Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)

RESOLUTION

The Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) is governed by Resolutions of the University Court and their subsequent revisions. The provisions of Resolution No. 582 supporting the Generic Undergraduate Regulations are set out with those regulations. The provisions of Resolution No. 597 are as follows:

1. The Degree of Master of Arts (MA) (Social Sciences) may be awarded by the Senate of the University of Glasgow in the College of Social Sciences (the College) in such designations as may be prescribed by Regulations.
2. The award of the Degree shall be governed by Resolution No. 582 - “Generic Regulations for the award of Degrees gained by the successful completion of Undergraduate Programmes” together with such Supplementary Regulations as are contained in this Resolution No. 597 - “Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)”. The Supplementary Regulations are set out in the Schedule of Regulations attached to this Resolution.
3. The early exit awards of Diploma of Higher Education and Certificate of Higher Education shall be governed by the Generic Undergraduate Regulations.

REGULATIONS

1.  Recognition of Prior Learning

1.1  Assessed prior experiential learning cannot be counted for credit on this Degree. 

1.2  Non-university exams cannot permit entry with advanced standing.           

2.  Maximum Period of Study

2.1  The maximum period normally permitted for a full-time candidate for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) with Honours is six academic sessions from the date of first registration.

2.2  The maximum period normally permitted for a full-time candidate for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) is five academic sessions from the date of first registration.

2.3  The maximum period normally permitted for a part-time candidate for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences), with or without Honours, is 10 academic sessions from the date of first registration.

3.  Approval of Curriculum

All candidates in their first year of study must choose three subjects that lead to an Honours pathway.

4.  Progress

4.1  Generic Undergraduate Regulations §10 and §11 apply with the following additional requirements

a)  The minimum requirements for a full-time candidate to progress to a succeeding year of study are as follows:

After one session:	the candidate must have obtained at least 100 credits, of which at least 80 must be at grade D3 or above, and achieved a grade point average[1] of at least 9.0.
After two sessions:	the candidate must have obtained at least 160 credits, of which at least 120 must be at grade D3 or above and 40 of these must be at level 2, and achieved a grade point average of at least 9.0.
After three sessions:	the candidate must be in a position to complete the requirements for the award of an ordinary degree in one further session of full-time study.

b)  Part-time candidates

Subject to any additional requirements imposed under Generic Undergraduate Regulation §10.3 the minimum attainment required of a part-time candidate to progress to the next year of study shall normally be 40 credits at grade D3 or above in an academic session.

4.2  Entry to Honours

The requirements referred to in Generic Undergraduate Regulation §15.1(d) are as follows:

4.2.1  Completion of at least 80 credits from qualifying courses at level 2, representing at least two subjects.

4.2.2  In the case of a candidate who transfers to the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) from another College at the end of year 1, qualifying courses will normally include at least 100 credits from courses selected from the list in §5.1. In the case of a candidate who transfers at the end of year 2, qualifying courses will normally include at least 80 credits from courses selected from the list in §5.1 of which at least 40 credits should be at level 2.

4.2.3  In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Chief Adviser, an existing candidate on the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences) will be permitted a curriculum of qualifying courses that will normally include at least 80 credits from courses selected from the list in §5.1 of which at least 40 credits should be at level 2.

4.2.4  Except as provided at §4.2.2 and §4.2.3, the qualifying courses shall be selected from those listed in §5.1 and shall normally include courses totalling 160 credits at level 1 and courses totalling 80 credits at level 2; either 120 credits at level 1 and 40 credits at level 2, or 80 credits at level 1 and 80 credits at level 2, shall be from courses listed in §5.1.

4.2.5  In the case of a candidate refused admission to Honours, the Head of School (or their nominee) will inform the candidate’s Adviser of Studies. A candidate may appeal to the College Appeals Committee against such refusal of admission.

4.3  Progress within Honours

A candidate for the Degree with Honours may elect or be required by a Head of School to be reassessed at level 3 non-Honours standard after completion of the Junior Honours year. Credits accumulated and grade points awarded at the level 3 non-Honours standard shall count towards the minimum graduating curriculum for the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences).

5.  Courses Available to Candidates

5.1  Recognised Qualifying Courses

5.1.1  Levels 1, 2 and 3 core courses in the following subject areas:

Business & Management

Central & East European Studies

Economic & Social History

Economics

Geography

Politics (including International Relations)

Psychology

Social & Public Policy

Sociology

5.1.2  The following courses can be taken in second year (or third year on the MA (Social Sciences (Ordinary) degree):

Level 1 Accounting & Finance courses: (Introduction to Business Reporting & Financial Management; Introduction to Finance, Investments & Institutions; Introduction to Management Accounting & Control.)

Level 1 Business & Management courses: Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation; Introduction to Management.

Level 1 Economics courses: Introduction to Alternative Perspectives in Economics; Introductory Economics.

Level 1 Law courses: Business Law 1; Public International Law; Roman Law of Property & Obligations.

Level 1 Curriculum for Life courses.

5.1.3  The following two courses are compulsory for Economics Honours, unless an alternative course has been completed in first year as detailed on the course specification, but optional for other students:

Level 1 Economics: Introduction to Mathematics for Economics; Introduction to Statistics for Economics.

5.1.4  The following two subjects are permitted at level 1 and level 2, but are not offered as single Honours on the Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences):

Mathematics

Philosophy

5.2  Subjects of Study for Honours

• Business & Management
• Business Economics
• Central & East European Studies
• Economic & Social History
• Economics
• Geography
• International Relations
• Politics
• Psychology
• Quantitative Methods
• Social & Public Policy
• Sociology

The MA (Social Sciences) degree programme listing is available on the University website.

6.  Programme Requirements for the Award of the Degree

b)  Honours in a Combination of Two Subjects

A programme of courses at the Honours standard comprising 120 credits in each of two subjects. Permitted Combinations for Joint Honours are published on the University website. Exceptionally, it may be possible for Joint Honours to be taken in a combination of subjects which is not listed on the website. A single dissertation or project or equivalent piece of independent work in one of the two subjects must be completed in the final year curriculum. A free choice between the two subjects shall be permitted. A candidate shall not be permitted to complete a dissertation or project or equivalent piece of independent work in both subjects.

c)  Honours in a Principal Subject with Quantitative Methods

A programme of courses at the Honours standard comprising 180 credits in one of the following principal subjects: Central & East European Studies; Economic & Social History; International Relations; Politics; Social & Public Policy; Sociology; and 60 credits in Quantitative Methods.

6.1.2  The calculation of the final Honours classification in a single subject and in a combination of two subjects is normally based on a contribution of 50% from Junior Honours courses and 50% from Senior Honours courses where these courses are of equal credit rating. Exceptions to this are set out in the relevant programme specification.

6.2  Degree of Master of Arts (Social Sciences)

In addition to the requirements set out in Generic Undergraduate Regulation §14 a candidate must obtain 60 credits from level 3 courses in Social Sciences subjects or level 3 courses in Arts or Science subjects.

A minimum graduating curriculum requires at least 240 credits from courses listed in §5.1.

Where the candidate obtains a minimum graduating curriculum and a grade point average^[1] of at least 15.0 over 60 credits of level 3 courses in the Social Sciences subject areas listed in §5.1, but excluding Geography, Philosophy and Psychology, then the candidate may be admitted to Junior, but not Senior, Honours study. Attendance at level 3 courses shall not count towards Honours attendance.