MA Sociology and Politics
About this course
MA (Hons) in Sociology and Politics, a sociology and politics and international relations degree examining social structures and political systems. The first year establishes foundational knowledge through compulsory modules including Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates and Politics, Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension, and Political Thinkers. Throughout the first year, studies focus on social structure and agency, stratification, race and ethnicity, gender, and social identities. Students examine how everyday interactions and conflicts are shaped by power and political institutions. The curriculum integrates sociological analysis with political theory to provide a comprehensive understanding of both disciplines.
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.
Entry requirements
A level: from AAA to AAB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 37 points with 666 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 25%: 50 offers from 202 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 73%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 65%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 58 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Information Technology Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 46%
- South East: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 37%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Modules
- social structure and agency
- stratification
- race and ethnicity
- gender
- social identities
- Politics and International Relations 1A: Concepts and Debates and Politics
- Politics and International Relations 1B: The Global Dimension
- Political Thinkers (an introduction to political theory)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £52,000. The £37,500 median after five years is £11,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh do next?
83% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
25% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 50 offers from 202 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Sociology and Politics at University of Edinburgh?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.