Opportunities for cross-disciplinary research including collaboration with other faculties of the University also exist. The MA Politics, MA Social Policy and MA Sociology are designed for those people who wish to continue their educational career immediately after obtaining a good class of honours on graduation or who wish to return to higher education at postgraduate level in order to update their knowledge in the discipline. The MA Crime and Community Safety and the MA Sociology of Health and Illness focus on specific areas predominantly within the field of sociology which are of major contemporary concern particularly to those employed in these particular fields of work. In order to achieve a Master's degree, you must pass common one year courses in socio-political theory and research methods, plus taught courses specific to your chosen degree. You must also write a dissertation relating to your chosen degree.
All assessment is by coursework and teaching is by lectures, seminars and workshops.
The dissertation is of particular importance. Work carried out for the dissertation enables you to specialise in an award of your choice subject to the availability of the necessary expert subject supervision. The dissertation is supported by taught courses on research methods which provides a thorough grounding in both qualitative and quantitative skills and techniques. It can also be employed to assist individuals in developing skills that will help them cope more effectively with everyday demands by fostering self-awareness and personal growth. Art therapy may be used either as a primary or adjunct therapy in settings such as psychiatric centres, nursing homes, drug and alcohol treatment clinics, schools, half-way houses, prisons, developmental centres, residential treatment centres and general hospitals.