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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:L3UC
Department of Sociology

MSc Culture and Society

Examine the complex interplay between culture and society in a global context.

Overview

Introduction

The MSc Culture and Society examines how cultural trends and practices shape and are shaped by society.

Drawing on leading-edge cultural theory and innovative methodologies, you’ll have the freedom to study and research any social processes that fall within our broad understanding of culture. You can delve into topics such as identity and globalisation, gender and sexuality, nature and more-than-human world, or disability and embodiment.

The programme is distinctive for its interdisciplinary and international approach. You’ll be encouraged to think and research globally and draw on our expertise in sociology, anthropology, material culture, media studies and many other disciplines.

The curriculum includes a blend of core and optional courses, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests. You’ll also develop your qualitative research skills,enhancing your professional skills further.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, including anthropology, history, cultural and media studies, international relations, the arts, design and the humanities. We also welcome numerous mature students with established careers, particularly in the media and cultural industries. Whatever your background, this degree helps you build a strong foundation in sociological approaches to cultural research.

When you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for a career in academia, the creative industries, research organisations, or policymaking.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant social science, art or humanities discipline.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

Year 1

You take one compulsory course and methods training, and choose courses from a range of options. You also write a dissertation of 10,000 words on an aspect of cultural practice or theory. You'll be advised on your choice of dissertation topic by your academic adviser, and that topic may be empirical or theoretical in its approach. You'll be appointed an individual adviser with a related research interest with whom you can meet regularly during term time.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.

Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.

We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.

With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.

We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

209
Applications
22
Intake
10:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£18,300

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

Graduates have gone on to a diverse range of destinations including doctoral degrees, cultural policy and management jobs, teaching, creative industries (including advertising and marketing), performance arts and more.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our graduate taught students 15 months after graduating:

£30,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Health and Social Care
NGOs and Charities
Financial and Professional Services
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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