical evidence.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B1 : An advanced ability to search, summarise, and critically review literature on debates and issues in Sociology
    B2 : An ability to identify, analyse and compare the strengths and weaknesses of competing theories and concepts in the field of Sociology
    B3 : An ability to interpret and synthesise evidence from a range of sources
    B4 : An ability to construct an original analytical argument
    B5 : An ability to formulate a researchable sociological question
    B6 : An ability to conceptualise and conduct a feasible small-scale research project

    Teaching Methods
    Students develop the above intellectual skills primarily through their assessed work for modules, although lectures and classes provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through example. Preparation for classes and assignments in SC901 involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of sociological texts, and the understanding and analysis of concepts, theories and philosophical foundations (B1, B2 and B4). Within the classes themselves students exercise and develop their abilities to identify, analyse and compare theories and concepts (B2, B4, B5). They also learn to apply abstract theories and concepts to substantive issues through illustrative case studies (B3 and aspects of B6). They do all this both through discussion and through regular set tasks that are carried out both individually and in small groups. In SC905 and in the constrained methods options learning with respect to B3, B5 and B6 is enhanced by hands on exercises. Preparation for classes involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of sociological texts and the collection and analysis of empirical data to hone methodological and conceptual skills relevant to B5 and B6. Class tutors provide feedback on all student work through comment and discussion. In addition, tutors are also available to see students outside the classroom during office hours, appointments, and increasingly more often by email. The preparation of essays and other assignments develops students abilities in the listed intellectual and skills independently. Students are provided with feedback on all assessed work and this is crucial to their intellectual development. The dissertation enables students to master a particular sociological question, as well as developing their understanding and skills in how to conduct an independent research project.

    Additionally, MA students, along with PhD students and staff, are encouraged to attend the two day annual residential Graduate Conference, which is held in February off campus. Addressing a different topical theme each year, it provides a stimulating forum for intellectual debate and discussion.

    Assessment Methods
    Outcomes B1 through B4 are judged and evaluated by essays in the substantive modules. B4 is also evaluated in SC905 and the constrained methods option, as are B5 and B6, through both practical skills based assignments and essays. All six outcomes will be assessed once more in the MA dissertation. Demonstration of advanced intellectual skills is a key criterion in awarding distinctions for essays and dissertations.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : An advanced ability to identify and retrieve relevant sociological literature on theoretical and substantive sociological issues using library and online searches
    C2 : A practical ability to summarise and evaluate sociological arguments
    C3 : Both a broad and a more specialised understanding of principles of research design, and an understanding of the merits of different methods
    C4 : An ability to define a specific research question and write an advanced sociological research proposal
    C5 : An ability to choose and apply an appropriate method of research
    C6 : A capacity for self-direction and originality in the planning, management, co-ordination and presentation of an independent, small-scale sociological research project, making judgements about the best use of time and data

    Teaching Methods
    Throughout the degree practical skills are developed through preparation for classes, preparing essays, presentations and for participation in class exercises and discussions. Specifically, outcomes C1 and C2 are developed in SC901, SC 905 and in sociology options modules through preparation for essays, presentations and practical exercises. The broader aspects of C3 are developed in SC905 whilst the more specialised aspect emerges from the constrained methods option. The remaining outcomes are also developed in SC905 and the constrained methods option, as well as in the dissertation. The dissertation also provides the opportunity for students to synthesise all six practical skills within the remit of one final, independent piece of research. Students receive detailed feedback on all their coursework, presentations and practical exercises.

    Students who have a particular interest in extending or deepening their practical sociological skills may do so by choosing from a range of further methods modules (such as SC504, SC523, SC520, SC620), in addition to the constrained option already chosen, when deciding on their optional modules.

    Assessment Methods

    Skills C1 and C2 are specifically assessed in two SC905 assignments, but also form part of almost every piece of assessed coursework. The full range of skills contained within C3 through C6 are all assessed in the marking of the MA dissertation, whilst C3, C4 and C5 are also assessed in SC905.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D1 : An advanced ability in presenting ideas and evidence to others orally, in a clear and concise manner and an advanced ability to present ideas and evidence to others in writing, in a clear and concise manner
    D2 : An advanced ability to collect and present materials using information technology
    D4 : Clear capacity for self-direction and originality in tackling and solving a range of different types of problem
    D6 : An essential understanding of how to plan, set appropriate time schedules and assess the feasibility of projects; a keen awareness of the need to reflect on their own work and to respond constructively to the comments of others

    Teaching Methods
    Key skills are taught and learned throughout the scheme through a range of strategies, such as requiring students to give oral presentations (D1 SC905) and through small group and class discussions (D1 SC901), through giving them specific assignments such as carrying out bibliographic and web searches (D2 SC905), through specific writing assignments and essays (D1, D2, D4, D6), and through class and essay preparation. MA students are also required to make a 20 minute presentation of their proposed dissertation research on the MA Dissertation Day which is held in Week 35 of the Summer Term. There is explicit and sustained encouragement to reflect on feedback on written work both in coursework and in the process of dissertation writing (D6). Issues of dissemination are discussed in SC905. Students learn to manage their own research projects through the support and advice of supervisors, and a limited number but clear set of departmental essay deadlines encourage students to learn to plan ahead in managing their coursework load. Students are given feedback on all their coursework and both during and after the completion of their dissertation research. They are encouraged to reflect on their own work and improve on it. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in the classes for every module.

    Assessment Methods
    All the listed key skills are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed coursework. More specifically, oral communication skills (D1) and IT skills (D2) are assessed on SC905, and written skills (D1) by most coursework and the dissertation. The MA dissertation is an overall assessment of communication, research management, and problem solving skills.