Sociology and Social Policy (MSc) 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Southampton |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 151-200QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Application Deadline

26 Aug, 2025Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

SociologyMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Sociology

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

"On this master’s in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll take a research-first approach, with a thorough methods education, to understand the social theories on which sociology and social policy are based.
You’ll join a community of academics at the forefront of research in Social Sciences.

- Our Social Work and Social Policy research is ranked 5th nationally for impact (Latest, Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

We are strongly committed to providing the very best learning experience for all our students in a friendly, stimulating and research-led environment. You’ll be supported to gain the tools you need to critically examine sociological concepts, such as interest, modernity, inequality, globalisation, class, and gender.
You can choose from three pathways, allowing you to fit your studies to your interests or career plans:

- Substantive pathway - Focussing on fundamental concepts of sociology and social policy and on how these relate to contemporary policy issues.

- International Social Policy - Focussing on understanding global social inequality and policy responses with a grounding in governance.

- Research methods pathway - Students who wish to obtain thorough quantitative and qualitative methods training should enrol in the Research methods pathway.

We keep a global perspective; using social theory and concepts to understand societies around the globe, comparing richer and poorer regions. On this UK master’s course, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of: - the main themes and debates in sociology and how to use them to analyse social issues

- the main issues in the philosophy of social science

- conceptual debates in social policy

- qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data analysis techniques

- designing and conducting independent research in sociology or social policy

You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community, we offer an exceptional academic experience, with small-group teaching that allows you to explore topics in depth and plenty of support to ensure you achieve your potential.
You’ll graduate well placed to pursue careers in social research, public administration, or public policy in the public, private or voluntary sector. You will have also taken the first step towards a PhD in sociology and/or social policy."

Programme overview

Main Subject

Sociology

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

"On this master’s in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll take a research-first approach, with a thorough methods education, to understand the social theories on which sociology and social policy are based.
You’ll join a community of academics at the forefront of research in Social Sciences.

- Our Social Work and Social Policy research is ranked 5th nationally for impact (Latest, Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

We are strongly committed to providing the very best learning experience for all our students in a friendly, stimulating and research-led environment. You’ll be supported to gain the tools you need to critically examine sociological concepts, such as interest, modernity, inequality, globalisation, class, and gender.
You can choose from three pathways, allowing you to fit your studies to your interests or career plans:

- Substantive pathway - Focussing on fundamental concepts of sociology and social policy and on how these relate to contemporary policy issues.

- International Social Policy - Focussing on understanding global social inequality and policy responses with a grounding in governance.

- Research methods pathway - Students who wish to obtain thorough quantitative and qualitative methods training should enrol in the Research methods pathway.

We keep a global perspective; using social theory and concepts to understand societies around the globe, comparing richer and poorer regions. On this UK master’s course, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of: - the main themes and debates in sociology and how to use them to analyse social issues

- the main issues in the philosophy of social science

- conceptual debates in social policy

- qualitative and quantitative research methods, and data analysis techniques

- designing and conducting independent research in sociology or social policy

You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community, we offer an exceptional academic experience, with small-group teaching that allows you to explore topics in depth and plenty of support to ensure you achieve your potential.
You’ll graduate well placed to pursue careers in social research, public administration, or public policy in the public, private or voluntary sector. You will have also taken the first step towards a PhD in sociology and/or social policy."

Admission Requirements

6.5+
92+
62+
3.2+
176+
First- or upper second-class degree or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in a relevant discipline such as Sociology, Social Policy, Citizenship, Politics, Political Economy or other Social Science subjects.

26 Aug 2025
1 Year
Sep

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

Postgrad Programmes 567