MSc Sociology

On this MSc Sociology, you’ll learn how to apply sociological theories and carry out research to tackle real-world problems. Students develop their critical and independent thinking skills across a wide range of courses.

Within the department, we have particular research strengths in economic sociology, politics and human rights, social inequalities, urban sociology and the social studies of knowledge, culture and technology.

Our research engages with many major issues confronting the world, such as inequalities, urbanisation, and technological change. This research informs our graduate teaching.

This flexible master’s programme allows you to pursue your sociology interests in many areas. In addition to the department’s research clusters, the supervisory team has expertise in other fields such as criminology, family demography, and science and technology studies.

You’ll also complete rigorous training in social science research methods – offering excellent preparation for a career in research, policymaking or many other areas.

LSE is home to one of the world’s top sociology departments and our research has shaped the discipline in the UK and internationally. Our department houses and we work closely with academics from across LSE and our broader research centres, such as the International Inequalities Institute and LSE Cities. We also run an active public events programme, led by LSE academics and leading external sociologists.

Our graduates pursue interesting and stimulating careers in research and policymaking.

• Ahmed, Sara. (2017) Living a Feminist Life. Durham: Duke University Press.
• Bloch, Alice and John Solomos. (2009) Race and Ethnicity in the 21st Century. London: Polity.
• Bhambra, Gurminder K and John Holmwood. 2021. Colonialism and Modern Social Theory. London: Polity Press.
• Hall, Suzi. (2021) The Migrant’s Paradox: Street Livelihoods and Marginal Citizenship in Britain. Minneapolis: Minnesota University Press.
• Krause, M. (2021) Model Cases: On Canonical Research Objects and Sites. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Savage, M. (2021) The Return of Inequality: Social Change and the Weight of the Past. Harvard University Press.
• Timmermans, S (2022) Data Analysis in Qualitative Research: Theorizing with Abductive Analysis. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

You'll choose one research methods course, and choose optional courses from an approved list. You'll also complete a dissertation of up to 10,000 words on a subject of interest related to the courses and approved by the department.

You'll be advised on the dissertation topic by your academic mentor, in conjunction with the director of your MSc programme. You choose the topic in consultation and with the support of academic faculty. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to think sociologically and do original work on a sociological problem, issue or debate.

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.

Department of Sociology

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.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

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

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

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment consists of formal written examinations, essays and other assignments. Your dissertation will also contribute to your final grade.

An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Students go into a wide variety of professions, such as teaching, research, politics, public administration, the social and health services, advertising, journalism, other areas of the media, law, publishing, industry, accounting, marketing, personnel and management.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.