Sociology and Social Justice MA

Duration

13 Months

13 Months

2 Years

2 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

On this course, you will take your sociological understanding of social inequalities and injustices to the next level and debate the most important sociological problems in the world today. You will also further enhance your professional development and employability skills, which can be a route to career progression.

The MA in Sociology and Social Justice focusses on enabling learners to attain an advanced insight into contemporary social issues and inequalities. You will situate these problems within a broader historical, social, cultural, economic, and political context to learn how our lives are shaped by broader sociological forces. Whilst the course focusses on understanding the social world, it is also concerned with how to change it for the better.

Therefore, this course will give you insights and skills to tackle inequalities and injustices and to make a positive impact upon society. Through a range of innovative and often research-led teaching approaches, you will learn about a range of issues including classical sociological debates, advanced and critical sociological theories, current sociological ‘live debates’ as well as training in research methods to equip you with the skills required to undertake an independent research project at master’s level.

Employability is also embedded in the course to further enhance your skills and professional development, which is important for career progression.

The MA in Sociology and Social Justice focusses on enabling learners to attain an advanced insight into contemporary social issues and inequalities. You will situate these problems within a broader historical, social, cultural, economic, and political context to learn how our lives are shaped by broader sociological forces. Whilst the course focusses on understanding the social world, it is also concerned with how to change it for the better.

Therefore, this course will give you insights and skills to tackle inequalities and injustices and to make a positive impact upon society. Through a range of innovative and often research-led teaching approaches, you will learn about a range of issues including classical sociological debates, advanced and critical sociological theories, current sociological ‘live debates’ as well as training in research methods to equip you with the skills required to undertake an independent research project at master’s level.

Employability is also embedded in the course to further enhance your skills and professional development, which is important for career progression.

The MA in Sociology and Social Justice focusses on enabling learners to attain an advanced insight into contemporary social issues and inequalities. You will situate these problems within a broader historical, social, cultural, economic, and political context to learn how our lives are shaped by broader sociological forces. Whilst the course focusses on understanding the social world, it is also concerned with how to change it for the better.

Therefore, this course will give you insights and skills to tackle inequalities and injustices and to make a positive impact upon society. Through a range of innovative and often research-led teaching approaches, you will learn about a range of issues including classical sociological debates, advanced and critical sociological theories, current sociological ‘live debates’ as well as training in research methods to equip you with the skills required to undertake an independent research project at master’s level.

Employability is also embedded in the course to further enhance your skills and professional development, which is important for career progression.

The MA in Sociology and Social Justice focusses on enabling learners to attain an advanced insight into contemporary social issues and inequalities. You will situate these problems within a broader historical, social, cultural, economic, and political context to learn how our lives are shaped by broader sociological forces. Whilst the course focusses on understanding the social world, it is also concerned with how to change it for the better.

Therefore, this course will give you insights and skills to tackle inequalities and injustices and to make a positive impact upon society. Through a range of innovative and often research-led teaching approaches, you will learn about a range of issues including classical sociological debates, advanced and critical sociological theories, current sociological ‘live debates’ as well as training in research methods to equip you with the skills required to undertake an independent research project at master’s level.

Employability is also embedded in the course to further enhance your skills and professional development, which is important for career progression.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Sociology and Social Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Sociology and Social Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Sociology and Social Justice

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Sociology and Social Justice

Part-time study

This course can be taken part-time over two years. 

Part-time study

This course can be taken part-time over two years. 

Part-time study

This part time course is studied over two years. 

Part-time study

This part time course is studied over two years. 

Employability is embedded throughout the course and you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project within your place of work or volunteer within an organisation, business or government department relating to the issues covered on the MA course.

Employability is embedded throughout the course and you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project within your place of work or volunteer within an organisation, business or government department relating to the issues covered on the MA course.

Employability is embedded throughout the course and you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project within your place of work or volunteer within an organisation, business or government department relating to the issues covered on the MA course.

Employability is embedded throughout the course and you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation project within your place of work or volunteer within an organisation, business or government department relating to the issues covered on the MA course.

Key Information

This award is not regulated by Social Work England and therefore does not qualify people to enter the role of a social worker without further training or qualifications.

Course content

You will study four compulsory modules, as well as an independent research project on a sociological topic of your choosing. You will learn about classical sociological debates, as well as applying advanced sociological theories to the most current and pressing issues. This includes the Covid-19 pandemic, de-globalisation, the rise of nationalism, terrorism, global warming, poverty, crime, and consumerism.

You will be taught by active sociological and criminological academic researchers and will be encouraged to study topics of personal and professional interest through your dissertation.

You will study four compulsory modules, as well as an independent research project on a sociological topic of your choosing. You will learn about classical sociological debates, as well as applying advanced sociological theories to the most current and pressing issues. This includes the Covid-19 pandemic, de-globalisation, the rise of nationalism, terrorism, global warming, poverty, crime, and consumerism.

You will be taught by active sociological and criminological academic researchers and will be encouraged to study topics of personal and professional interest through your dissertation.

You will study four compulsory modules, as well as an independent research project on a sociological topic of your choosing. You will learn about classical sociological debates, as well as applying advanced sociological theories to the most current and pressing issues. This includes the Covid-19 pandemic, de-globalisation, the rise of nationalism, terrorism, global warming, poverty, crime, and consumerism.

You will be taught by active sociological and criminological academic researchers and will be encouraged to study topics of personal and professional interest through your dissertation.

You will study four compulsory modules, as well as an independent research project on a sociological topic of your choosing. You will learn about classical sociological debates, as well as applying advanced sociological theories to the most current and pressing issues. This includes the Covid-19 pandemic, de-globalisation, the rise of nationalism, terrorism, global warming, poverty, crime, and consumerism.

