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MA Sociology

University of Aberdeen

About this course

MA in Sociology, focusing on the study of human social groups and modern societies. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. The programme culminates in a two-part final-year Research Project comprising a dissertation and a student conference presentation.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
University of Aberdeen
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Sociology
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
L300
Typical offer
A-level BBC, IB 32
Median salary
£28,500 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.

See the highest paying Social Sciences degrees in the UK →

What students say

Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Teaching on my course: 96%
  • Learning opportunities: 92%
  • Assessment and feedback: 62%
  • Academic support: 83%
  • Organisation and management: 88%
  • Learning resources: 86%
  • Student voice: 58%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Continued on course: 90%
  • Left higher education: 10%

What graduates do next

Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • Working: 60%
  • Working and studying: 20%
  • Further study: 20%
  • Unemployed: 5%

Most common jobs

  • Administrative occupations: 25%
  • Managers, directors and senior officials: 20%
  • Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
  • Skilled trades occupations: 10%
  • Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
  • Find their work meaningful: 80%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 30%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • London: 5%
  • Scotland: 90%

Who gets in

Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)

  • A levels: 60%
  • Other HE qualification: 40%

Modules

  • Introduction to Sociology I: Self, Identity & Society
  • Introduction to Sociology II: Systems of Power
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
  • Academic Writing for Social Sciences
  • Sociology of Everyday Life i: the Embodied Self
  • Sociology of Everyday Life II: Global Issues in the 21st Century
  • Thinking Sociologically
  • Sociology of Religion
  • Social Research Methods
  • Ten Sociological Studies
  • Research Project Part 1
  • Research Project Part 2

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen earn?

The median salary is £25,500 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £28,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,500 and £33,000. The £28,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.

What do graduates of MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen do next?

95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen?

96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen?

The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 165 UCAS points.

Does MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on MA Sociology at University of Aberdeen?

90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.