Applicant information
What happens after you apply to Bristol?
MSc in Contemporary Identities
| Awards Available | MSc PG Diploma |
|---|---|
| Duration of programme | One year full-time; two years part-time |
| Part-time study available? | Yes |
| Number of places | 18 |
Page contents
Programme overview
The study of identity is a burgeoning area of sociological and cultural studies. The programme provides an introduction, over a range of units, to key themes in this field, with identity explored in both theoretical and substantive ways. On the one hand, there has been an exciting and innovative strand of work exploring and re-theorising the ideas of subjectivity and selfhood in the context of the changes brought about by late modern and postmodern society. On the other, the question of identity has come under scrutiny from within substantive areas of sociology such as the sociology of race and ethnicity, the sociology of religion and the sociology of gender relations. There are also important debates concerning the ways in which we record and 'observe' identities, including debates over new narrative and other qualitative methodologies.
You may also be interested in our related programmes:
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. 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 outlined below is currently being reviewed and may be subject to change.
The MSc programme lasts 50 weeks (October to September). It comprises six 12-week taught units and six assessed essays, followed by a dissertation.
Core units
At least one from the following:
- Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Culture, Postmodernity and Religion
- Narrating the Self
- Dissertation (MSc only)
Optional units
You will also choose at least three further units from the following:
- Global Ethnicities
- Globalisation and Culture
- Interpreting Gender
- Qualitative Social Research
- Theories and Politics of Multiculturalism
- Theories of Ethnicity and Racism
- Culture, Postmodernity, and Religion
- Narrating the Self
- Nations and Nationalism
- Care, Labour and Gender
- Religion and Politics
- Understanding Risk
- Popular Music and Society
Plus no more than two from the following:
- Quantitative Social Research
- Advanced Quantitative Social Research
- Social Class in Contemporary Society
One option (maximum) from the remaining SPAIS Politics optional units:
- Politics Optional Units POLIM and SPAIM
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 at least 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 stated are per annum and 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.
Research Assessment Score
Unit of Assessment 41 applies. See complete RAE listings for the 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.