You will be taught by active sociological and criminological academic researchers and will be encouraged to study topics of personal and professional interest through your dissertation.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Advanced Sociological Theory 20 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits
Researching Crime And Society 40 credits
Societal Problems: Classic Debates And Archival Research 40 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Researching Crime And Society 40 credits
Societal Problems: Classic Debates And Archival Research 40 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Sociological Theory 20 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Sociological Theory Dl 20 credits
Postgraduate Project 60 credits

Entry requirements

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:1 from a recognised university or body.

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

You’ll normally be expected to hold a relevant honours degree with at least a 2:2 from a recognised university or body.

If you have an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Criminology or a related discipline you will be eligible to apply for this course.

If students do not have the required qualification but have professional experience, we would encourage you to apply as we consider all applications on their individual merit.  Similarly, if you are unsure whether your degree would be appropriate, please contact our enquiries team who will be able to assist you

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Facilities

Libraries

We have Libraries and service desks at both sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Our experienced and friendly staff can answer your IT queries, help you to access resources, show you how to research for your assignments and help with referencing.

Careers

On completion of the Sociology and Social Justice MA, you’ll be equipped to work in a wide range of roles with a central purpose to make a positive impact upon society. You may undergo further training in some professions. The types of roles include:

  • Social work
  • Welfare work
  • Probation service
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Local and national government
  • Charity/ voluntary sector
  • Campaigning
  • NGOs

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching will be delivered on one day per week, on campus, giving you the flexibility to combine work or volunteering in the workplace with postgraduate study.

We also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Get hands-on training in research methods
  • Use software to analyse data
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Working with our active sociological and criminological researchers, you’ll be supported in topics of personal and professional interest. 

Teaching will be delivered on one day per week, on campus, giving you the flexibility to combine work or volunteering in the workplace with postgraduate study.

We also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Get hands-on training in research methods
  • Use software to analyse data
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Working with our active sociological and criminological researchers, you’ll be supported in topics of personal and professional interest. 

Teaching will be delivered on one day per week, on campus, giving you the flexibility to combine work or volunteering in the workplace with postgraduate study.

We also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Get hands-on training in research methods
  • Use software to analyse data
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Working with our active sociological and criminological researchers, you’ll be supported in topics of personal and professional interest. 

Teaching will be delivered on one day per week, on campus, giving you the flexibility to combine work or volunteering in the workplace with postgraduate study.

We also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Get hands-on training in research methods
  • Use software to analyse data
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

Working with our active sociological and criminological researchers, you’ll be supported in topics of personal and professional interest. 

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, reports, e-posters, e presentation, a problem-based assignment or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, reports, e-posters, e presentation, a problem-based assignment or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, reports, e-posters, e presentation, a problem-based assignment or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, reports, e-posters, e presentation, a problem-based assignment or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking, presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Assessment skills (including time management)

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Enabling Centre is here to help sure nothing stands in your way.

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices, but could look like:

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library or a computer, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library or a computer, you’ll find it at University of Staffordshire.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library or a computer, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:

  • Reading journals, articles and books
  • Working on projects, alone or in a group
  • Researching in the library
  • Preparing coursework

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library or a computer, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Staff

You will be taught be dedicated and research active lecturers, whose expertise and knowledge closely match the content of the course. Each of our team has a PhD, or is working towards one, and all are members of the Higher Education Authority. Each of our team has extensive contacts within the Criminal Justice System and/or local community partnerships.

Dr Arta Jalili-Idrissi

Lecturer

Arta is a critical criminologist and Lecturer in Criminology at Staffordshire University. Arta's main areas of interest are imprisonment, carceral space and technology, penalty and social control.

Arta's profile

Louis Martin

Senior Lecturer

Louis worked for Derbyshire Constabulary before becoming Head of the Roads Policing Unit and Detective Inspector for Derby City Centre. He is Course Leader for Criminal Justice with Offender Management.

Louis's profile

Professor James Treadwell

Professor In Criminology

James became a Professor in Criminology at Staffordshire University in 2017. His expertise are in violent, professional and organised crime; prisons, prison violence and victimisation; drugs and crime; Ethnography; Crime and the Military.

James's profile

Sarah Page

Associate Professor

Sarah is an Associate Professor teaching on our undergraduate and post graduate courses in Criminology and post graduate course in Leadership in Action on Poverty. She is also the Co-Director of the Staffordshire University Crime and Society Group.

Sarah's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £9,165 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for MA-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £9,135 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
  • Text books are available from the library, but some students choose to purchase their own copies.
  • Printing
  • Travel costs
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Scholarships and additional funding

Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options - part-time, full-time and distance learning. However, postgraduate certificates (PgCerts), postgraduate diplomas (PgDips) and PhD courses are excluded if you live in England or Wales.

You can apply for a postgraduate loan if you are:

  • Studying a taught or research Masters course such as an MA, MSc or MBA
  • Under 60 years old at the start of your course
  • Ordinarily resident in England or Wales, or an EU national

Scholarships and additional funding

Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options - part-time, full-time and distance learning. However, postgraduate certificates (PgCerts), postgraduate diplomas (PgDips) and PhD courses are excluded if you live in England or Wales.

You can apply for a postgraduate loan if you are:

  • Studying a taught or research Masters course such as an MA, MSc or MBA
  • Under 60 years old at the start of your course
  • Ordinarily resident in England or Wales, or an EU national

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you’re offered a place at Staffordshire University, there’s a few rules, regulations, and conditions you’ll need to know.

When you join us as a student, you’re entering into a contract. The terms of this contract might change from time to time. You can read the University Policies and Regulations for up-to-date information.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021