MPhil in Sociology (The Sociology of Reproduction)

This MPhil pathway is designed to give students a basic understanding of major themes and debates in the sociology of reproduction and new reproductive technologies. Two core modules introduce key concepts and approaches to the sociology of reproduction, and core methodologies in this field. Other substantive modules can be chosen in consultation with the student's supervisor or the course director.

Topics to be covered include reproductive technologies, reproductive politics, reproductive rights, new kinships, alternative families, reproductive biology, assisted conception, fertility and infertility, the fertility industry, feminist theories of reproduction, and the relationship between race, nation and reproduction.

Background reading will be drawn from sociology, anthropology, gender theory, reproductive studies, feminist theory, postcolonial theory, the sociology of biomedicine and science studies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the programme students should have:

• an advanced understanding of current sociological research on selected topics;
• the skills necessary to conduct independent social research and experience in their use;
• an ability to apply and develop social theory with respect to empirical topics;
• a deeper understanding of their chosen specialist area, including command of the literature and current research; and
• the ability to situate their own research within current developments in the field.

Continuing

Students are encouraged to proceed to the department's PhD programme, provided they reach a high level of achievement in all parts of the course. MPhil students who would like to continue to the PhD would normally need to have a final mark of at least 70 per cent overall and 70 per cent for the dissertation.