Inequality and Society MSc
Postgraduate Certificate / Master's Degree
The total service fee for this program:
€ 499
Pre payment for this program:
€ 99
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Discount event for this program
Mie exceptional discounts
The amount of discount for this event
100 €
The total service fee for this program after discount:
€ 399
ABOUT
Develop an interdisciplinary and cutting-edge understanding of local, national and global inequality issues. Explore strategies for change. Research an area of inequality to specialise in. Gain a career in the public, voluntary or education sector or take your studies to PhD level. Be a part of changing the world.
Overview
Why does inequality exist and what can we do about it? In this theoretical and research-based course, you’ll examine the major causes of inequalities in our world. You’ll explore the nature of intersectionality, including how factors such as gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age and others come together and how certain groups face unique forms of disadvantage. You’ll develop as a researcher and work out strategies that can be used to change the unequal world in which we live in order to help to achieve equity and social justice.
Take advantage of a broad range of optional modules which explore the nature of inequality further, examining topics such as: gender, activism and social justice, mental and physical health, sexualities and gender identities, media exclusions, childhood inequalities and socio-economic inequalities. We are proud of our ‘internationalising of the curriculum’ approach where topics explored will be from national to global in their outlook. Our modules have been aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
You’ll have opportunities to develop your own employability skills and depending on your chosen modules, to learn skills such as conference speaking, using social research software such as Nvivo and SPSS, writing a report for global bodies such as the United Nations, writing a campaign strategy for an activist movement and developing electronic resources such as blogs, podcasts and YouTube clips.
Why us?
- Our MSc Inequality and Society course scored an excellent 97% satisfaction score in the 2022 PTES (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey). 100% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the course is ‘intellectually stimulating’ in 2022
- A wide range of optional modules covering staff research specialisms in gender, activism and social justice, sexuality and gender identity, childhood, gender, socio-economic disadvantage and health inequalities
- We have award-winning staff in the areas of equality and diversity and teaching and learning. Staff are active researchers in tackling inequalities at a national and global level
- An opportunity to present your dissertation research findings at our MSc conference at the end of your studies, which is great for your professional development
- A concentrated timetable with classes held across one day per week (except for two dissertation days), to fit around work and other commitments
- Opportunities to build up experience with leading and respected equality and diversity organisations through internships and volunteering
- Weekly ‘Development Sessions’ will help you to improve as a social researcher and student, and will also allow opportunities to boost your employability skills post-graduation
- The University of Sunderland was recently named ‘University of the Year for Social Inclusion’ (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021)
Course structure
Full-time
This route is over one year from October to September. The course runs on a Tuesday with modules in three-hour blocks to fit around work and childcare commitments and to reduce the number of days that you are in university.
The course will typically be taught as the following:
Semester one (two core modules and weekly Development Sessions)
All classes in semester one are on a Tuesday. In semester one, these are held in the afternoon (1-4pm for first core module) and one evening class (5-8pm for second core module).
Development Sessions also run on a Tuesday from 12-1pm throughout both semester one and two and are optional. Development Sessions will cover topics such as writing a PhD proposal, searching for academic journals, exploring additional research methods outside of your modules, providing dissertation drop-ins, introducing employability and graduate support, and offering opportunities to give course feedback. There will also be informal opportunities to have coffee with the Programme Leaders.
Semester two (two optional modules)
All classes in semester two are also on a Tuesday. Depending on your option choices, these will typically run in the timeslots of: 9-12pm, 1-4pm or 5-8pm.
Semester three (core dissertation module over the year)
Alongside writing your dissertation, there will also be two mandatory ‘dissertation days’ to prepare you for your dissertation research which will typically be a full day (10am-4pm) over two Fridays, one in November and another in January. You will be provided with an academic calendar with the exact dates of these when you enrol.
Part-time
This route is over two years and follows the same day and time slots as full-time students. However, in your first year you will study a core module in semester one (1-4pm) and an optional module in semester two (time dependent on choice but between 1-8pm). In your second year, you will complete your second core module in semester one, an optional module in semester two, and your dissertation module over the year.
Other commitments
You must also take part in a day-long ‘MSc Inequality and Society Dissertation Conference’ toward the end of your programme in the September as you complete your MSc. We would also encourage students to attend other voluntary training courses and opportunities that fall on other days where possible.
A typical week for you, whether full-time or part-time, will include interactive lectures, seminars, workshops, blended learning, group and individual work, and computer-based learning. Throughout the course, you’ll have one-to-one support from an allocated Personal Academic Tutor who will meet with you regularly.
