MSc Social and Cultural Theory

Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law
Awards available	MSc
Programme length	One year full-time; two years part-time
Location of programme	Clifton campus
Part-time study available	Yes Part-time study requires daytime attendance.
Start date	September 2022

Programme overview

This programme provides an introduction to a range of debates within the so-called 'cultural turn' in sociological studies. Increasingly, sociologists are looking to the concept of culture as a source of explanation - and questioning - in their studies of contemporary social formations.

The MSc in Social and Cultural Theory addresses both theoretical and substantive elements of this cultural turn. The works of key thinkers within social and cultural theory are explored, while the role of cultural explanations within theories of race and ethnicity, gender relations and the sociology of religion (among others) is also given both theoretical and empirical consideration.

These issues are situated within the framework of analyses and critiques of wider debates and discourses in social and cultural theory. They cover questions such as postmodernism, postfeminism and postcolonialism.

Virtual open week

This programme was covered in our Sociology webinar.

Watch on demand

Fees for 2022/23

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2022/23 are as follows:

UK: full-time: £9,600
UK: part-time (two years): £4,800
Overseas: full-time: £21,200

Following the recent changes to fee assessment regulation, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students will no longer be charged a separate tuition fee. From the 2021/22 academic year they will be charged the same fees as Home students.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a five per cent increase in fees each year. Find out more about tuition fees.

Alumni scholarship

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni scholarship.

Funding for 2022/23

Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Programme structure

You will take a combination of mandatory and optional taught units within the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Each unit is delivered over the course of 12 weeks and assessed by an essay (or equivalent form of written submission).

The taught section of the programme is followed in the summer term by a dissertation.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Social and Cultural Theory.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent). Degrees from all disciplines are considered.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile C
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Admissions statement

Careers

Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Students of our MSc programmes go on to pursue varied and interesting careers.

Many sectors - such as the civil service, NGOs and charity work - require an MSc and some volunteer/internship experience. Graduates from our programmes have gone on to work for Refugee UK, Shelter, Barnardos, Amnesty International, government departments and the European Parliament, among others. Find out more from the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies careers web pages.

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Find out how to apply

Expected application closure date

Overseas applicants: 29 July 2022.

Home applicants: 12 August 2022.

Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from October 2021 until all places are filled. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment.