Applicant information
What happens after you apply to Bristol?
MSc in Social and Cultural Theory
| Awards Available | MSc; PG Diploma |
|---|---|
| Duration of programme | One year full-time; two years part-time |
| Part-time study available? | Yes |
| Number of places | Not fixed |
Page contents
Programme overview
This programme aims to provide an introduction to a range of debates entailed within the so-called cultural turn in sociological studies. Increasingly, sociologists are turning to the concept of culture as a source of explanation - and questioning - in their studies of contemporary social formations.
Both theoretical and substantive elements of this cultural turn are addressed: on the one hand, the works of key thinkers within social and cultural theory (Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault and others) are explored; on the other, the role of cultural explanations within - among others - theories of race and ethnicity, gender relations and the sociology of religion is given both theoretical and empirical consideration.
These issues are also situated within the framework of analyses and critiques of wider debates and discourses in social and cultural theory on questions such as postmodernism, postfeminism and postcolonialism.
You may also be interested in our related programmes:
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants with a lower second-class honours degree or equivalent may be eligible for Postgraduate Diploma entry.
For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Programme structure
Please note that the programme structure is currently being reviewed and may be subject to change.
The MSc programme lasts 50 weeks (September to September). It comprises six 12-week taught units and six assessed essays, followed by a dissertation.
Units
You must take at least three units from this list:
- Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Culture, Postmodernity and Religion
- Globalisation and Culture
- Interpreting Gender
- Narrating the Self
- Philosophy of Social Science
- Qualitative Social Research
- Theories of Ethnicity and Racism
- Dissertation (MSc only)
You will take the remaining three units from not more than two of the following:
- Global Ethnicities
- Quantitative Social Research
- Advanced Quantitative Research
- Advanced Qualitative Research
- Care, Labour and Gender
- Popular Music and society
- Theory and Politics of Multiculturalism
- Social Class in Contemporaty Society
- Nations and Nationalism
- Religion and Politics
- Understanding Risk
- One option (maximum) from the remaining SPAIS Politics optional units
Application deadline: 1 July 2014
Get in touch
Graduate Studies Administrator
School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies
University of Bristol
11 Priory Road
Bristol
BS8 1TU
Tel: +44 (0) 117 331 7577
Email: spais-mscenquiries@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/spais/prospective/prospectivepgt
International students
Open to international students? Yes
English-language requirements: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all bands, in addition to the standard entry requirements.
Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.
Fees and funding
2014/15 fees
Full-time: UK/EU £5,600;
overseas £14,600
Part-time: UK/EU £2,800;
overseas n/a
Fees are quoted per annum and are subject to annual increase.
Funding options
Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students is available from the Student Funding Office website.
Research Assessment Score
Unit of Assessment 41 applies. See Complete RAE listings for University of Bristol for further details.
Useful further information
Accommodation
Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.
Living in Bristol
Discover more about living in Bristol and the city of Bristol.