MA
Sociology (Inventive Urban Research)
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Why study MA Sociology (Inventive Urban Research) at Goldsmiths
This MA is designed for students interested in new ways of exploring and understanding the social world through visual, sensory, and other experimental approaches. You will draw on urban sociology to examine the meaning of cities, urban life and culture.
- Combining lectures and seminars with practical sessions and workshop-based projects, this MA will help you develop a hands-on approach to sociological research. You’ll gain skills in methods which could be used in public sector contexts, art or media research, design or commercial application
- You’ll develop the ability to carry out empirical research and present it publicly in a variety of media and materials. You’ll engage with sociology as an inventive research practice, using creative research methods to address classic and changing sociological problems
- You’ll engage in current debates about sociological methodology, including the impact of visual, digital and other technologies and will be encouraged to build to on these debates through your own inventive practice
- As well as presenting your ideas through writing, you’ll have the opportunity to produce different outputs, including film/video, photography, sound and multimedia pieces
- You’ll design and reflect on your own research projects. The dissertation allows you to complete a substantive research project on your individual interests, supported by one-to-one supervision with a member of staff
- You’ll have access to post-production and editing stations, as well as equipment for photography and video. You can also borrow audio-visual and media equipment
- You’ll be part of a lively community of researchers and urban practitioners, including the Centre for Urban and Community Research and will join students who have a range of experiences and interests in communication, management, politics, design and cultural industries
- We use research-led teaching to explore the importance of sociological knowledge in understanding cities, urban economies, culture, politics and social justice. Our department is world-leading. We've been rated top 10 in the UK for sociology in the QS World University Rankings 2023
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Michael Guggenheim.
Length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £11250
Home - part-time: £5625
International - full-time: £22000
Department
What you'll study
Compulsory modules
You will take the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Methodology Now | 30 credits |
| Sociological Exhibition Making | 30 credits |
| Dissertation | 60 credits |
You will also pick one of the following modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Cities and Society | 30 credits |
| or | |
| Talking Practice A | 30 credits |
Optional modules
You can also choose two modules up to the value of 30 credits from a list provided by the Department of Sociology annually.
Teaching style
Learning and teaching takes place through lectures and seminars, as well as technical workshops and practice-based learning to develop technical skills.
You are encouraged to extend learning beyond the classroom by attending relevant exhibitions, film showings, public meetings and more, whether with the programme convenor, in groups or as an individual.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, which may include coursework, extended essays, reports, presentations, practice-based projects or essays/logs and group projects.
All assessed work is accompanied by some form of feedback to ensure that your work is on the right track. It may come in a variety of forms ranging from written comments on a marked essay to oral and written feedback on developing projects and practice as you attend workshops.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least upper second class standard in sociology, a related social science discipline or a humanities degree.
If you do not possess the standard qualifications, you might also be considered for this programme if you demonstrate exceptional commitment or abilities to study for the degree. This may include relevant professional experience, other qualifications, or skills demonstrated as part of an interview.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £11250
- Home - part-time: £5625
- International - full-time: £22000
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the MA Sociology pathways (PDF) programme specification for more information.
Skills and Careers
The programme will prepare you with an understanding of crucial social and cultural questions of the 21st century that confront employers in the public, private and third sector.
You will gain critical theoretical and methodological skills to research and analyse those questions. Additionally, you will acquire skills that equip you to communicate ideas and methods and to process information in ways that will prepare them for careers in a variety of organisations, including charities, NGOs, governments and corporations.
The Careers Service also provides central support for professional skills enhancement. They provide regular workshops and support sessions and can offer tailored advice according to your own skills and interests.
You can also seek advice from the tutors on the programme.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths for advice on things like writing a personal statement.
