Courses offered in Sociology

The Sociology Program at the University of Melbourne is hosted by the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology. Study of sociology at a postgraduate level gives a deeper understanding of the dimensions of social life, while engaging with changing forms of social patterns and problems, and the forces that shape them. Subjects and areas of research deal with broad issues of action and identity, in addition to subjects dealing with social movements, transformations in the life course, social and personal identity, and social inequality. Other subjects concentrate on providing practical field work skills and a variety of other research methods used in social analysis, including those leading up to higher degree original research.

Coursework Programs

Graduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
A short, coherent program of study in Sociology that provides a good introduction to the discipline.

Graduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
This Diploma gives students a solid grounding in Sociology, equivalent to a Major, and thus qualifies for admission to the Postgraduate Diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
The certificate provides an entry point to an articulated structure of higher degree study and may qualify graduates for entry to the postgraduate diploma.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
This Diploma equates to a BA(Hons) year, and is designed to qualify students for entry to higher degree research programs.

Master of Social Policy (Coursework only)
The program provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the field of social policy, but may also be taken for general interest. Students will gain an advanced understanding of major trends in comparative social policy and policy organsations, and develop their own specialised knowledge in one or more areas of study. This is a new degree and full details will be posted shortly.

Research Programs

Master of Arts in Sociology (Thesis only)
Independent and sustained research on a topic of the student's choosing.

Doctor of Philosophy
The University's major research degree.

Resources in Sociology

Careers in Sociology