Will the MA Sociology prepare me for a PhD?

Yes — the research methods, statistics and dissertation modules produce work at PhD-application standard. The MA is the standard credential for PhD applications in UK sociology and several graduates each year progress to doctoral study at UK and international universities.

How much statistics is required for the MA Sociology?

Substantial — the quantitative-methods strand covers R or SPSS basics, regression and multilevel modelling. Students without a strong statistical background take a foundational unit at the start of the programme to bring everyone to working level.

Does the MA Sociology cover digital society and platform research?

Yes — digital society is one of the specialist tracks. It covers platforms, algorithms, attention economies and the methodological challenges of researching socio-technical systems. The content updates each academic year as the field moves.

Can the MA Sociology be taken online?

Yes. The online route mirrors on-campus delivery with live seminars, recorded lectures and supervised research check-ins. Distance learners follow structured deadlines and complete fieldwork in their own settings with tutor support.

Is the MA Sociology aligned with the Social Research Association as well as the BSA?

The methods modules are aligned with both BSA ethical standards and SRA professional standards. Many graduates move into roles where SRA membership is relevant, and the MA supports membership application by demonstrating methodological capability at the required level.

MA Sociology in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Sociology at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for graduates and working professionals advancing their sociological expertise to research level. The course offers depth across classical and contemporary theory alongside the empirical research methods — qualitative, quantitative and mixed — that distinguish serious sociological work. It is aligned with British Sociological Association standards.

You graduate with the theoretical depth, methodological discipline and dissertation experience required either for doctoral study or for specialist applied research roles in policy, the third sector and academic-adjacent consultancies.

Key Features

Advanced sociological theory module — classical, modern and contemporary traditions in depth.
Empirical research methods strand at research level — qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods.
Specialist tracks in class and inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, urban, digital society or criminology.
Statistical literacy module — R or SPSS basics, regression, multilevel modelling appropriate to sociology.
Industry and research-led masterclasses from working sociologists across academia, policy and consultancy.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation on a sociological topic of your choice, supervised by a specialist tutor.

What You Will Learn

The MA Sociology is structured around the dual demands of postgraduate-level sociology — theoretical sophistication and methodological rigour. You leave able to read field-leading journals critically, design and run empirical research that survives peer scrutiny, and contribute usefully to policy, practice or further academic study.

Classical sociological theory at advanced level — Marx, Weber, Durkheim and the foundational tradition.
Contemporary sociological theory — Bourdieu, Foucault, intersectionality, critical race, decolonial.
Current debates in sociology — late modernity, platform society, climate sociology.
Quantitative methods — survey design at research level, regression, multilevel modelling.
Qualitative methods — ethnography, in-depth interviewing, qualitative coding at research level.
Research ethics — BSA standards, researcher positionality, vulnerable populations.
Specialist sociologies — class, race, gender, urban, digital society, criminology.
Public sociology — translating research for policy, practice and non-specialist audiences.

Who This MA Is For

Bachelor's graduates in sociology or related social sciences preparing for PhD or research roles.
Working professionals in policy, the third sector or research consultancies seeking research credentials.
Diploma and Higher Diploma graduates ready for postgraduate research with appropriate Bachelor's bridging.
Career-changers from teaching, social work or front-line public services moving into research.

Career Pathways

The MA Sociology positions graduates for doctoral study or specialist research roles across policy, the third sector and academic-adjacent organisations. Typical destinations include:

Senior Sociologist (academic research unit, university)
Social Researcher (independent consultancy, government social research)
Policy Analyst (think tank, government, third sector)
Senior Evaluation Officer (national charity, philanthropic foundation)
Equality & Diversity Lead (public body, FTSE corporate)
Doctoral Researcher (PhD in sociology, social policy or related field)

The MA is the standard PhD-application credential in sociology in the UK and opens doctoral routes at most UK and international universities.

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.