Section: Prospective Students
Sociologists study people in society, and how their interactions and relationships generate larger social patterns that change over time. We look at groups like the immediate family, larger ones like a school or factory, very large institutions like the education system, whole societies like Scotland or Britain, and even global and transnational social processes. Sociologists also study means of communication and understanding between people as well as the production of cultural and scientific knowledge. Put simply, sociology is the attempt to understand how society works. We all have a personal stake in this as we try to make sense of our own lives, as well as contribute to public debates about the way our society is organized and how it relates to other societies.
Sociology at the University of Edinburgh is highly regarded for its record of influential original research on topics such as: national identity; culture, narrative and auto/biography; personal life, identity and change; economics and finance; sociological theory; South Asia; and science and technology.
MA Honours in:
In the first two years, all students must take three semester-length core courses in Sociology, plus two interdisciplinary courses in theory and method given by the School of Social and Political Studies. Honours students do a selection of optional courses of their own choosing plus required courses in Theory and Methods. They must also do an individual research project on a topic they select which constitutes a major portion of their degree.
Graduates in sociology follow diverse and interesting careers. Some enter jobs in local and central government, industry, journalism and the media, voluntary associations, and market research. There are other jobs which call upon specialist knowledge and further education and training. Sociology offers preparation for entry into postgraduate courses in teaching, social work, and urban planning for example. Some of our students also go on to an academic career teaching and/or researching Sociology in Universities.
Sociology
School of Social and Political Studies
The University of Edinburgh
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LD
Telephone: 0131 650 4001
Web: www.sociology.ed.ac.uk
Email: Sue.Renton@ed.ac.uk
This page was published on 10 June 2008