The Master of Arts (Sociology) is a 36-unit program offered by the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. The course is normally completed in two semesters full-time or six semesters part-time.
It articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Sociology, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the two awards.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally hold either hold the Graduate Diploma in Sociology or an approved honours degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
Course aims
The aims of The Master of Arts (Sociology) are to:
- apply Advanced Sociological reasoning in understanding social life
- comprehend core and complex concepts and theories within sociology
- examine the changing relationships between individuals, groups and society
- highlight new social processes associated with Social Change, social
inequality and social conflict - analyse social evidence by selecting and utilising an appropriate research collection method
- follow ethical requirements in conducting social research
- identify the range of ways that sociological knowledge can be applied in vocational setting.
Learning outcomes
Following successful completion of a Master in Sociology students will be able to:
- identify how established and emergent structural factors shape the social world
- comprehend rapid Social Changes and the ways these are understood by competing sociological approaches
- appreciate recent societal developments relating to social class, ethnicity, gender, capitalism, nationalism and globalisation.
- explain how social problems emerge and the ways in which power is resisted in contemporary society
- develop an original Research Project that involves selection and analysis of an appropriate case, canvassing a range of relevant literature and providing logical conclusions.
- understand professional ethical norms and debates about conducting social research and safeguarding human subjects from harm
- argue for the role of sociology and social research in addressing social problems.
Program of study
To qualify for The Master of Arts (Sociology), a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study below.
There are two Master of Arts (Sociology) course options:
- Option 1 - MA Sociology (Coursework Thesis)
- Option 2 - MA Sociology (Research Project)
Not all topics necessarily are available in a given year.
Option 1 - MA Sociology (Coursework Thesis)
Students must complete (a), (b) and (c)
(a)
Core - Option 1 - Coursework Thesis
SOCI9001 MA Sociology Coursework Thesis (18 units) OR
SOCI9001A MA Sociology Coursework Thesis (9/18 units) AND
SOCI9001B MA Sociology Coursework Thesis (9/18 units)
(b)
Core - Option 1 topics
SOCI9006 Social Theory Today (4.5 units)
SOCI9010 Advanced Sociological Research Methods (4.5 units)
(c)
Elective - Option 1 topics
9 units chosen from the following:
SOCI9002 Shaping the Future: Social Change in the New Century (4.5 units)
SOCI9028 Graduate Reading Seminar in Sociology (4.5 units)*
SOCI9029 Contemporary Social Problems (4.5 units)
SOCI9030 Research and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
SOCI9031 Masterclass in Contemporary Sociology (4.5 units)
SOCI9032 Masterclass in Social Theory (4.5 units)
SOCI9033 Knowing the Social World (4.5 units)
SOCI9034 Animals, Nature & Society (4.5 units)
Option 2 - MA Sociology (Research Project)
Students must complete (a), (b) and (c)
(a)
Core - Option 2 - Research Project
SOCI9101 MA Sociology Research Project (9 units)
(b)
Core - Option 2 topics
SOCI9006 Social Theory Today (4.5 units)
SOCI9010 Advanced Sociological Research Methods (4.5 units)
(c)
Elective - Option 2 topics
18 units from the following:
SOCI9002 Shaping the Future: Social Change in the New Century (4.5 units)
SOCI9028 Graduate Reading Seminar in Sociology (4.5 units)*
SOCI9029 Contemporary Social Problems (4.5 units)
SOCI9030 Research and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
SOCI9031 Masterclass in Contemporary Sociology (4.5 units)
SOCI9032 Masterclass in Social Theory (4.5 units)
SOCI9033 Knowing the Social World (4.5 units)
In addition to the above topic choices a maximum of 9 units may be selected from the following advanced level topics:
Elective - Advanced level topics
AMST7009 The State and Social Movements in Modern America (4.5 units)
EDUC9608 Globalisation: Issues and Challenges (4.5 units)
GEOG8712 Asian Regional Development GE (4.5 units)
INTR9062 Contemporary Issues in Gender and Development (4.5 units)
POAD9014 Public Policy (4.5 units)
TOUR8116 Essentials of Tourism (4.5 units)
WMST8005 Indigenous Women's Voices: Negotiating Differences (4.5 units)
WMST9010 Thinking Through The Body: Feminist Questions (4.5 units)
*requires Postgraduate Convenor Approval