Inequalities and Social Science MSc
University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Inequalities and Social Science MSc
University of Leeds
Social Sciences
Program Overview: Inequalities and Social Science MSc
The Inequalities and Social Science MSc at the University of Leeds is an interdisciplinary programme that explores all forms of inequality, including their social, political and economic implications. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand, research and analyse complex inequalities at local, national and international levels.
Capitalising on expertise in the School of Sociology and Social Policy and the Leeds Inequalities Research Network, you will harness leading analytical approaches combining qualitative, quantitative and data analytic methods in close collaboration with the School of Geography. The course encourages an intersectional approach to understanding socio-economic stratification and how it links with factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class and age.
You will benefit from a stimulating intellectual environment with cutting-edge methodological approaches to comparing the formation and consequences of inequalities. The programme also offers an Applied Research Project (ARP) option, allowing you to undertake research in partnership with external organisations such as Voluntary Action Leeds and Leeds City Council.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary approach drawing on sociology, economics, political science and geography to study inequality from multiple perspectives
- Applied Research Project option in partnership with external organisations providing direct policy and practice relevance
- Access to the Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI) and research centres in Disability Studies, Ethnicity and Racism Studies, and Gender Studies
- Workshops on global inequalities led by academic leaders and research seminars with external speakers alongside career development events
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum features core modules that introduce contemporary research on global inequalities of social difference and disadvantage, emphasising diverse theoretical and research design strategies. You can tailor the programme to your interests by choosing from a specially selected range of optional modules addressing major social and economic inequalities across diverse social science subjects.
Understanding Social Inequalities
30 creditsThis core module provides a comprehensive introduction to the character, causes and consequences of social inequality, exploring how inequalities of status, resource, outcome and opportunity manifest across diverse contexts.
Research Methods for Social Sciences
30 creditsDevelops your competence in qualitative, quantitative and data analytic research methods, equipping you with the skills to design and conduct rigorous social science research on inequality.
Global Inequalities and Social Difference
15 creditsExamines international evidence surrounding the shifting nature and extent of inequality, exploring how geopolitical and socioeconomic shifts such as urbanisation and globalisation shape patterns of disadvantage.
Data Visualisation and Analytics
15 creditsIntroduces new approaches to data visualisation and analytics from across the social sciences, enabling you to present and interpret complex inequality data effectively.
Intersectionality and Social Stratification
15 creditsExplores how socio-economic stratification intersects with physical ability, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexuality, class and age to produce complex and overlapping forms of inequality.
Dissertation or Applied Research Project
60 creditsYou undertake either a traditional research dissertation or an Applied Research Project (ARP) in partnership with a non-academic organisation, enabling research with direct policy and practice relevance.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The Inequalities and Social Science MSc welcomes applicants with a strong academic background in social sciences or related disciplines. All applications and enquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through every step of the process.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementA bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in a social science or related subject
- International QualificationsA range of international equivalent qualifications are accepted
- Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts showing all completed coursework and grades
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your motivation, relevant experience and career goals
- ReferencesTwo academic references supporting your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTS6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- TOEFL iBTEquivalent score accepted; contact Uni4Edu for details
- Pre-sessional EnglishA postgraduate pre-sessional English course is available for those who do not meet the language requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Leeds offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international postgraduate students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the funding opportunities best suited to your profile.
International Excellence Scholarship
10%, 25% or 50% tuition fee reductionA merit-based scholarship available to international taught Masters applicants, awarded on a sliding scale based on academic excellence and overall profile. Self-funded or partially funded students are eligible.
GREAT Scholarships
GBP 10,000Offered in partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, these scholarships are available for full-time postgraduate taught Masters programmes for students from eligible countries.
Leeds Masters Scholarship
GBP 7,000Designed to support students from under-represented groups to study a Masters qualification, awarded based on personal circumstances. Contact Uni4Edu to check your eligibility.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
The Inequalities and Social Science MSc prepares you for policy, research and applied careers across the private, public and third sectors. The programme develops critical, analytical and methodological skills alongside transferable competencies in research, analysis and communication that are highly valued by employers.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and worldwide. Its strong performance across multiple ranking systems reflects its commitment to research excellence, teaching quality and international outlook.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences and Management | QS World | #82 |
| Sociology | QS World | #81 |
| Social Policy and Administration | QS World | Top 100 |
| Development Studies | QS World | #22 |
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.
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