MA Global Urban Sociology
Key information
- Start date
- Duration
- 1 year
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- On Campus
- Fees
-
For all students: £13,000
- Course code
- PGTF0290
- Entry requirements
-
Students will need to meet all the following entry requirements:
We will consider a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant Social Science or humanities subjects. For students holding a BA/BSc/BCom from India, students need to have completed an integrated four-year degree programme to be eligible for the course. References are not required but can help build a stronger application.
Please see our international entry requirements and English language requirements for further details.
Admissions
Students will need to apply via SOAS only for this programme. When applying, you just need to select the specific programme: MA Global Urban Sociology.
To access the SOAS application form, please see our How to apply pages.Award
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be awarded a single, co-badged certificate conferred by both SOAS and Shiv Nadar IoE.
International mobility
This programme contains mandatory travel from the UK to India, with students based at Shiv Nadar IoE for Term One and at SOAS for Term Two. To be able to undertake the programme, students must successfully obtain a Standard Visitor visa for the UK prior to starting the programme and a student visa for India before the start of Term 2. Please check the visa requirements and your eligibility for a visa for both the UK and India before applying to this programme.
Neither SOAS nor Shiv Nadar IoE can accept liability for failure of a student to obtain a UK and Indian visa for this programme.
Please see SOAS visas and immigration for more information on applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa and for support with your application to Shiv Nadar IoE please contact their Admissions team for the latest advice on applying for a Visa to India.
Neither SOAS nor Shiv Nadar IoE can accept liability for failure of a student to obtain valid UK and Indian visas for the programme. Please see SOAS visas and immigration for more information on applying for a UK visitor visa and the Ministry of Home Affairs, India for an Indian student visa.
Course overview
This jointly-taught MA between SOAS and Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Shiv Nadar IoE) in Delhi is one of the only programmes to focus on global sociology and specifically on the global sociology of cities and urban life-worlds.
All modules will utilise a combination of academic, policy and popular literature. There will be significant emphasis on case studies from around the world to illuminate theoretical and analytical frameworks. Students will receive excellent sociological training as well as cultural immersion in the UK and India, in a partnership programme that combines an exciting level of student mobility with cutting edge research-led teaching.
The course incorporates a core taught course component and a dissertation.
Why study the Joint MA in Global Urban Sociology?
Urbanisation is of extraordinary significance for the regions in which SOAS academics focus and globally it is a topic that brings together many of the most pressing concerns of our times; from climate, sustainability and extinctions, through to mental health, pollution and illness, via issues of governance, policy, and populism.
The programme provides a unique opportunity for students to grasp the broad global historical/political/cultural canvas against which sociology is studied and how sociology may be useful for thinking about urban global futures. It offers students an option to study current global issues around urbanism with reference to specific case studies drawn from different cities around the world.
It also provides an opportunity for students to develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of sociological frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project on the ‘Dissertation’ module.
SOAS University of London
- SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 12th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023), and 4th in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table)
- We are ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- We draw on the exceptional regional expertise of our academics in languages, cultures and politics, many of whom have joined us with a practical working knowledge of their disciplines.
- Our focus on the culture, politics and cultural communication are areas of growing global concern and significance among private, public and international institutions; our emphasis on skills, communication and methodology gives graduates a clear advantage with employers in the job market.
Shiv Nadar IoE
- Shiv Nadar IoE, established in 2011, is a multidisciplinary, research-focused, and student-centric university based in Delhi. It is the youngest university in India to have been awarded the status of Eminence.
- Shiv Nadar IoE’s goal is to become internationally recognised for the quality of its research and improving quality of life, generating new insights and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge creativity.
- The faculty of humanities and social sciences is designed to create innovators, leaders, and frontrunners in all fields of technology and intends to serve as an institutional model of excellence in scientific and technical education.
Living in London
Owing to the short-term stay in London for the course, you will not be able to stay in the main SOAS Halls of Residence. This means that your accommodation will not be booked via the SOAS Accommodation Office, but directly with our partner agencies.
Structure
To be awarded the MA, students must take modules to a total value of 180 SOAS credits, consisting of a dissertation (60 credits) and 120 credits of taught modules (60 credits taught by SOAS and 60 credits taught by Shiv Nadar IoE).
- Credit conversion = 15 credits at SOAS is equal to 4 credits at Shiv Nadar IoE.
Please note that not all modules listed will be available every year.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The content and availability of optional modules may be subject to change.
SNIoE Term 1 - Core
SNIoE Term 1 - Guided Options
SOAS Term 2 - Core
SOAS Term 2 - Guided Options
Teaching and learning
The language of instruction of the programme will be English.
Contact hours
The Master in Global Urban Sociology consist of 180 SOAS credits/48 Shiv Nadar IoE credits, made up of taught modules of 15/4 credits taught over two terms term, and a dissertation of 60/16 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which are optional electives.
At SOAS, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes.
At Shiv Nadar IoE, 1 credit is equal to 4 hours in class time which includes lectures, seminars, workshops interact and other interaction.
Knowledge and understanding
Students will:
- be expected to grasp key debates in urban sociology
- develop a critical understanding of the relationship between sociological examples and theory in the construction of sociological knowledge and an understanding of the ways in which sociology offers a specific set of viewpoints and methods
- develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of sociological frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project on the ‘Dissertation’ module
- develop their ability to reflect in a critical and informed manner on current global issues around urbanism with reference to specific case studies drawn from different cities around the world
Learning outcomes
Students will:
- develop rigour in analysis and assessment of sociological arguments
- develop the ability to understand, summarise and critically assess differing perspectives on theoretical debates
- be encouraged to bring to bear their own previous experience and knowledge in addressing urban issues in a critical manner
- learn to identify issues and formulate questions for further research through independent work
- be able to apply the research methodology tools and skillsets in their dissertation and for future research work
Employment
Graduates of this programme will leave with a solid grounding in global urban sociology as civic-minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to making their communities and societies more sustainable. They will have a thorough understanding of the key debates and issues in urban sociology and will be valued by employers due to their analytical skills, specialist knowledge, and a global perspective.
The programme is designed to focus on real world issues and their connect to social science insights. It is aimed at providing a firm base for both academic work into the future or professional upskilling in any employment environment that seeks expertise in urban issues.