How is the MA Society and Culture different from an MA Sociology?

A pure MA Sociology typically goes deeper into sociological theory and quantitative methods. The MA Society and Culture is broader, with substantial cultural analysis alongside sociology, and a stronger applied emphasis — designed for senior research, policy and programme roles rather than academic sociology specifically.

What kind of dissertation do MA Society and Culture students produce?

A 12,000–15,000 word piece based on original primary research — qualitative interviews, ethnography, focus groups, or mixed methods, sometimes with quantitative elements. Past topics have included intergenerational cultural change in diaspora communities, audience economics for a UK festival, and integration policy in a mid-sized city.

Can the MA Society and Culture be done part-time?

Yes — over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are designed around working researchers and policy professionals, with evening tutorials and a dissertation you can build around your professional context.

Does the MA Society and Culture prepare me for a PhD?

Yes — the dissertation is research-grade and the methods strand is taught at doctoral-preparation standard. Supervisors actively guide students considering PhD applications, including identifying suitable doctoral schools and constructing competitive proposals.

Is the MA Society and Culture suitable for international students bringing non-UK perspectives?

Yes — explicitly. International students often produce comparative or non-UK-centred dissertations, which are welcomed and supported. The MA is taught in dialogue with international students rather than as a Britain-only curriculum, despite British contemporary society being a major reference point.

MA Society and Culture in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Society and Culture at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for researchers, policy professionals, programmers and editorial leaders who want a research-grade engagement with contemporary society and culture. You will work across advanced sociological theory, current cultural analysis, applied research methods and a 12,000-to-15,000-word dissertation based on original research.

The MA is taught with Britain as both case study and laboratory — but is open to comparative and international framing, particularly for international students bringing the perspectives of other societies. By the end you will have produced a substantial piece of original research and developed the analytical fluency senior research, policy and programme roles require.

Key Features

Advanced sociological theory module — contemporary frameworks (intersectionality, public sociology, social reproduction) at postgraduate depth.
Cultural analysis strand covering broadcasting, the press, public space and the British and international cultural calendar.
Applied research methods unit — qualitative, ethnographic, quantitative and mixed methods at MA standard.
British Sociological Association-aligned reading list, refreshed annually.
Industry-led masterclasses from senior research staff at think tanks, broadcasters, regulators and cultural institutions.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation based on original primary research, supervised throughout.

What You Will Learn

The MA Society and Culture is structured around the research-grade capabilities working senior professionals in research, policy and programming actually exercise — designing original research, navigating ethics, writing for academic and policy audiences, and contributing to the analytical conversation the field is having.

Advanced contemporary sociology — current frameworks, post-classical theory, public sociology debate.
Class, family, work and welfare at MA depth — current UK and international evidence.
Migration, diaspora and integration — current policy, communities, research debate.
Cultural analysis — broadcasting, the press, public space, the festival and platform economies.
Sociological theory at Master's level — from the founders to current critical positions.
Research methods — qualitative interview, ethnography, focus groups, basic and intermediate quantitative.
Research ethics — vulnerable communities, consent, data protection, dissemination, equity.
Writing for impact — academic, policy, editorial and programme audiences.

Who This MA Is For

Working researchers in policy, third-sector and cultural settings stepping into senior roles.
Bachelor's graduates in sociology, society and culture or related disciplines progressing to research-grade work.
Programmers, editorial leads and policy advisers wanting research-grade analytical training.
Career-changers from teaching, journalism or the civil service entering research-led work.

Career Pathways

MA Society and Culture graduates move into senior research, policy, editorial and cultural programme roles across UK government, the charity sector, broadcasting and cultural institutions. Many continue to doctoral study. Typical roles include:

Senior Social Policy Researcher (think tank, government department, regulator)
Cultural Programmer (senior — festival, gallery, broadcaster cultural strand)
Editorial Researcher (national current-affairs television, longform podcast lead, magazine)
Community Affairs Manager (local authority, housing association)
Programme Manager (national charity, advocacy organisation)
Audience Insight Lead (broadcaster, cultural institution)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in sociology, cultural studies or public policy.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.