The MSc in Sociology is a taught course that provides training for careers in social research and prepares students for doctoral work in Sociology. To achieve this, it aims to give students high-quality graduate-level research training, including:
- Knowledge of the key theoretical approaches that are relevant to empirical investigations
- An understanding of their application to substantive problems
- Skills in the use of major research techniques
By the end of the course, students should be able to understand, and to evaluate critically, research monographs and papers at the forefront of academic development within sociology, enabling them to apply these ideas and techniques to their own research work.
The emphasis is not only on the findings of sociological research but more importantly on the ways in which these findings were reached, the formulation of the research questions, the research methods used, and the interpretation of the research results.
Who is this programme for?
This programme may be a good fit if you:
- Want to develop advanced research skills for a career in social research, policy or academia
- Are considering doctoral study in Sociology or a related social science discipline
- Enjoy exploring complex social issues through rigorous theoretical and empirical analysis
- Want to gain a strong foundation in qualitative and quantitative research methods
Who will you be studying with?
Course Structure
The MSc in Sociology is offered on both a full-time (one-year) and part-time (two-year) basis. The degree and expectations for both modes of study are equally rigorous: part-time students take their classes with the full-time students, but spread their study over two years to accommodate work and personal circumstances.
In the first two terms, full-time students take two compulsory Core Papers and two Optional Papers. After the second term, students will work on research for their MSc Thesis, before sitting exams during the third term.
The Core Papers are:
- Sociological Analysis, which develops intellectual skills in explaining social phenomena: identifying puzzles, developing theoretical explanations, and evaluating empirical evidence
- Methods of Social Research, which introduces students to qualitative methods, statistical methods, and the research design process
Optional Papers can vary each year, but typically can include courses in advanced quantitative methods; political and civil conflict; social movements; social stratification; the sociology of gender; the sociology of cybersecurity; the sociology of mafias; and methods of causal inference.
By choosing two Optional Papers and a related thesis topic, students can create their own specialised pathway and focus on a particular topic of study during their degree, supported by expert supervision and teaching.
Example topics of focus include crime and governance; social inequality; political sociology; gender and family; time use research; demography; education; and quantitative methods.
The Thesis
The MSc Thesis consists of a 10,000-word sociological analysis which students carry out under the guidance of their supervisor.
Students should aim to write (the equivalent of) a publishable paper for an academic journal.
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The student experience
Why did you apply for the MSc in Sociology?
The Department at Oxford is packed with established sociologists who clearly hold a huge passion for their subjects, and whose work has been internationally recognised. I was eager to test myself and get involved in this inspiring academic community.
The strength of the quantitative research at Oxford aligned perfectly with my background. I was particularly drawn to the availability of professors with extensive experience in quantitative research, who could mentor and guide me for my research.
What have you enjoyed most about the programme?
As cliché as it may sound, I really enjoyed the discussions I had with my classmates, tutors and professors. With everyone coming from very diverse backgrounds yet so kind and open to sharing their ideas, research and experiences, conversations have been interesting and insightful, and I have learned so much.
The Department provides a range of opportunities to explore your research interests. The weekly seminar offers interesting topics related to sociology and is a great opportunity to expand your network. The research methods course provides intense training in both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
After your degree
Graduates of the MSc in Sociology go on to careers in:
- Research and policy organisations
- Government departments and public sector bodies
- NGOs and international organisations
- Academia and doctoral study
- Consulting, market research and think tanks
The programme provides rigorous training in sociological theory and research methods, equipping students to critically evaluate complex social issues and conduct high-quality research. Graduates develop advanced analytical and methodological skills that prepare them for research-intensive careers and further academic study across a wide range of sectors.
