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Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate masters programmes

We offer postgraduate taught masters programmes in Sociology, Criminology, Social Work and Social Research Methods.

Our MSc in Sociology is a new programme offered from October 2021.The programme enables students to gain an advanced and critical understanding of how to apply sociological theories and perspectives to contemporary issues and social transformations.  Teaching is grounded in the active research specialisms of academic staff and strongly reflects our departmental research themes.

Our MSc Criminal Justice has been offered at Durham since 2007 and is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of crime, deviance and criminal justice from critical, theoretical, policy, legal political and practical perspectives.

Our Master of Social Work degree is a 21 month-long programme which trains students to become qualified social workers.

This programme, normally supported by bursaried places for eligible students, combines professional practice placements with academic training and a work-based research project.

We have a limited number of NHSBSA Social Work Bursaries available to eligible students confirming a place on Master of Social Work (MSW). 

Finally, we offer an MA Social Research Methods.  This programme combines a grounding in research methods (quantitative and qualitative) with a subject specialism in Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology or Social Work.  This programme is suitable as a standalone qualification but may also be taken as part of a funded ‘1+3’ route through the NINEDTP [link] for which Durham delivers training routes in Social Policy and Social Work.

Postgraduate taught courses

Find out more about the taught masters programmes on offer in our Department.
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Research degrees

Explore our PhD and research opportunities at Durham.
Two students in conversation during a seminar
Studying Criminology has changed the way I view the criminal justice system as my peers and professors introduced me to a variety of perspectives. This course gave me an opportunity to hear the voices of people affected by the justice system in the UK and I feel confident to make a change in society.

Solomon Hall
MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice

Postgraduate research

We offer both masters by research and doctorates by research. Our research areas are:

Communities and Social Justice • Higher Education and Inequality • Violence and Abuse • Health • Criminal Justice and Social Inequalities
Our research degrees
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Student Blogs

Read some updates from students on their experiences at Durham, and within the Sociology department

Highlights

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Christopher gives us an insight into his experience as a student on the Master of Social Work (MSW) programme.
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My experience as a visiting PhD scholar

Nara Bueno details her visit to the Department of Sociology, as a visiting PGR Student.
Student looking at the camera with graduation gown on, in front of cathedral