Course Structure

To be awarded a MSc degree, students need to obtain 180 credits, which includes a satisfactory dissertation within the social study of the MSc themes – inequalities, power, agency (60 CATS).

The PG Dip exit pathway gives students the opportunity to follow the programme (120 credits in modules) without completing a dissertation. The PG Cert (60 CATS in semester 1 modules) is envisaged as a possible exit pathway.

It is possible to undertake the programme as a full-time student over one year (see table below). For students taking the MSc as a part-time programme (on 2 or 3 years), it is expected they pass all taught modules during the first year (possible over two years) and undertake their dissertation on the last year of study.

In Semester 1, students take three compulsory modules and choose one methodology module. In Semester 2, Students choose three optional research-based modules and one methodology module. Throughout the year, students undertake a dissertation relating to the social study of inequalities.

Semester 1:

Power, Agency and Global Inequalities (10 CATS)
This module will cover how new forms of politics and political activism have emerged to challenge established political and social structures in the contemporary world. Using concepts and theories in political sociology and cultural sociology, students are encouraged to develop a ‘transnational’ and ‘global’ perspective for understanding and addressing intersectional inequalities in contemporary societies. Students will also explore how technological developments such as social media are possibly changing how cultural and political identities are formed beyond geographical boundaries of the nation-state. This module will discuss major events and contemporary developments in which social movements (both progressive and conservative) have played key roles in collective demands for social change, including the remembrance of the ‘Disappeared' in Latin America, right-wing populism in Europe and North America, Black Lives Matter, and war memories in East Asia.

Research Design (20 CATS)
The main objective is to introduce module participants to a range of issues around accessing, collecting, and analysing social scientific data. In addition, there is a concern to examine a variety of practical strategies for designing, developing and executing social scientific research projects. The module should enable students to assess a range of techniques suitable for the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative social scientific data. The module will enable students to develop the ability to examine the methodology and conduct of a range of empirical studies in the social sciences. The assignment focuses on the development of skills necessary for the planning and design of a small-scale research project such as the postgraduate dissertation students will have to undertake to complete their MSc. Sociology and Global Inequality.

Theory and Debates in Social Research (20 CATS)
This module aims to deepen your understanding of key contemporary debates in social theory and research, providing advanced-level teaching for those building upon basic knowledge and undertaking postgraduate research. It is designed to demonstrate and explore how social theory is utilised, critiqued and developed through the pursuit of social research. There will be a particular focus upon the epistemological positions that underpin different viewpoints in these debates, and upon points of similarity and difference between these viewpoints. The overall aim is that you will gain a deeper understanding of some key social theories and concepts and will see the ongoing and iterative relationship between theory and the practice of research.

The Sources and Construction of Quantitative Data (10 CATS)
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of measurement and constructing quantitative data in the social sciences. Through lectures and practical exercises, students will develop relevant knowledge of key data sources in the social sciences, their respective uses and usefulness, and their relevance for the study of contemporary social issues. The module covers topics related to key concepts in the social science which have spurred lively debates in the discipline with regard to the analytical and methodological approaches which can be used to measure them.

The Sources and Construction of Qualitative Data (10 CATS)
This module explores the theoretical foundations of qualitative research, examining the relationship between theory and methods including different approaches to qualitative interviewing. The module also covers how to design and conduct qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Semester 2:

Policy-engaged research for Public Sociologists (20 CATS)
This module introduces students to the concept and practice of public sociology – a shared commitment amongst sociologists to engage with communities impacted by the theories and concepts they study (Burawoy, 2005). To undertake engaged research can mean direct involvement with those experiencing inequality through participatory or action research methods. Alternatively, public sociology may involve using theories and concepts around inequality and their origins in race, gender, age or other forms of discrimination to advocate for a fairer distribution of power and resources in society. In this module, students will work with a range of lecturers from sociology and social policy who continue this long track record of using their research evidence to inform public debate and public policy. Drawing heavily on the MSc’s focus on inequality, we will delve into disability, age discrimination (towards both young and old people) and examine how sociological ideas around gender and class can be brought to bear on the unequal distribution of power and resources in society.

Global Migration, Diaspora, and Citizenship (20 CATS)
This module will explore the tension between global migration and territorial citizenship regimes in different regions of the world, which is at the heart of global inequalities. With an increase of spatial mobility and perplex migration patterns the restriction of individual rights to remain only temporary in a country is on the rise in different jurisdictions. This has become a pronounced issue worldwide for refugees, but also in the context of EU citizens turned migrants, and post-colonial citizens – referred to in the so-called ‘Windrush scandal’, and whose settled lives in the UK, for example, were not proof enough be allowed to ‘remain’ legally in the country. The current pandemic health crisis has accelerated this situation for particularly vulnerable minorities, such as Roma in Europe, and Aboriginals in Australia. While learning about the global transformation of national societies, students will engage in-depth with decolonial, post-colonial and feminist approaches to contemporary debates in migration, ethnic and critical race studies.

