Sociology and Social Research MA

Postgraduate
Conversion course

Four students in discussion across a table

Engage with real-world issues, empower social change, and apply your learning to prepare for a career in policy, academia, and beyond, making a tangible difference.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CAST012

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Learn how to tackle global and local challenges through sociology and social research, with a focus on social change and impactful applied research to address pressing societal issues.

Key course content includes:

sociological analysis and research skills: learn to address societal challenges such as identity, global crises, and digital transformation through advanced research methods and ethical practices
global and intersectional perspectives: explore global issues such as climate change, inequality, and cultural diplomacy using feminist, decolonial and postcolonial frameworks
power, resistance, and social impact: investigate power dynamics, social movements and justice to address issues such as systemic racism, digital divides and inequality.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Diverse staff expertise and experience: learn from sociology subject specialists in gender, sexuality, globalisation, race and ethnicities, health, contemporary cultures and crime. (Staff are subject to change.)
Social research opportunities: be part of a co-created and collaborative learning community, actively participating in knowledge production through training in research methods.
Supportive learning environment: benefit from the support of a course team which understands the connections between your academic success and personal well-being, along with comprehensive university support services.
Flexible entry: benefit from a flexible mode of course delivery with multiple course entry points, accommodating diverse learning goals and allowing you to tailor your studies to progress from undergraduate to doctoral research or to gain new skills and perspectives relevant to your professional environment.

Collaborations

Endorsement by the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA)

Coventry University and the RSA have collaborated on a module concerning social and ethical responsibility. You will be entitled to a 12-month fellowship of the RSA so you can access all RSA resources and platforms during your period of study. Once you have successfully passed the Global Affairs in Action module, you will receive an RSA digital credential.

What you'll study

Study contemporary, applied, global theories and themes to deepen your sociological imagination. With practical modules focusing on research methods, ethics and real-world applications, learn to address pressing societal issues using your skills to drive change in academic, professional and community contexts.

Modules

Social Identities and Intimacies – 30 credits

Research modern intimacy and identity, exploring sexuality, relationships, love, friendship, and family from global and intersectional perspectives, using critical thinking and innovative ideas on contemporary debates. The module asks a fundamental question – who are we – both to ourselves and to others?

Compulsory

Real World Research – 30 credits

This module introduces diverse research methods used to understand contemporary global issues in the social world, including social problems related to inequality, identity, power, crime and deviance. Engage with contemporary social science research through case studies and guest lectures by leading experts.²

Compulsory

Sociology in a Post-Digital World – 30 credits

Examine the social transformations that the digital age has brought about. Understand theories, research methods, and issues tied to the inseparability of digital technologies from modern life, and the many ways in which cultures and societies both shape, and are shaped by, social media and technologies.

Compulsory

Global Affairs in Action – 30 credits

Explore the critical issues of warfare, rebellion, and international security. Examine key case studies, assessing the historical and contemporary factors that shape global conflict and security. This module compares policy and the cultural aspects of conflict and rebellion, studying them as responses to the political and social impacts of a dynamic, often unstable world where state and non-state actors clash. Gain the analytical and research skills needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice in international security, preparing you for both academic research and professional roles in the security sector. 

Compulsory

Critical Perspectives on Humanitarian Crises – 30 credits

We live in a highly interconnected world, with escalating injustices, apocalyptic risks and uncertainties. This module addresses these socio-economic, political, and ecological challenges by questioning the assumptions through diverse intellectual approaches. Analyse humanitarian crises by applying feminist theories, postcolonial and decolonial approaches, and southern thought among other critical approaches.

Compulsory

Power and Resistance in Contemporary Societies – 30 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical studio sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

presentations
group projects
live simulations
individual application development work
portfolios
written documentation.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any relevant social sciences or humanities disciplines.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any relevant social sciences or humanities disciplines.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,350	Not available
EU	£9,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our George Eliot Building hosts interactive seminars, advanced research training, and group project activities. Interact with like-minded students, cross the Edible Garden to relax at The Hub or immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.
Our Delia Derbyshire Building offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

critically and systematically engage with established and current interdisciplinary debates and controversies in sociology and social research
situate social science problems and questions within diverse social, cultural and political contexts at the local, national, transnational and global levels
apply sociological knowledge in an original and systematic manner, evincing a practical understanding of how advanced research methodologies can be used to study social problems
systematically analyse and synthesise complex sociological problems and expound them effectively in robust, reflective, evidence-based studies
proactively select appropriate strategies to independently conduct original research and communicate findings and outcomes verbally, visually, digitally and discursively to specialist and non-specialist audiences
apply transferable skills of initiative, ethical responsibility, autonomy and self-efficacy to a range of employment and practice environments
exhibit proficiency in utilising digital tools and methodologies to solve complex problems while adhering to ethical standards and considering the societal impacts of new technologies deployment.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work in sectors such as:

Academia and Research
Teaching
Public Services
Government Organisations
NGO
Environment agencies
Public Health and Social Care
Social Policy.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.