MSc Sociology and Global Inequality at Queen's University Belfast

This MSc examines social inequalities, exploring their roots and their cultural, religious and political expressions across diverse themes and regions. Students build theoretical understanding, methodological skills and critical perspectives, and complete a dissertation with a dedicated supervisor. The programme is usually delivered in evenings and full or half days, including weekends, and students can exit with a PGCert (60 CATS) or PGDip (120 CATS).

Department: School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work  |  Duration: 1 year full-time; 3 years part-time (2-3 year part-time options)  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time / part-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research-led modules approach inequality through topics such as emotions, work and organisations, social conflict and divisions, extremism, religion, social movements, populism, disability, gender, race, migration and citizenship, using cross-national comparative perspectives, plus a dissertation and research methods training with SPSS and NVivo.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue roles in government and public policy, NGOs and international development, the voluntary and community sector, human rights advocacy, social enterprise, advertising and market research, journalism, think tanks and politics. The MSc also prepares students for PhD study and for the Social Science PGCE.

Official programme page