Master of Arts specialisation in Sociology

Sociology is fundamentally concerned with how power works in capitalist societies, which is why Sociology is committed to honing a critical lens on social life. This discipline looks at how people interact with one another, the institutions they create, and the cultural beliefs and practices that shape their lives. This work aims to understand why inequalities exist in the ways they do and how to make the world a more just place to live. Sociologists study colonialism, racial and environmental (in)justice, migration, health inequalities and health systems, sexuality and gender, class and labour issues, legal and penal systems, disasters, social problems and possibilities related to science and technology, social policy, critical social theories, and much more.

To understand how power works, students develop a range of research and analytical skills that enable them to become creative problem solvers. Courses in sociology cultivate learning environments that encourage independent thinking, writing for many different audiences, diagnosing problems, thinking through possible solutions, and a mix of independent and collaborative work.

Postgraduate study in Sociology allows you to advance your knowledge of sociological literature, theories and methods, while you develop your own research interests.

Sociology develops students’ analytical and research skills, which they can apply across various careers. Sociologists care about understanding how the world works, why inequality exists, and how to leave our communities and institutions better than we found them. As such, Sociology graduates have gone on to jobs in policy analysis, law, media and journalism, gender and sexual violence prevention, union advocacy, central and local government, economic and social justice organizations, environmental activism, marketing, business and more.

Master of Arts in Sociology
120-point (one-year) MA
A BA(Hons) or PGDipArts in Sociology with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher. There are higher requirements for some research options.

180-point (18-month) MA
A BA with a major in Sociology. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the major.