University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2018/19 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Social Sciences and Law > School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies > Sociology (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 9SOCI010T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Paula Surridge
|
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 1 years (full time) |
This programme aims to enhance the understanding, among students on the course, of both substantive and theoretical issues in the study of sociology. A growing literature in sociology concerns the question of the changing nature of a world which combines aspects of modernity and postmodernity. Some of this literature is theoretical and methodological and addresses questions of how we understand social processes. The programme therefore includes core units on social theory and philosophy; qualitative methods such as the study of representations, the analysis of discourses, both public and private, and the mobilisation of narrative methodologies; and quantitative methodologies including computer skills. Substantive literatures address issues of contemporary concern. Here units address inequalities of ethnicity, gender and social class as well as key issues such as nationalism, religion and modes of thinking about the future. The programme will enable students to address these issues theoretically and the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies has a strong and internationally recognised staff who contribute to the debates themselves. The programme aims to provide students with a well-founded entrée to a literature which constitutes contemporary sociological debate. The dissertation element of the MSc enables students to pursue an independent, in-depth study in the discipline supported by a thriving research culture. Graduating students will thus be well-situated to develop research careers following their interests in this field.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
1. lectures or presentations by members of staff. |
Methods of Assessment | |
1. assessed essays (or project for some units). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
1. lectures or presentations by members of staff. |
Methods of Assessment | |
1. assessed essays (or project for some units). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
1. lectures or presentations by members of staff. |
Methods of Assessment | |
1. assessed essays (or project for some units). |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area. (credit units 60) |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area. (credit units 120) |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Able to present, discuss, and write about work in the course in a way which reflects a grasp of key ideas and arguments with coverage of the indicative literature in the area. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies http://www.bristol.ac.uk/spais/
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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