School of Society and Culture

ResM Sociology

Take the opportunity to pursue a substantial piece of individual research of your choice, with dedicated expert guidance and personal supervision from members of the sociology team. Ranked 5th in the country for student satisfaction, Plymouth’s sociology team produce leading research that addresses key challenges facing contemporary society. Our exciting research encompasses a varied programme of seminars and workshops, where you engage with leading academics in the field on a regular basis.

We have an established tradition of national and internationally recognised excellence in research and strengths in the fields of health policy; media and culture; sustainability; well-being of vulnerable and marginalised groups; music heritage; and gender/sexuality. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 62% of our research was judged internationally excellent. The team have particular strengths in social research methods and embrace a diverse range of approaches.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Our themed research groups are: Health, Vulnerability and Inclusion; Environment, Harm and Culture; and, Global Instability and Society. Find out more about our research themes.

    A research masters degree incorporates both taught elements and an extended research project which culminates in the submission of a thesis. This programme is governed by research degree regulations and you engage fully in professional and research skills development.

    You must take and pass at least two taught and assessed modules (40 credit) to equip you with the appropriate level of research skills. The specific modules will be agreed together with your supervisor. These taught elements typically focus on research methods, contemporary issues and methodological skills, but may vary according your individual needs and the subject area.

    On passing these modules you will progress to your research project.


Entry requirements

UK/EU

A relevant degree with honours or an equivalent professional qualification. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International

Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home To be confirmed To be confirmed
International To be confirmed To be confirmed
Part time (Home) To be confirmed To be confirmed
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per a number of credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees.

If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for three years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional one year writing up period.

If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for four years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional 'writing up' period of up to two years.

You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.

Please visit our postgraduate research money matters page to find out more about issues related to fees, funding, loans and paying for your programme of study.

How to apply
Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.
 
Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College team, we'll be happy to assist you.
You can view or download our admissions policy from the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit  Disability Services.
International Student Advice (ISA) provides support for our international students.
Find more information about How to apply for a research degree.

Meet the team

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Our research community

We are a group of researchers who undertake internationally leading interdisciplinary research tackling some of the most pressing societal challenges facing the globe including health inequalities; climate change communication; nationalism and political unrest; and development aid. In the most recent assessment of research excellence (REF2021) 86% of our research was judged to be ‘world class’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and we are ranked 8th in the country for research impact.
Discover more about our research and researchers in sociology, anthropology, international relations and politics.
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<p>Postgraduate research students listening to a talk</p>