(Integrated Master in Sociology:) Integrated Master in Sociology
Sociology
Withdrawn
University of Essex
University of Essex
Sociology and Criminology
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
Sociology
MSOCL399
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: AAB
BTEC: D*DD, dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IB: 33 points or three Higher Level certificates with 665.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
T-levels: Distinction* - Entry requirements for students studying T-level qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
- Applied Quantitative Methods: In order to be eligible for the AQM qualifier, you must successfully complete the following modules:
Year One:
SC101 – (30 credits) Researching Social Life I
Year Two:
SC202 - (15 credits) Analysing Social Life
SC208 – (15 credits) Crime and Inequality Across the Life Course
Final Year:
SC385 – (30 credits) Modelling Crime and Society
SC830 – (30 credits) Quantitative Research Project
Recommended modules for the pathway:
The following modules are recommended options but are not considered essential in passing the pathway:
Year Two:
GV205 (15 credits) Measuring Public Opinion (requires GV207)
GV207 (15 credits) Quantitative Political Analysis
SC213 (30 credits) Social Psychology: Self and Interaction
SC207 (30 credits) Social Data Science: Code, Text and Networks
Final Year:
Please note that the following two modules do not run every year.
SC308 (15 credits) Race, Ethnicity and Migration
SC338 (15 credits) Religion in Modern and Post Modern Societies
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To provide students with an understanding of the distinctive character of sociological thinking (B).
- To provide students with a knowledge of the main theoretical traditions of sociology (B).
- To provide students with an understanding of the main sociological methods (B).
- To develop students' capacity for critical enquiry, argument and analysis.
- To develop students' capacity for independent learning.
- To provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to proceed to further study and research.
Reference to the QAA Benchmarks for Sociology are indicated by the letter B.
To provide the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through independent, self-directed learning.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A101: A knowledge of the intellectual foundations of sociology
A102: A knowledge of key sociological concepts and theories (b)
A103: An understanding of the relationships between individuals, groups and social institutions (b)
A104: An understanding of social context, culture, social diversity and social change (b)
A105: A knowledge of the relationship between theory, concepts and substantive issues (b)
A106: An advanced knowledge of the principles of research design and the main approaches to data collection (b)
A107: An understanding of the analysis and interpretation of empirical data
A108: A knowledge of the epistemological, ethical and political dimensions of sociological research (b)
A109: An advanced appreciation of the centrality of research questions and hypotheses in structuring sociological enquiry
Learning methods
The course is designed to provide an understanding of contemporary sociological theories and the philosophical positions underpinning them (A101, A102 and A105).
It also aims to give an understanding of methodological approaches to research in the field (A106, A107 and A108).
These aims are delivered in the compulsory methods modules at Undergraduate level (SC101 and SC203/208) and in the core module, Sociological Research Design (SC905) at Postgraduate level.
A specialised knowledge of a particular method of research will be provided by a constrained methods option in the final year of Postgraduate study which students are asked to choose from different methods modules.
SC111, SC201, SC301 and SC901 are designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding outlined in A101 and A102.
The outcome A104 is provided by SC111, SC201 and SC301 and SC901.Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, smaller class groups and two hour seminars, and student learning also takes place through the work undertaken in preparing for essay work and other forms of assignment.
A broad but detailed range of philosophical and theoretical positions are outlined in the lectures in a clear and structured manner, mapping the field of contemporary social and sociological theory and the major positions in the philosophy of the social sciences.
SC101 and sC203/208 develop students knowledge and skills of research methods to prepare them to undertake independent supervised research through their Sociology Research Project.
SC905 is designed to develop students advanced understanding of epistemological traditions and the process and logic of research design, and to provide students with the capabilities to develop their own research..
The range of optional modules within the Sociology Department allows students to study substantive bodies of knowledge germane to their own particular interests and also familiarises them with the issue specific nature of many conceptual and methodological issues.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A101 to A109 are assessed through coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework includes oral presentations and assignments as well as essays
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: An ability to understand, summarise and critically assess sociological work
B2: An ability to compare competing theories and explanations (b)
B3: An ability to develop a reasoned argument
B4: An ability to formulate sociological questions
B5: An ability to assemble, evaluate and interpret evidence (b)
B101: An ability to construct an original analytical argument
Learning methods
Students develop the above intellectual skills primarily through their assessed work for modules, although lectures and classes provide a means of teachers demonstrating these skills through example.
Preparation for classes and assignments in SC201, SC301 and SC901 involve the reading, interpretation and evaluation of sociological texts, and the understanding and analysis of concepts, theories and philosophical foundations (B1, B2 and B4).