Enrichment weeks
During both semesters where there are local half-term holidays, we have no teaching in these weeks. Instead, we offer all students ‘enrichment weeks’ of optional and additional activities. These have ranged from guest lectures, training sessions, theatre trips, visits to museums, and more. We encourage all students to come along to enrichment weeks in both semesters.
Semester 1, core modules:
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Inequality, Diversity and Intersectionality: Theory and Practice (30 credits)
Learn about intersectionality and explore current and lived experiences of inequality. Understand how this concept of intersectionality recognises that social inequalities interact, so people’s identities and social positions are shaped by multiple factors such as age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background. Examine the most important theoretical and professionally recognised approach to inclusivity and equality in the 21st century. Study institutional and procedural requirements, charters principles, and legal requirements on intersectionality (such as the Athena Swan Charter Mark). Explore case studies and scenarios and produce your own work-based policies. With freedom of choice, develop autonomous and critical decision-making in this field of professional decision making.
- Research and Evidence (30 credits)
Plan, construct and implement a researchable problem as a social researcher. Examine the different methods used by social researchers to analyse our social world. Learn important software to help your research further, such as SPSS for quantitative research and NVivo for qualitative research. Complete a comparative research study, a research proposal and a practical skills assessment using what you have learnt so far. Use these skills to develop yourself as a social researcher and to take these skills further to social research organisations, government departments, the private sector, charities and further study.
Please note that options are dependent on a suitable number of students taking them, as well as staff availability, and so some options may not run.
Semester 2, optional modules (choose two):
- Mind, Body and Health Inequalities (30 credits)
What are the physical and mental health inequalities faced by people across the course? Examine historical and current inequalities in both physical and mental health in the UK and globally. Focus on how inequality is treated from the perspective of the effects of social class, gender, ethnicity and other factors, as well as the interrelationship between them. Complete an essay which will develop your analysis of health inequalities at a local or global level, which is ideal for those wanting to work in the statutory, public and charity sector working to address health inequalities at all stages throughout the life course.
- Fear of a Queer Planet? Sexuality and Inequality (30 credits)
What does it mean to be LGBTQI+ (or ‘queer’) today in the social world? What are the structural barriers and inequalities faced by queer people across the globe? Why does global homophobia, biphobia and transphobia exist? Probe these questions which will form the basis of this module as struggles over LGBTQI+ identity politics, human rights and inequalities have become more prominent in world politics. Examine key debates, movements and changes around an increasing awareness of sexuality and gender identity and explore the issues faced by queer lives, communities, cultures and societies both locally and across the globe. Finish the module by completing a research report for the United Nations Independent SOGI Expert, which is ideal for those wanting to work for national or global bodies in human rights, charity work, international development and social justice campaigns.
- Identities, Inequalities and Exploitation in the Media: Exploring the Digital Divide (30 credits)
Develop your understanding of the ways in which new technological advances can produce, perpetuate or counteract social and structural inequalities. Consider the role technology plays in criminal acts and evaluate the uses of digital media in the development of new crime, victimisation and law enforcement. Explore a variety of theoretical perspectives to explain the digital divide and evaluate their impact on global development. Use media analysis to gain an understanding of mediated identities / ideologies and examine the ways micro-interactions can facilitate macro-level interventions. Finish the module by producing an e-resource which will support those seeking to work in the digital industries, third sector service provision or social justice campaigning.
- Global Childhoods (30 credits)
Develop your understanding of the ways in which notions of childhood can produce, perpetuate or counteract social and structural inequalities. Consider the role of children within families and families themselves contribute to inequality within our societies and from local, national, and global perspectives. Explore a variety of theoretical perspectives to explain differences and divides between children’s experiences and evaluate the impact of globalism on childhood. Use the concept of agency to gain an understanding of mediated identities/ideologies. Finish the module by producing a comparative analysis of children’s lives using a local, national, and global perspective.
- A Troubled World? Activism, Resistance and Social Justice (30 credits)
Develop your knowledge of why activists, social justice and resistance groups develop as a site of resistance against wider forms of inequality and discrimination. Develop your knowledge of theories of social change and the movements and campaigns seeking to achieve this change, including their own impacts, successes and failures. Focus on local to global issues as you explore case studies of movements using examples such as the Arab Spring, #MeToo, migrant rights, climate change activists, anti-poverty, FairTrade and human rights. Distinguish the forces working to curtail and oppress activist and social justice networks and their levels of success in doing this. Finish the module with developing a skills toolkit in exploring how activism methodologies work and through writing a campaign pack for an activist or social justice movement which is ideal for those seeking to work in campaigning, social justice, human rights and advocacy of oppressed voices.