Religion, Power and Peacebuilding (20 CATS)
The module familiarises students with the field of religious peacebuilding, which is one of the growth areas within conflict transformation studies in the social sciences.  ​It analyses how, on a global level, power and inequalities have shaped the study and practice of religion and peacebuilding, examining relationships between religion, colonialism and coloniality. The module ​further engages with theoretical approaches about religion and peacebuilding and includes examples of religious peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, Liberia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. ​It explores relationships between religion, inequalities, and violence in these societies, and the role of power inequalities in peacebuilding. It also includes analysis of race, religion and the Trump Presidency with a view towards the possibilities of religious peacebuilding in the United States.  The module provides further opportunities to engage with practitioners in faith-based NGOs in Northern Ireland about their personal engagement in religious peacebuilding. 

Social divisions, Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland (10 CATS)
The objectives of this module are to introduce advanced students to key issues in contemporary research on conflict and change in divided societies, using Northern Ireland as a case study. It will examine critical sociological debates about identity, ethnicity, inequality, and conflict management, and interrogate their usefulness in a Northern Irish context. Emphasis will be placed on how Northern Ireland may conform to, or challenge, contemporary debates in theoretical and comparative sociology.

Work, Knowledge and Organisation in the 21st Century (10 CATS)
This module students will explore various aspects of work, organisations and how research and evidence interact with the imperatives of organisations. Goal 8 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is entitled “Decent Work and Economic Growth” and stands against a backdrop of increased rationalisation of global production chains, often fuelling social disenchantment around individual purpose and meaning within contemporary capitalism. Simultaneously, casualisation across the labour market, fuelled to a significant degree by platform work, challenges traditional understanding of employment and the importance of work to the social contract. Through close examination of case studies and research findings from around the world, students will be encouraged to critically assess how the multidimensional cultural contexts in which people work and organisations do business shape experience and social cohesion.

Inequality and Emotions (10 CATS)
This course aims to examine research on the social logic of emotional responses to inequalities at a global level. Emotions are considered not as personal or 'inner' psychological phenomena, but as sociological processes. The course focuses on studies which illustrate, in varying ways, how emotions are elicited through, and in turn shape, social relations, as they provide evaluative responses to the operation of inequalities of power and status. The course will consider a range of classic and contemporary, structuralist and interactional perspectives informing studies of specific emotions, including shame, anger and love.

A Sociology of Extremism in the Global Age (20 CATS)
The philosopher Quassim Cassam has argued that whilst the twentieth century will indelibly be associated with extremism, the latter has not gone away and is on the rise once more as polarisation becomes a characteristic of many contemporary societies. Situated within core concepts and theories in political sociology, this module will examine the nature of extremism and why various iterations continue to thrive in the global age. The module will explore such themes as religious fundamentalism; national populism and the radical right; toxic masculinity and racism. Further, students will examine the relationship between extremist outlooks and such factors as socio-economic status, academic qualifications and gender. Finally, the module will introduce students to policy interventions designed to address the causes and manifestations of extremism.

Qualitative Data Analysis (10 CATS)
The course will provide students with an introduction to the knowledge necessary for qualitative data management and analysis, including the use of software package NVivo. The course will give students the experience of analysing qualitative data. This will include experience of highlighting main topics, themes and analysing secondary qualitative data through the thematic analysis (framework matrix), and the use of the software package NVivo. As such, the course provides students with an understanding of the benefits/limitations for a social researcher of using a qualitative data storage and analysis software package. It equips them with a base level introduction to the analytical and technical skills in qualitative research appropriate to the production of a master’s dissertation and/or use of CAQDAS software for social research purposes in the public, private or third sector.

Quantitative Data Analysis: intermediate (10 CATS)
This module provides an introduction to multivariate regression models applied to sociological research. Particular attention is placed on the appropriate use of such procedures, awareness of the statistical assumptions underlying regression approaches and the testing and refinement of such models. The module will also cover a range of complex data manipulations. The module is taught through a series of seminars and practical workshops. These two strands are interwoven within each teaching session. As new material is presented, students have the opportunity to apply new learning using teaching datasets and SPSS. An emphasis is placed on building a conceptual understanding and practical use of quantitative skills for the social sciences. As such, the module concepts, examples, and exercises are tailored to develop, apply and interpret sociological quantitative analysis. The class size is relatively small, giving students opportunities for one-to-one work with the teaching staff.

