This jointly-taught MA between SOAS and Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Shiv Nadar IoE) in Delhi is one of the only programmes to focus on global sociology and specifically on the global sociology of cities and urban life-worlds. 

All modules will utilise a combination of academic, policy and popular literature. There will be significant emphasis on case studies from around the world to illuminate theoretical and analytical frameworks. Students will receive excellent sociological training as well as cultural immersion in the UK and India, in a partnership programme that combines an exciting level of student mobility with cutting edge research-led teaching. 

The course incorporates a core taught course component and a dissertation.

Why study the Joint MA in Global Urban Sociology? 

Urbanisation is of extraordinary significance for the regions in which SOAS academics focus and globally it is a topic that brings together many of the most pressing concerns of our times; from climate, sustainability and extinctions, through to mental health, pollution and illness, via issues of governance, policy, and populism.

The programme provides a unique opportunity for students to grasp the broad global historical/political/cultural canvas against which sociology is studied and how sociology may be useful for thinking about urban global futures. It offers students an option to study current global issues around urbanism with reference to specific case studies drawn from different cities around the world. 

It also provides an opportunity for students to develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of sociological frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project on the ‘Dissertation’ module. 

SOAS

• SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 12th in the world for Anthropology (QS World University Rankings 2023), and 4th in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table) 
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2023). 
• We draw on the exceptional regional expertise of our academics in languages, cultures and politics, many of whom have joined us with a practical working knowledge of their disciplines. 
• Our focus on the culture, politics and cultural communication are areas of growing global concern and significance among private, public and international institutions; our emphasis on skills, communication and methodology gives graduates a clear advantage with employers in the job market. 

Shiv Nadar IoE 

• Shiv Nadar IoE, established in 2011, is a multidisciplinary, research-focused, and student-centric university based in Delhi. It is the youngest university in India to have been awarded the status of Eminence. 
• Shiv Nadar IoE’s goal is to become internationally recognised for the quality of its research and improving quality of life, generating new insights and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge creativity. 
• The faculty of humanities and social sciences is designed to create innovators, leaders, and frontrunners in all fields of technology and intends to serve as an institutional model of excellence in scientific and technical education.

The language of instruction of the programme will be English.

Contact hours 

The Master in Global Urban Sociology consist of 180 SOAS credits/48 Shiv Nadar IoE credits, made up of taught modules of 15/4 credits taught over two terms term, and a dissertation of 60/16 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which are optional electives. 

At SOAS, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. 

At Shiv Nadar IoE, 1 credit is equal to 4 hours in class time which includes lectures, seminars, workshops interact and other interaction.

Knowledge and understanding 

Students will: 

• be expected to grasp key debates in urban sociology
• develop a critical understanding of the relationship between sociological examples and theory in the construction of sociological knowledge and an understanding of the ways in which sociology offers a specific set of viewpoints and methods
• develop their ability to construct critical evaluations of the applicability of sociological frameworks to ‘real-world’ problems, including in their own research project on the ‘Dissertation’ module
• develop their ability to reflect in a critical and informed manner on current global issues around urbanism with reference to specific case studies drawn from different cities around the world

Learning outcomes 

Students will:

• develop rigour in analysis and assessment of sociological arguments
• develop the ability to understand, summarise and critically assess differing perspectives on theoretical debates
• be encouraged to bring to bear their own previous experience and knowledge in addressing urban issues in a critical manner
• learn to identify issues and formulate questions for further research through independent work
• be able to apply the research methodology tools and skillsets in their dissertation and for future research work

Graduates of this programme will leave with a solid grounding in global urban sociology as civic-minded and critically engaged individuals who can effectively contribute to making their communities and societies more sustainable. They will have a thorough understanding of the key debates and issues in urban sociology and will be valued by employers due to their analytical skills, specialist knowledge, and a global perspective.

The programme is designed to focus on real world issues and their connect to social science insights. It is aimed at providing a firm base for both academic work into the future or professional upskilling in any employment environment that seeks expertise in urban issues.