- Risk, Austerity and Neoliberalism (30 credits)
How has austerity and economic/social policy affected our lives and services? Has this created further inequalities? Examine how in an increasingly global world, we are at the mercy of economic policies that affect the NHS, education, the Third Sector, youth policy, social care of older people and offender management. Examine the role of neoliberalism and austerity in increasingly ‘risky’ times, including the effects of these on societies, communities and neighbourhoods. Complete an essay analysing the issues impacting upon people due to global capitalism, neoliberalism and austerity, which would support work in all sectors who face the current or future prospect of financial cuts.
- Sex, Gender and Sexuality: Citizenship, Choice and the State (30 credits)
What is the relationship between sex, gender, citizenship and the state? Examine how we live in societies and nation states with differing legal frameworks which shape our everyday interactions. Explore the politics of gender in our global world and some of the most pressing social issues, such as human trafficking, sex work, transgender identities, pornography and gender-based violence. Investigate theoretical approaches to gender such as masculinities, post-structuralism, black feminism and materialist feminist theories. Complete an academic poster review assessment and finish the module with a firm grasp of gender-based issues and human rights, which is ideal for those seeking to work in fields such as global and local human rights, gender-based issues, international development and working in the Third Sector.
Entry requirements
We usually require applicants to hold at least a second class honours degree (usually a 2:1 or above) or equivalent.
Experience may be counted towards your application. We welcome applicants with degrees in areas such as social sciences, psychology, business, law, education, humanities, health, arts, technology and the sciences.
We do recommend that applicants have a knowledge of sociological theories and concepts before entering the course. We offer a Social Theory Summer School in October, before the course starts to cover the basics, but we recommend applicants read about sociological theories before the course starts.
Applicants whose first language is not English must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in all four areas.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
If you feel you already know some of the topics covered in this course, either due to previous learning or from experience of work, then you may not need to study all of the course.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is the name given to the process of gaining credit towards a qualification because of something you have learnt in the past. If you are eligible for APL you won’t have to learn the same topic again, so you can be exempt from a module, set of modules or year of a course.
Career ready
An MSc in Inequality and Society creates a number of career options. Your expert knowledge of equality and diversity, data analysis and strong research skills will be highly prized by employers. You’ll become a specialist in your chosen area of inequality, as well as other areas that you choose to study.
Many University of Sunderland postgraduates now work in the fields of human rights, equality, inclusion and diversity, education, the criminal justice system, the private sector and business, local and national government, international development, social justice campaign work, advocacy, and social research. Many of our graduates also go on to study a postgraduate research qualification, such as a PhD.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course will be able to forge careers:
- As equality and diversity champions in the public/statutory, private, non-profit and education sectors, for example schools, colleges, the armed forces and private businesses
- Working for the government, private organisations, local authorities and international bodies as a social researcher or policy analyst
- Working with groups such as BAME, asylum seekers, refugees, LGBTQI+ people and women’s rights
- Working in organisations that offer support to other disadvantaged groups such as the homeless, domestic abuse, exploitation and organisations that tackle poverty and exclusion
- In community and youth work with children, young people, adults and older people
- Working in organisations that tackle the social causes of health inequalities and public health
- In human rights research, development and policy, including campaign work on a national or international basis
- Working locally and globally for international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in national and international development work, advocacy and research
- In the criminal justice system, for example the police, probation service, prisons and working to combat hate crimes
- Working with both victims and perpetrators
Employability support
At the beginning of the course, a full induction and Flying Start pre-course module will introduce you to Sunderland Futures, offering a range of career and cv-enhancing services that you can use as a masters student. During the course, Development Sessions from 12-1pm on a Tuesday will be offered to support you in learning new skills, research methods, and boosting future employment opportunities. There may also be additional training courses offered for you to top up your CV and opportunities for you to go to conferences and events will be promoted. These additional courses may be on different days to timetabled modules.
Internships and voluntary experience in equality based organisations
You may be offered opportunities to engage with short or long-term internships with organisations who are involved with tackling social inequalities. This is a great way to gain experience over the year of your MSc with cutting-edge organisations as you study and which may form the basis of your final dissertation topic. Excellent opportunities to take part in internships and long-term volunteering experience may be offered and previous MSc students have taken positions with acclaimed organisations such as The Equality Trust and JustFair.
MSc Inequality and Society conference
At the end of the course in the September, you will take part in arranging and presenting your dissertation findings in front of your peers and staff members. This is a supportive experience that allows you to familiarise yourself with presenting research and associated findings in a conference setting, which will enhance your confidence, CV, and career development.
