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Sociology

MA

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026 | January 2027
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

This MA Sociology offers you the theoretical and practical tools for understanding the political, social and ecological crises with which we are currently confronted - and for imagining how the world might be different.

  • Why choose this course?
    • By examining social relations and structures of power in their local and global manifestations, and in the present moment and across time, this course will help you to envision alternative futures.  
    • You will be taught by lecturers with expertise in a wide range of sociological areas, including race and racism, decolonial theory, urban sociology, and human rights and migration. 
    • You will gain skills in analysis and research design that are widely applicable to policy, community and social justice work. 
    • You will join a vibrant intellectual community within the School of Social Sciences, with opportunities for one-to-one engagement with experts in your areas of interest. 

  • What will I learn?

    Drawing on perspectives from the Global South as well as the UK, you will be taught both foundational and emerging sociological approaches to gain a better understanding of: 

    • capitalism and intersectional inequalities 
    • the roots and impacts of climate change 
    • health and disability 
    • human rights and social movements.  

    You will also receive an advanced introduction to sociological methods to support you in designing a research project to explore an issue that is important to you. 

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time, and you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops taking place in the evening. You will also hone valuable writing and communication skills through coursework and the completion of your research project. 

    This MA additionally offers you a lively programme of extracurricular events to give you in-depth engagement with sociological theories and issues. These include talks given by a range of speakers engaged in community-based work and activism on how we grapple with sociological issues within particular contexts.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time October start: Two to three evenings a week, October to July.

    Full-time January start: Two to three evenings a week, January to December.

    Part-time October start: One to two evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time January start: One to two evenings a week, January to December.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

Modules and Teaching

School of Social Sciences

The school offers an invigorating and enriching educational experience, and students are taught by internationally renowned researchers with an exciting range of expertise. 

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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above. We will consider applicants without a first degree where you have substantial professional or community-based experience (for example, in teaching, social work, or youth work) and can demonstrate through interview and a written assignment that you have the required academic abilities to complete a Master's-level course.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £5,670 per year
Full-time home students: £11,340 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in January 2027

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £5,670 per year
Full-time home students: £11,340 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating with this MA Sociology, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including: 

  • assessing and evaluating a range of social issues and problems 
  • the ability to design and complete research projects 
  • how to present yourself and communicate an argument to a range of audiences. 

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including: 

  • policy research 
  • campaigning and social justice work 
  • teaching 
  • social work 
  • media and culture.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Sociology (MA)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time

Starting in January 2027

Full-time

Part-time