Program Overview
The Centre for Modern Studies is a vibrant interdisciplinary research centre, dedicated to study of the period from 1830 to the present.
Centre for Modern Studies Conference that asks what it means to pay genuine critical attention to texts, art objects, and media in the twenty-first century.
Centre for Modern Studies University of York , Heslington Hall , York , YO10 5DD , UK | cmods-enquiries@york.ac.uk
Key Program Features
Why choose Global Culture and Society at York?
Investigate social and cultural differences and transformations in the contemporary world. You'll learn how people are shaped by their nationality, gender and ethnicity. In the process, you'll explore the global effects of culture transformation. You'll investigate social media and how it impacts society on a global scale. In doing so, you'll uncover what this means for people's lives and identities.
Develop advanced research skills. You'll take an interdisciplinary approach to real world debates and contemporary issues. This includes social, economic and cultural inequalities. In doing so, you'll develop skills that will help you to design studies, interpret findings and critically evaluate data. This is an opportunity to master a range of empirical and analytical tools as well as research a sociological topic of your choice.
Take advantage of cutting-edge research and option modules. We're a department renowned for the quality of our research. Our expertise covers a wide range of sociological topics, such as AI, feminism and education. You'll make use of this expertise, choosing option modules to tailor your degree to your interests.
Build your network and set yourself up for your future career. You'll study alongside people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with researchers and students around the world. You'll be able to share experiences and explore findings. This will help you develop the knowledge, skills and networks to set you up for a meaningful and impactful career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Da8UxEo3W0
Career Opportunities
Careers and skills
This broad-based masters in sociology is an ideal grounding for postgraduate students looking to go on to further study such as PhD or for a career in an international organisation, government organisations or the third sector. The communication and cultural knowledge developed will be highly valued by any organisation with international interests.
Career opportunities
- Digital marketing executive
- Public relations officer
- International aid worker
- Data officer
- Community arts worker
- Local Government officer
Transferable skills
- Data analysis
- Critical reasoning
- Social media and social research
- Awareness of social transformation and cross-cultural difference
Program Curriculum
Course content
You'll study 180 credits in total. The course consists of:
- Two 20-credit core modules
- Four 20-credit option modules
- A 60-credit independent research dissertation
Modules Dissertation Modules Core modules: Understanding Global Society Social Media, Data and Society Option modules: You will also study four option modules, two in Semester 1 and two in Semester 2. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course. Understanding Social Media Introduction to Qualitative Methods and Data Analysis Introduction to Quantitative Methods & Data Analysis Crime and Inequalities Advanced Methods in Social Research AI in Society Race and Injustice Global Justice, Health and Wellbeing Women's and Gender Studies Now: Concepts, Theories, Histories Researching Digital Life Feminist Research Methodologies Law and Social Control Ways of (Feminist) Knowing Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning. Dissertation Dissertation You will develop, design, implement and manage your own original research project, supervised by a member of staff with the relevant experience for your topic. You'll use this research as the basis for a 10,000-word dissertation. Example dissertation titles include: The performance of difference: A critical reading of Lash and Lury’s “The Global Culture Industry” in the context of serial killer counter culture The meaning of Chinatown: A comparative study about the perceptions and attitudes of first- and second-generation Chinese immigrants towards Chinatown Globalisation and Feudalism: 21st century life in a North Yorkshire town Cultural Identity in transnational intimate relationships From reason to treason: The history of hip-hop and its one-dimensional global projection Gender inequality: Highly educated women at work in urban China Redefining Identity: Examining the reconstructions of local belonging in response to global change Communication on wires: From a cross-cultural perspective Can the UK’s geodemographic system be used for commercial purposes in the Far East? Political leadership qualities in celebrity culture: Case study research: Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger. You'll attend seminars to guide you in: Deciding on your topic and beginning your research Conducting literature reviews Formulating research questions Designing appropriate methodology Research ethics Planning your time Working with your supervisors Data analysis Writing up
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Typical offer |
| Undergraduate degree | 2:2 or equivalent in a relevant social sciences or humanities discipline. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
English language
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Minimum requirement |
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 136, minimum 126 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English Language | 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements .
If you haven't met our English language requirements You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses . These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer. The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements. After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,290/year (international)
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £27,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,625 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees for 2026/27
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
| Full-time (1 year) | £12,000 | £27,250 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. | £6,000 | £13,625 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year , the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
Fees information
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status .
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
- Postgraduate taught fees and expenses
About University of York
University of York
Heslington, United Kingdom
University of York is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-06-15
- Start Date 2018-09-24
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)