Sociology - MA
University of Kent, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Sociology
University of Kent
Sociology
MA Sociology at the University of Kent — Program Overview
The MA Sociology at the University of Kent provides a comprehensive overview of the foundational concerns and current debates in sociology. You gain knowledge of current theoretical tools and learn to think critically and systematically about society, culture, and human behaviour, preparing you for careers in research, policy, and beyond.
Housed within the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR), one of the largest and most successful social science research communities in Europe, this program benefits from faculty who publish regularly in leading journals such as Theory and Society, Sociology, and the European Journal of Social Theory. Research at Kent covers social and critical theory, social movements, globalisation, media and technology, class, race, ethnicity, gender, and the welfare state.
You will develop skills in research and analysis applicable across a range of professional fields, or as an excellent basis for further doctoral research in sociology and applied subjects. The program is delivered at Kent's Canterbury campus, located close to London and offering first-class academic facilities within a vibrant postgraduate community.
Key Program Highlights
- Kent Sociology is ranked 3rd in the UK for research quality according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
- Tailor your studies with a wide range of compulsory and optional modules across social sciences
- Learn from world-leading research academics who contribute to top international sociology journals
- Access to the Global Skills Award Programme designed to broaden understanding of global issues and enhance employability
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Sociology curriculum combines compulsory core modules with a selection of optional modules, allowing you to customise your studies according to your interests. You also complete a dissertation that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent sociological research at an advanced level.
Foundations of Sociology
30 creditsThis module provides a guide to the foundations of sociology by exploring the most influential traditions of writing in the discipline. It examines how these were forged through an ongoing dialogue with the legacy of the Enlightenment, situating sociology in its historical, philosophical, and theological contexts.
Contemporary Social Theory
30 creditsThis module approaches contemporary social theory by exploring a set of themes through close readings and analyses of several texts by 20th and 21st century theorists. Students critically investigate and evaluate what these works offer to social theory and assess their usefulness for understanding various social phenomena.
Research Methods in Social Sciences
30 creditsThis module equips students with the methodological skills necessary for conducting rigorous social research. You will learn both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey design, interviewing techniques, and data analysis strategies.
Dissertation
60 creditsThe dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research on a topic of your choice within sociology. Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you develop and execute a research project that demonstrates advanced analytical and scholarly skills.
Health, Medicine and Society
30 creditsThis optional module explores the social construction of health and illness, medicalisation, narratives of chronic illness and disability, and the changing structure and regulation of medicine. It critically examines the political sociology of medicine and the relationship between the state and the pharmaceutical industry.
Technology, Society and Policy
30 creditsThis optional module examines the relationship between scientific and technological developments and their social, political, and ethical implications. Students explore how science and technology shape modern societies and how policy frameworks respond to emerging challenges.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The MA Sociology at the University of Kent welcomes applications from graduates in sociology and related social science disciplines. All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and professional qualifications or relevant experience may also be taken into account. To begin your application, contact Uni4Edu for guidance and support throughout the process.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA good honours degree (typically 2:1 or above) in Sociology or a related social science discipline
- Alternative QualificationsSubstantial experience in social or political research, or a relevant profession, may be considered
- International QualificationsEquivalent international qualifications are accepted; contact Uni4Edu for country-specific requirements
- Individual AssessmentAll applicants are considered individually; additional professional qualifications and relevant experience are taken into account
- Visa RequirementsStudents requiring a student visa must study full-time; part-time options are limited to distance or blended-learning programmes
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each component (or equivalent)
- TOEFL iBTOverall 90 with minimum 21 in each component (or equivalent)
- Pre-sessional EnglishPre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes are available through Kent International Pathways
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Kent offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support postgraduate students. International students are particularly encouraged to explore the dedicated scholarship schemes available for taught Master's programmes. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options.
International Scholarship for Taught Masters Students
GBP 6,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to international students paying overseas fees who are enrolled in a full-time taught Master's programme. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and is applied as a tuition fee waiver.
British Council GREAT Scholarship
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable to students from eligible countries including Ghana, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Turkiye who are applying for a full-time postgraduate taught Master's programme at Kent.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Sociology at the University of Kent are well-prepared for diverse career paths across the public, private, and third sectors. The program develops critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers in policy, research, media, and community development roles.
Typical Career Roles
Sectors and Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Kent is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom and is internationally recognised for its strength in social sciences research. The School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research is one of the most distinguished in Europe, with particular recognition for research quality.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sociology (Research Quality) | REF 2021 | 3rd in UK |
| Social Sciences and Public Health | US News Global | Top 500 |
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | 34th in UK |
| Arts and Humanities | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #260 globally |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Sociology
Mckendree University, Lebanon, United States
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
34070 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Sociology BA (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2027
Gross Tuition
17000 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Sociology with Social Policy (Welsh Medium) BA (Hons)
Prifysgol Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
May 2027
Gross Tuition
17000 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Sociology
Mercy University, Manhattan, United States
Earliest Intake
February 2027
Gross Tuition
23650 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Sociology
Istanbul Gelisim University, Avcılar, Turkey
Earliest Intake
February 2027
Gross Tuition
3500 $
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
