COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the MA Sociology and Social Justice course, students undertake a series of compulsory modules designed to develop advanced theoretical knowledge, research expertise, and critical analysis skills. The "Advanced Sociological Theory" module deepens understanding of key sociological concepts, debates, and frameworks, enabling students to critically evaluate and apply complex theoretical perspectives to contemporary social issues. The "Postgraduate Project" is a substantial independent research study worth 60 credits, allowing students to investigate a topic of their choice in depth, applying the theoretical and methodological skills gained throughout the course to produce original and meaningful work. The "Researching Crime and Society" module provides specialist training in research methods for examining issues related to crime, deviance, and social control, while also exploring the broader societal contexts in which these phenomena occur. This module equips students with the ability to design, conduct, and critically assess research projects in these areas. The "Societal Problems: Classic Debates and Archival Research" module introduces students to significant historical and contemporary sociological debates, using archival research methods to explore how social issues have been understood and addressed over time. Through this combination of advanced theory, research skills, and practical application, students develop the ability to critically engage with pressing social justice issues and contribute to scholarly and policy-related discussions in the field of sociology.