Sociology and Social Inequalities UCL

Overview

The Sociology and Social Inequalities, MSc degree from UCL curriculum includes foundational modules in Advanced Social Theory, Global Sociology, Principles of Sociological Explanation, and Social Change in Contemporary Society, alongside the specialised module, Sociological Approaches to Inequalities. In this module, students critically explore the intersecting dimensions of inequality, focusing on how disparities in power, resources, and representation shape life outcomes, from individual wellbeing to national stability in the face of global crises like climate change. 

Students can tailor their studies with a wide range of optional modules, exploring topics especially relevant to inequalities in today’s world. You will learn to analyse inequality through tools such as computational methods, systematic reviews, and impact evaluation, but also through qualitative, critical, and intersectional approaches. The dissertation component provides an opportunity to conduct an independent research project on a topic of your choosing, demonstrating your understanding and application of sociological tools to the inequalities of today. Graduates of the programme leave with a nuanced understanding of contemporary inequality, critical and analytical skills, and hands-on research experience highly sought after in today’s labour market.

Career opportunities:

Upon completing your studies, you will emerge from our programme equipped with the essential skills and a forward-thinking mindset necessary to confront the challenges that define 21st-century society. Whether you decide to pursue further postgraduate studies or embark on a competitive career path, your time at UCL will provide you with a distinct advantage. Join us in shaping a brighter future through academic excellence and societal impact.

What this means in practice is students will acquire a range of skills that increase their employability, in addition to their subject specific expertise they will require. Through a comprehensive approach based on UCL’s Pillars of Employability, encompassing formative and summative exercises across different modules, methodological training, extracurricular activities, career guidance including PhD preparation support, and volunteering opportunities (e.g., under the UCL Community Research Initiative), we are confident that we provide our students with a well-rounded portfolio of skills and training that will set them apart in the labour market.

Upon graduation students will have acquired the following transferable skills:

• Data analysis

• Programming, using the latest software packages

• Decision making

• Problem solving

• Interpersonal skills

• Teamwork

• Independent work and leadership

• Presentational skills

• Communication skills

• Time keeping and workload prioritisation

• Project management