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The world is rapidly urbanising. Cities are becoming the engines of our economies, hubs of innovation, and cradles of social change. But these dynamic environments also face complex challenges: inequality, sustainability, and the impact of globalisation. An advanced education equips you to understand these issues on a deeper level, preparing you to be a leader in a world where an estimated 56.9% of people live in urban areas.
Enter SOAS University of London. Ranked fifth in the UK and 12th globally for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023), it is home to the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. Here, a vibrant community of scholars, practitioners and students dedicate their time to exploring the human experience within a rapidly changing world.
Their approach hinges on the power of anthropology — challenging ingrained assumptions and fostering critical engagement with contemporary issues like climate change, racial inequality, and urban poverty. This intellectual foundation sets the stage for the MA in Global Urban Sociology.
The MA in Global Urban Sociology is an exploration of the complexities of urban worlds. Source: SOAS University of London
A unique programme for a changing world
Offered in collaboration with Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Shiv Nadar IoE), located in the National Capital Region (NCR) that borders Delhi, this programme stands out for its singular focus on global urban sociology. Urbanisation, the defining phenomenon of our times, forms the programme’s core. Students explore the complexities of urban worlds, employing social science frameworks to dissect key issues and find potential solutions.
The curriculum draws upon academic, policy, and popular sources, enriched by case studies from across the globe — a testament to the programme’s commitment to real-world relevance. Students gain valuable sociological training while experiencing cultural immersion through travel to both the UK and India — a potent fusion of cutting-edge research with first-hand observations of how people do certain things and how society works.
In the first term, you’ll take core modules like “Theory and Method in Global Urban Sociology,” “Ethnographic Approaches to Urban Life,” and “Studying (in) the City: Themes and Challenges.” These build a strong foundation in urban sociological theory and research methodologies. You then go deeper into specific areas of interest by choosing from guided optional modules such as “Food, Place and Mobility,” “Migration, Borders and SpaceDecolonial Approaches,” and “Anthropology of Sustainability.”.
The second term takes you to India, where you’ll immerse yourself in the dynamic urban landscape at Shiv Nadar University’s Institute of Education (SNIoE). Here, you can take courses like “Theory and Method in Global Urban Sociology II,” “Urban Humanitarianism” and “Urban Ecologies,” gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by rapidly developing cities. You will also have the opportunity to explore your interests through guided optional modules on topics like “Urban Commons,” “Anthropology and Mental Health: Global and Local Perspectives.” and “Sound and the City.”
The programme culminates in a dissertation co-supervised by a faculty member from both SOAS and SNIoE. This allows you to pursue a research topic related to global urban sociology, drawing upon the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the programme.
The MA in Global Urban Sociology is offered in collaboration with Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Shiv Nadar IoE), located in the National Capital Region (NCR) that borders Delhi. Source: Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence
Why choose SOAS for Global Urban Sociology?
The programme’s appeal lies in its focus on the profound significance of urbanisation for regions central to SOAS’s expertise. “The world’s university” is home to the foremost scholars of Africa, Asia and the Middle East — regions where urbanisation has been the most pronounced in the last decade — and a vital conduit between Western systems and the Global South.
It’s through this global, decolonial lens that SOAS interrogates the most pressing concerns of our times, covering issues like climate change, sustainability, mental health, and governance. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, and cultural landscape on which sociology is built and how it can be applied to shaping the future of our cities.
The programme cultivates critical thinking skills, enabling you to analyse the applicability of sociological frameworks to real-world problems, including in your own dissertation research. As such, you’ll graduate with a solid grounding in global urban sociology, equipped to contribute meaningfully towards creating more sustainable and equitable communities.
Graduates emerge well-equipped for success beyond academia. As you possess a deep understanding of contemporary urban issues, coupled with analytical skills and a global perspective, you’ll have a skillset highly sought-after by employers across various sectors.
The programme’s focus on real-world application prepares graduates for further academic pursuits or professional roles that demand expertise in urban affairs. As SOAS ranks sixth in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023), this programme positions graduates for a promising future.
Apply to the MA in Global Urban Sociology today.
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