The Department of Sociology is the ideal place for those who wish to undertake their own sociological research. We are ranked 1st in the UK for research impact by the Times Higher Education's ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
In addition to the Department's taught course route, it is also possible for students to undertake their MA in Sociology by Research Dissertation. Students taking this route would be expected to undertake a rigorous piece of independent research working closely with their supervisor (meeting at least twice per semester).
We offer MA by Research courses on a part-time or full-time basis and there is also the option to study on campus or at a distance. We encourage distance learners to attend campus for the induction period (generally in September) but otherwise, all supervision would take place remotely via video-conferencing. Whichever mode of attendance you choose, the final certificate will be the same (i.e., MA by Research in Sociology).
Supervision can be drawn from the Department's expanding range of expertise in:
Although this is not a taught course students do have the option of taking modules and research methods training where appropriate, although this is not compulsory.
The 25,000 word thesis must be completed within a 12 month period (Full time) and demonstrate good evidence of the candidate's ability to critically investigate a specific field of study, using solid and appropriate research methodology, written to a high standard of presentation.
Course length
Full time - 1 year
Part time - 2 yearsDistance learning
Full time - 1 year
Part time - 2 years
This is particularly appropriate for students with a focused interest in a particular area of sociology, who have already developed a firm basis for their chosen research topic.
Those who have, or are soon to complete, a degree in Sociology or a similar discipline, or whose degree major contained a significant proportion of Sociology units, are eligible to apply.
For applicants whose native language is not English, please see the English language requirements. We do accept other English Language Tests. We also strongly recommend that applicants attend the University's Pre-sessional English language courses organised by the International Pathway College.
Students who have successfully completed a recent undergraduate degree at a UK University are exempt from the English Language requirement.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, or want to enquire informally about the suitability of the course for your interests and purposes, please contact us.
If you wish to apply for an MA in Sociology by Research you can apply online and send all your documentation electronically. It is possible to save your application half way through the process and come back to it at a later stage.
Find out more about applying.
Information on fees is available on our fees and expenses page for postgraduate research students.
Who to contact
Professor David BeerStudent Support Administrator
Graduate administrator
sociology-pg@york.ac.uk
01904 323234