MA Sociology

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application fee: £60

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the MA Sociology program from the University of Manchester are equipped with a broad range of skills and knowledge that open up diverse career opportunities across various sectors. The program’s emphasis on sociological theory, research methods, and critical analysis prepares students to address pressing social issues in different professional contexts.

Social Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in social research, working for research agencies, think tanks, or market research firms. As a social researcher, they will conduct studies, surveys, and analyses to understand societal trends, behaviors, and public opinion. Their sociological expertise makes them ideal for roles in data collection, interpretation, and policy evaluation.

Public Policy Analyst: Many MA Sociology graduates go on to work as public policy analysts, where they evaluate and influence government policies related to social issues such as welfare, health, education, and housing. They apply their sociological insights to recommend solutions that promote social justice and equity.

Community Development Officer: With their understanding of social systems and community dynamics, graduates can work as community development officers. In this role, they would develop programs aimed at improving local communities, advocating for marginalized groups, and ensuring access to social services. Their work often involves collaborating with local governments and non-profit organizations.

Social Worker: The MA Sociology program provides a solid foundation for pursuing careers in social work. Graduates may work as social workers in various fields, including healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and criminal justice. Their ability to assess social problems, understand human behavior, and develop intervention strategies makes them valuable in supporting vulnerable populations.

Human Rights Advocate: Sociology graduates often pursue careers in human rights advocacy, where they champion the rights of marginalized groups. Working with international organizations, NGOs, or governmental bodies, they can influence policies and help bring about social change, focusing on issues like poverty, discrimination, and inequality.

International Development Specialist: Graduates with a global perspective in sociology may pursue careers in international development. They could work with organizations such as the UN, the World Bank, or other non-governmental organizations to design and implement programs that address poverty, education, health, and sustainability in developing countries.

Education and Teaching: Many sociology graduates go on to teach in schools, colleges, or universities. The MA Sociology program’s research and theoretical focus equips graduates with the necessary tools to educate the next generation of sociologists or teach social studies, sociology, and related subjects at various educational levels.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Graduates may choose to work in the corporate sector, focusing on CSR initiatives that help companies address their social and environmental impact. By applying sociological theories, they can guide businesses in developing ethical practices, community engagement strategies, and sustainable development programs.

Journalist or Media Specialist: Sociologists can enter the media industry, where they can write articles, conduct interviews, and report on social issues. Their ability to analyze and critically assess social trends makes them valuable in delivering informed, balanced, and insightful commentary on social matters.

NGO or Charity Work: Working for non-profit organizations is another potential career path for sociology graduates. They can work on issues ranging from homelessness and mental health to gender equality and environmental justice. Their research skills and ability to understand complex societal problems are highly valued in the non-profit sector.