Within the classes themselves students exercise and develop their abilities to identify, analyse and compare theories and concepts (B2, B4, B5).
They also learn to apply abstract theories and concepts to substantive issues through illustrative case studies (B3 and aspects of B101).
They do all this both through discussion and through regular set tasks that are carried out both individually and in small groups.
In SC905 and in the SC101 and SC203/208 methods modules learning with respect to B3, B5 and B101 is enhanced by hands-on exercises.
Preparation for classes involves the reading, interpretation and evaluation of sociological texts and the collection and analysis of empirical data to hone methodological and conceptual skills relevant to B5 and B101.
Class tutors provide feedback on all student work through comment and discussion.
In addition, tutors are also available to see students outside the classroom during academic support hours, appointments, and by email.
The preparation of essays and other assignments develops students abilities in the listed intellectual and skills independently.
Students are provided with feedback on all assessed work and this is crucial to their intellectual development.
Assessment methods
Outcomes B1 through B4 are judged and evaluated by essays in the substantive modules.
B4 is also evaluated in SC905 and the constrained methods option, as are B5 and B101, through both practical skills based assignments and essays.
C: Practical skills
C1: An ability to retrieve relevant sociological evidence using bibliographic and web searches.
C2: An ability to summarise, report and evaluate arguments, texts and findings
C3: An ability to frame a research proposal and to identify and apply the appropriate research methods
C4: An ability to apply introductory statistical techniques to sociological data
C5: An ability to demonstrate reflexive awareness in interpreting sociological material
C6: An ability to conduct and present a small scale piece of research
C7: An ability to recognise how sociological skills can be used within employment contexts
C101: A capacity for self-direction and originality in the planning, management, co-ordination and presentation of an independent, small-scale sociological research project, making judgements about the best use of time and data
C102: Completion of work experience/volunteering and ability to reflect on in in the context of career decision making
C103: Competence in key elements of the job selection process
Learning methods
Throughout the degree practical skills are developed through preparation for classes, preparing essays, presentations and for participation in class exercises and discussions.
Specifically, outcomes C1 and C2 are developed in SC111, SC201, SC301, SC901, SC905 and in sociology options modules through preparation for essays, presentations and practical exercises.
The broader aspects of C3 and C6 are developed in SC905 whilst the more specialised aspect emerges from the methods modules.
The remaining outcomes are also developed in SC905 and the methods modules, as well as in the research project. Students who have a particular interest in extending or deepening their practical sociological skills may do so by choosing either SC504 or SC520 in the final year.
Assessment methods
Skills C1 and C2 are specifically assessed through assignments particularly in SC111, SC201, SC301, SC901 and SC905, but also form part of almost every piece of assessed coursework.
The full range of skills contained within C3 through C101 are all assessed in the marking of the research project, whilst C3, C4, C5, C6 and C101 are also assessed in SC905.
C102 and C103 are assessed through the placement year and associated assessment on SC700.
D: Key skills
D101: An ability to present ideas and evidence to others in a clear and concise manner
D102: An ability to collect and present materials using information technology
D103: An ability to read, interpret and draw inferences from statistics and an ability to carry out simple statistical calculations
D104: An ability to identify problems and propose solutions
D105: An ability to work in conjunction with others in discussion groups
D106: An ability to plan work and manage time and an ability to reflect on their own work and respond constructively to the comments of others
Learning methods
Key skills are taught and learned throughout the scheme through a range of strategies, such as requiring students to give oral presentations (D101) and through small group and class discussions (D101), through giving them specific assignments such as carrying out bibliographic and web searches (D102), through specific writing assignments and essays (D101, D102, D104, D106), and through class and essay preparation.
There is explicit and sustained encouragement to reflect on feedback on written work in coursework (D106).
Issues of dissemination are discussed in SC905.
Students learn to manage their own research projects through the support and advice of supervisors, and a limited number but clear set of departmental essay deadlines encourage students to learn to plan ahead in managing their coursework load.
Students are given feedback on all their coursework.
They are encouraged to reflect on their own work and improve on it.
Students also have the opportunity to develop skills in working in groups through their participation in the classes for every module.
Assessment methods
Numeracy skills are assessed in the assignments for SC101, SC203/SC208 which include statistics tests.
D101, D102, D104 and D106 are assessed throughout the degree through continuous assessed coursework.
More specifically, oral communication skills (D101) and IT skills (D102) are assessed on SC101, SC203/208 and SC905, and written skills (D101) by most coursework.