Centre for Applied Social Sciences
The University of Sunderland’s Centre for Applied Social Studies (CASS) combines original academic research with practice-based collaborations and reach-out activities, often working directly with practitioners, policymakers and front-line delivery staff regionally, nationally and internationally. According to the most recent National Research Excellence Framework Exercise, almost half of our outputs are either ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.
The mission of CASS reflects that of the University’s aim as a civic university: to take an active interest in the social issues that affect the region and beyond by engaging in research and practice-based collaborations that aim to improve living conditions, address inequalities and social exclusion and promote social justice.
Currently our research focuses around three strands: children, young people and families; communities, health and social exclusion; and crime, victims and social justice. CASS regularly hosts visiting speakers and holds events that you will be invited to. This can be an excellent way to learn from the real-life experience of people who already have a strong track record in sociological and social policy related social research. This is a great way to learn from experts in their field.
PhD options
PhD options include:
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Business
- Health and Social Care
- Ethnicity
- Sexuality
- Gender Studies
In the 2019 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), Social Sciences research degrees were ranked 1st (out of 86 institutions) for the question ‘Overall, I am satisfied with the experience of my research degree programme’.
The University was ranked 11th globally (out of 103 institutions) for the same question.
Solving inequalities in society
Drew Dalton, Programme Leader for the course and a Senior Lecturer in Sociology, talks about how welfare reforms and the rising cost of living, coupled with the concerning rise of hate crime and the far right as well as the impact of Brexit, led a team of social scientists to introduce this inequality-focused course. Learn more about how the course came about, its intention, and hear from an applicant in our ‘Solving inequalities in society’ news article.
If English is not your first language you should have at least one of the following qualifications (or equivalent) as a minimum.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
You need an overall score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 or higher in each component: reading, writing, listening and speaking. An alternative approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) will also be accepted if the applicant’s element scores are equivalent to those required for IELTS. After 6 April 2015, you must take your IELTS exams at one of the test centres listed on the UKVI website.
Pearson Test of English Academic
You need an overall score of 59 with no less than 59 in each skill.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
You need grade C or above.
Cambridge Certification in Advanced English (CAE)
You need grade C or above.
Deadlines
26 January 2022 – UCAS deadline
Applications for all UCAS Undergraduate courses, except those with a 15 October deadline, should arrive at UCAS by 6pm on 26 January 2022. This is the ‘equal consideration’ deadline, which means course providers must consider all applications received by this time equally.
25 February 2022 – UCAS Extra opens
If you’ve used all five choices, and you’re not holding any offers, you can add another choice using Extra.
19 May 2022 – University decision deadline
If you applied by 26 January and you’re still awaiting a decision from one of your choices, we have until today to decide whether we’re making you an offer. Any choices that are still outstanding after this will be made unsuccessful.
9 June 2022 – Deadline to reply to offers
If you receive all your university decisions by 19 May, you must reply to any offers by today (except if you are using Extra to find a place), otherwise they’ll be declined.
30 June 2022 – Final day to make an application to five universities
You can still apply with up to five choices until 6pm today. After this, your application will automatically be entered into Clearing.
4 July 2022 – Final day to apply for a course in Extra
This is the last day to add an Extra option to your 2022 application. If you don’t hold any offers after this, you will be able to add an additional choice using Clearing.
FREE VISA SERVICE
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Expenses (GBP)
13750
Application Fee
0
Program expenses
University & General Expenses
accommodation
The university offers three different student residential buildings, all of which are within walking distance from the university campuses. All students that are residing in these buildings can take advantage of the free transport that the university offers. What is more, all the dorms are equipped with facilities like fridge, Shower, toilet facilities, Wi-Fi, bed Wardrobe, Washbasin and mirror, as well as car parking and bicycle storage.
The first student residence of the university is called Scotia Quay that costs up to £95.50 per week. Each room is suitable for up to 5 students. the second one is named Panns Bank costs about £77.79 a week and is also suitable for families of four. Lastly, Clanny House also costs around £77.79 per week and is suitable for couples as well as single students.
After Graduation
All the students have the opportunity to seek help from The Careers and Employability Service, a team dedicated to helping students find proper and suitable employment either during or after their education.
Students are encouraged to take on part-time vocational roles in order to gain perspective on the reality of the labor market and also earn extra cash. As a matter of fact, the university helps and guides them during this process. It helps students find part-time jobs that do not impact their studies or temporary jobs that can be done during vacations and breaks. Students also have the chance to take part in paid or unpaid internships and job placements that are related to their field of study.
The Careers and Employability Service also helps students with finding employment after graduation. They help students with the resumes, CVs, job applications and job interviews.