Semesters 1 and 2:

Dissertation (60 CATS)

Students completing their taught modules who wish to obtain the MSc qualification must submit a 15,000-word thesis. The task will involve the conduct of a small research project that is broadly related to social inequalities, and which includes a full and reasoned description and discussion of the research design, the relevant sociological literature and theory, methodology, data collection, data analysis, results and conclusions. The primary aim is to provide students with the experience of managing such a project through all its stages, from the initial identification of a research problem through data collection and data analysis to the final production of a typed report. Students will also develop the ability to marshal key social scientific ideas and concepts and to link issues arising out of social theory to issues that arise out of empirical research. The dissertation, in addition, gives students an opportunity to apply material from their taught modules to a substantive area or research issue connected to their own interests.

Contact Teaching Hours

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

6 (hours maximum)

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)

Teaching Times

Usually delivered in evenings and full day/half day sessions, including weekends.

Learning and Teaching

Through a supportive and dynamic intellectual environment, the academic team delivering the MSc Sociology and Global Inequality strives to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. Their primary objective is to empower students to develop the intellectual, and practical skills that will enable them to make positive contribution to economic and civic life.

The MSc Sociology and Global Inequality achieves these objectives by providing research-led modules, based on the cutting-edge expertise of award-winning staff, whose research addresses inequalities through a broad range of approaches, themes and in different regions of the world. The modules are delivered via a mixture of traditional lecture, seminar, workshops and computer lab class. Some lectures may involve online teaching. Students completing a dissertation meet one-to-one with their supervisor throughout the course of their studies to provide guidance on their project. Students are expected to undertake independent study. 

Through the programme, students learn to examine and analyse the sources and multiple dimensions of inequality affecting contemporary societies on a global scale, including intersections across class, gender, race, citizenship, religion, sexuality, disability and age discrimination. They understand how social policies may alleviate or exacerbate inequality through cross-national comparative perspectives. They investigate the ways in which transnational communities, social movements and protest groups across the world challenge injustice, within and beyond borders. The programme also introduces students to public sociology, leading them to explore how sociological research can be applied effectively through social policy and social activism to address social inequalities.

Participants are equipped with the intellectual and methodological skills to engage in social inquiry at an advanced level, employing a range of theoretical approaches and research methods, and developing the capacity to deal with complex research questions. Both assignments and class discussions encourage the ability to consider, and formulate complex argumentations. Different approaches and debates are presented in classes centring on both theory and practice. Discussions of case studies and ‘live’ research projects address the challenges of research and individual research experiences. Students enhance their skills through the writing of research proposals, the evaluation of methodological strategies and data analysis. Methodological training, research-based modules and the dissertation encourage students to acquire and enhance their skills in the design, planning, execution and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative research. Practical and applied aspects are covered throughout methodology modules in particular. As such, the MSc Sociology and Global Inequality provides advanced sociological training that is both valuable in its own right and as a set of transferable skills.

• Conference

  With the convenor, students will organise a small conference in late June, in order to present initial research findings to other students on the course and the sociology team of academics.

• E-Learning technologies

  Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities. There are also opportunities to develop skills in the use of industry software associated with actuarial practice.

• Induction

  A formalised induction for all MSc students. This includes a welcoming session the week before the programme begins to allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus, the teaching team, and the degree programme.

• Lectures and seminars

  The MSc consists of formal presentations from lecturers (lectures) and small group discussions involving students’ participation and presentations (seminars). Both provide students with the opportunity to engage with academic staff who have expert knowledge of the topic. They also provide opportunities for inter-learner discussions to facilitate collaborative learning.

• PG Director

  Who acts as a first point of contact for students with academic or personal issues that they may require guidance and/or support with.

• Personal Research project

  Students have the opportunity to conduct a research project on the topic of their choice and broadly related to social inequalities. It provides students with the experience of managing such a project through all its stages, from the initial identification of a research problem through data collection and data analysis to the final production of a typed report.

• Practicals

  Methodology courses might include practical sessions to introduce students to the use of software packages for data management and analysis.

• Self-directed study

  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

• Student Support Systems

  Students receive appropriate training and learner support in the use of computing facilities as appropriate.
  
  Students have an identified contact (i.e. supervisor and programme director). They receive constructive feedback on academic performance and authoritative guidance on their academic progression. Students have access to well-being services at QUB and are able to register with student disability services for assessment and support, as required.

• Supervision

  A supervisor is allocated to each student shortly after the start of the academic year. They will support the student in designing, conducting and completing their research dissertation until completion.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

• An overall mark of 50 per cent is required to pass each module. 
  
