Studying with us

As a postgraduate student within the School of Sociology and Social Policy, you're part of a community of experts who are as passionate about social and political thought as you are.

Throughout your time at the School, you'll be able to take advantage of our excellent study facilities, personal development opportunities, professional support and more.

Supporting your development

Your postgraduate studies are conducted largely through weekly workshops and small group seminars along with independent project-based investigation.

There are no formal written exams for our postgraduate MA courses. Instead, we assess each module through a long essay, project or assignment, offering you the opportunity to work in your particular field of interest within each topic area.

You will either be assigned a personal tutor or two research supervisors, depending on the type of programme you are undertaking. These individuals are your first stop for all of your academic needs and are there to help you achieve your potential.

Tailoring your studies

Within most years of study you can choose a number of specialist optional modules from across the school, allowing you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career ambitions.

Explore the options your course offers.

Sharing our expertise

Our academic staff are internationally recognised for their research impact and expertise. As a student in the School, your learning will be enriched by some of the brightest minds in your field of study, and you'll benefit from being taught by those directly responsible for shaping policy and practice.

Discover more about our research and expertise.

Leeds resources

Our a vibrant learning and research community is based in the Social Sciences Building, which has been re-designed to be environmentally sustainable and accessible for disabled students.

Throughout your studies you'll benefit from state-of-the-art computers, a designated study space common area, group work 'pods' and a student kitchen.

Across campus you'll also have access to:

• Four libraries which are home to over 2.8 million books and journals plus dedicated study spaces
• Over 1500 computers (with some accessible 24/7) and free Wi-Fi across campus
• Minerva, the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. Typically you might use Minerva to access electronic copies of lecture handouts, follow up on links to additional study resources, or to watch podcasts of lectures.
• The Language Centre which offers a broad range of language training and preparation courses. They also run the Language Zone – a resource for all students interested in learning a new language, or keeping up an old one – with language learning materials in over 40 languages.

Read more about academic facilities at the University of Leeds.

Enrichment opportunities to enhance your experience

There are a number of opportunities that unite our postgraduate students across the School, allowing you to get involved with activities and events such as:

Annual Postgraduate Conference

You will have the opportunity to present your dissertation project in a friendly and supportive environment.

Fieldwork clinics

Fieldwork clinics are drop in sessions where you can seek advice from experts in research methods and design.

Weekly school seminars

Most weeks a member of the research community will present their research ideas. These sessions allow you to stay up to date on research taking place within the School.

Excursions

School excursions give you the opportunity to get to know one another outside of university, whether a trip to the Yorkshire Dales, or a museum.

As part of our thriving student community, you can also get involved with a range of clubs and societies, take advantage of our sports and fitness facilities, or join volunteering programmes and international events.

Find out more about enrichment opportunities.