Master of Arts - Sociology

Public Sociology awakens and empowers the sociological imagination by connecting what students study with the social issues and challenges faced by contemporary civil society. It not only gives students the opportunity to develop advanced and specialist knowledge of sociological theory and research: it supports and challenges them to use this knowledge in ways that directly benefit others. The course is designed and delivered by academic professionals with expertise in carrying out research for and with many different clients, groups and communities. Human rights, migration, and community engagement feature strongly in Nottingham Trent University's research portfolio.

Public Sociology reaches beyond the University, creating the spaces where academics, students and diverse publics can interrogate and apply sociological research and methods to real world situations. From day one of the course, students will take what they learn in the classroom to the various 'publics' of Nottingham and beyond, gaining valuable experience through modules that emphasise working with communities, engaging with local and national policy makers and contributing to debates that ignite public interest.

The course embodies not only the pursuit of understanding, critique and argument essential to advanced sociology, but also a call to action. Through a course design that emphasises the continuous interplay between theory and practice, students will develop both their in-depth knowledge and their practical skills in being a Public Sociologist

Throughout the course, students will explore historical and contemporary issues and debates with a focus on social inequalities and social issues and develop an understanding of a range of global issues. Key issues addressed in the course include human rights, migration, and community engagement. Students will also become part of a lively and creative research culture with staff who have specialist interests in the study of disaster, race, gender and social class.

Through dedicated service learning placements, students will apply their sociological imagination in work with practitioners, academics and community members to propose and test solutions to some of the challenges those groups face.