  A purposedly diverse range of assignments assists students in developing their communication skills: oral or audio-visual presentations, research proposals, blogs, policy reviews, media analyse, self-reflective learning journal, etc.:
  Power, Agency and Global Inequalities: a 15-minute recorded audio-visual presentation on a global sociology case study.
  
  Theory and Debates in Social Research : An essay based on the critical comparison and evaluation of two theoretical approaches to a key concept from social theory (3,500 words).
  
  Research Design: a research proposal (4,000 words)
  
  The Sources and Construction of Qualitative Data: An essay on methodology (1,500 words) and a self-reflective learning journal (1,000 words).
  
  The Sources and Construction of Quantitative Data: a completed template (1,000 words) and a brief commentary (1,500 words).
  
  Religion, Power and Peacebuilding: Observation report based on fieldwork (1,000 words) and an essay on a case study (3,500-4,000 words).
  
  Social divisions, Conflict and Change in Northern Ireland: an analytical exercise (media analysis) focusing on a representation of NI in contemporary audio/visual culture (2,500 words).
  
  Work, Knowledge and Organisation in the 21st Century: a critical review; an organisational case-study; or of a combined critical review and case-study (2,500 words).
  
  Inequality and Emotions: A 2,500-word research proposal on emotion as it relates to inequality.
  
  Qualitative Data Analysis: a 2,500-word data analysis essay based on anonymised Interviews.
  
  Quantitative Data Analysis: intermediate: a short research report of 2,500 words involving quantitative data analysis.
  
  Policy-engaged research for Public Sociologists: a plan (500 words) and a Critical Policy Review (2,000 words) as group work, and an accompanying Social Media Strategy (1,000 words).
  
  A Sociology of extremism in the Global Age: a 10-minute oral presentation, developed into an 800-word blog post and a 2,200-word essay.
  
  Global Migration, Diaspora, and Citizenship: Ten blog entries of 400 words each (4,000 words).
  
  A research dissertation (15,000 words).
  
  NOTES:
  - Students will receive advance notification and guidance on assessment methods and requirements for each module.
  - Academic assessments will be marked and moderated by academic staff within SSESW and a 20% sample (including all fails) will be sent to the External Examiner for quality assurance.
  - Analysis of student outcomes will be used as a source of data for quality assurance.
  - Students will receive an automated message upon uploading their assignment to Canvas and will be notified when marks are released. Students will also receive written or oral feedback on each assessment to promote continuous professional development throughout the course.
  - Standardised module evaluation will capture feedback from and satisfaction of students regarding lectures, seminars and the overall quality of individual modules. Furthermore, an overall formal review of the MSc will be undertaken at the end of each academic year, and will involve feedback from students, lecturers, supervisors and the External Examiner.
  - Students will follow the standard PGT study regulations and general regulations of the University. https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/GeneralRegulations/StudyRegulations/StudyRegulationsforPostgraduateTaughtProgrammes/

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces. There is a dedicated student common room which students can use freely between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. The common room has seating, kitchen facilities and computer access with printing.

Access to a wide range of software packages; training in commonly used software for qualitative and quantitative analysis such as SPSS and NVivo.

Excellent facilities and services provided by the McClay library - with 2,200 reader spaces and housing 1.2 million volumes.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree (with minimum of 55%) or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any subject discipline.

Applicants with an acceptable 2.2 Honours degree below 55% or equivalent, may also be considered if they have at least two years of professional experience in an education, training or relevant context.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st July 2024 at 4pm

Late applications may be considered.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduates of this programme will be able to pursue careers across a diverse range of organisational settings such as in civil service, public policy including think tanks, journalism, care and support services, voluntary and community sectors, human rights advocacy, social enterprises and business. This programme is also an excellent stepping-stone for a Social Science PGCE, and for doctoral research.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course

Through a supportive and dynamic intellectual environment, the academic team delivering the MSc Sociology and Global Inequality strives to empower students to research and communicate ideas preparing them for a range of careers in a broad range of sectors:

Government, public administration and public policy, for instance, as policy advisers, analysts, and coordinators, or in the field of equality and diversity;

NGOs and international development, social enterprises, voluntary and community work, human rights advocacy, and campaign work;

In the private sector, for instance, in advertising and market research;

Professions requiring an understanding of complex social trends and research skills – journalism, think tanks, politics.

The MSc also offers outstanding opportunities to pursue a career in social research or undertake research at PhD level; as such it gives access to careers in education, higher education and academic research.

Students can partner with the Science Shop and develop a research project in collaboration with a community and voluntary sector organisation, which opens the door to this specific sector.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£7,300
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,250
EU Other 3	£21,500
International	£21,500

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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