The Master in Social Science (Sociology) programme aims to train students in advanced theoretical application and enhance their research capabilities, so that they are able to initiate, conduct and complete independent exploratory research in new knowledge frontiers. The programme is best suited for returning students who have had a few years of work experience or who are currently working as research assistants.

The Department of Sociology offers an undergraduate programme leading to the award of B.A. or B.Soc.Sci.(Hons.) and two graduate programmes by research (M.Soc.Sci. and Ph.D. degrees). Graduates of the Department are trained to analyze and critique the social dimension applicable to various aspects of individual and group behaviour in different social settings and contexts.

The Department offers a comprehensive curriculum comprising a rich diversity of modules focusing on exciting contemporary issues, ranging from popular culture, media and communications, race and ethnic relations, gender and sexuality, health, religion, law and deviance. These modules help students develop a good understanding of sociology and learn how it can be used to analyse and explain a broad spectrum of social phenomena. Students also acquire critical thinking, analytical and basic research skills through fieldwork, internships, and participation in research projects supervised by professors.

All sociology students in the undergraduate programme take modules in theory, research methods (including computer applications in the social sciences), and several substantive areas (stratification, social psychology, family, religion, politics, gender, education, population and organizations). Students are usually evaluated on the basis of written assignments or project work as well as performance in the end-of-semester examination.

Career Prospects

The undergraduate programme in sociology trains students to develop useful conceptual frameworks for analyzing and understanding social behaviour and organization. It also provides basic training in social research. Sociology graduates are therefore suitable for a wide range of occupations, in administration, human resource management, media and public relations, community service, information and research, general management, marketing, uniformed services among others. Many sociology alumni have distinguished themselves in high prestige careers, such as survey researchers, market analysts, public relations specialists, journalists, broadcasters, administrators, and human resource practitioners.