Sociology and Global Change MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time
Funding opportunities
This programme provides core teaching in the ideas and approaches of sociology as applied to understanding social order and social change globally and internationally. It explores the local impacts of global processes, and the global impacts of local processes.
During this intensive programme, you will explore these processes by developing your own research agenda, both in coursework and in a supervised dissertation project of your own choice.
The programme presents sociology as the study of a dynamic and globalising world, around such areas as:
- environment and sustainable development
- migration, refugees and displacement
- the sociology of globalisation
- gender, emotions, intimate and family life
- global financial markets, economic sociology and global capitalism
- social network analysis
- social movements and global inequalities
- human rights and citizenship
- digital and global popular cultures
Who this programme is for
This programme will appeal to those concerned about and wishing to understand some of the key social problems and dynamics of our day. It is most suited to those seeking a thorough grounding in approaches to social research on global issues.
This MSc programme also provides a conversion course for those from a variety of academic backgrounds, and we welcome students from all subject areas, and with diverse topics of interest.
Why Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is one of the leading international centres of excellence for postgraduate study in Sociology. You will join an academic community led by international experts working on global topics, in one of the UK’s best departments for research and teaching.
The research of our faculty covers Europe, the Americas (including Latin America), Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia (including India and China).
Edinburgh Sociology is host to a vibrant intellectual and postgraduate student life. There are regular seminars with international scholars, and postgraduates present their work at an annual conference, 'New Directions in Sociology', in addition to our biannual 'Global Ethnographies' showcase of the work of students on the programme.
More programme details
You can find more details about this programme, including student testimonials and suggested reading recommendations, on the programme webpage:
The MSc in Sociology and Global Change is offered as a one-year full-time programme.
You will take compulsory courses that give you a sociological perspective and prepare you for independent dissertation research.
Your four further option courses can address global topics, social theory and research training, depending on your background, experience in research and interests.
Dissertation
The dissertation, a piece of self-designed research with supervisory support, allows you to put your personal stamp on your studies. It is an ideal chance to get to grips with an issue that fascinates you, and excellent preparation for further graduate level study.
The MSc in Sociology and Global Change programme offers the possibility of undertaking placement-based projects.
Placement-based dissertation
The aim of the placement-based dissertation is to provide you with the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.
The placements generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:
- NGOs
- charities
- social enterprises
- think-tanks
- government bodies
Placements can either be in person, hybrid or undertaken remotely. Ypu are also able to source your own placements subject to university approval.
Please note that a placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and are by competitive application during Semester 1.
Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option via our dedicated information pages:
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Sociology and Global Change | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
When you complete the degree you will:
- Have a comprehensive overview of key theories, research themes and approaches to understanding global social change from a sociological perspective.
- Be able to design, conduct and present a substantial piece of empirical or theoretical research.
- Be able to contribute to key debates in the specific areas you have chosen to study through the optional courses and in your dissertation.
This programme is extremely relevant if you are seeking employment in:
- consultancy
- the public sector
- UN agencies
- non-governmental organisations
- the private sector
- think-tanks
It will also be valuable if you want to work as a/an:
- academic
- practitioner
- policy maker
Past students have gone on to undertake roles in:
- development and international aid
- the public sector
- academia/think-tanks
- migration NGOs
- environment and conservation
- law
- journalism
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025. A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Sociology and Global Change | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
borrowing money
taking out a loan
family support
personal savings
income from work
employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Directors, Dr Sophia Woodman and Dr Angélica Thumala
- Contact: spsmsc.socglob@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Sociology and Global Change - 1 Year (Full-time)
Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines. We will make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis, but hold the majority of applications until the next published selection deadline when we will offer a proportion of the places available to applicants selected through a competitive process.
Deadlines for applicants applying to study in 2025/6 will be published shortly.
Please be aware that applications must be submitted and complete, i.e. all required documents uploaded, by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered in that round. Your application will still be considered if you have not yet met the English language requirement for the programme.
References are not usually required for applications to this programme.
Please note that we expect applications to evidence:
A clear research interest within one or more of the areas covered by the MSc.
Capacity for independent academic work.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Postgraduate Admissions Team
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 4086
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Programme Directors, Dr Sophia Woodman and Dr Angélica Thumala
- Contact: spsmsc.socglob@ed.ac.uk
- Graduate School of Social & Political Science
- Chrystal Macmillan Building
- 15A George Square
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LD
- School: Social & Political Science
- College: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences