Sociology and Global Change

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.