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Equity and Diversity in Society (Part-time) (MA)

Distance Learning
3 Years Part-time
2:2 honours degree  

The MA in Equity and Diversity in Society (Part-time) offers a flexible route into the critical study of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Designed to fit around other commitments, this course draws from educational policy and practice to explore how EDI impacts people, communities, and organisations. Through a blend of theory and practical skills, this programme equips students to create positive change in society.

In today’s diverse and connected world, understanding how to support equality is more important than ever. This part-time course helps students gain the knowledge to address inequality and promote inclusion in many professional settings. Modules in social policy, sociology, and social and cultural theory provide a strong foundation in EDI. Students also engage with key legislation like the Equality Act (2010), Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act (2014), and Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015)—all crucial for shaping fairer practices.

This programme also focuses on educational theory and research in EDI, helping students see how policies develop and adapt. The structured core modules encourage reflective thinking and hands-on learning, so students become effective practitioners who can apply EDI principles in their work. With a practical focus, students gain a deeper understanding of EDI’s impact and develop the tools to make a meaningful difference in their fields.

Flexibility is central to the programme. As a part-time student, you can attend classes in person, online, or through a mix of both. Face-to-face lectures are available live on Teams, with recordings to allow catch-up and review, helping you balance studies with other life commitments. This format offers an accessible way to build EDI expertise while maintaining your schedule.

Graduates leave equipped with practical knowledge to support diversity and inclusion in real-world settings, with options to complete the course as an MA, Diploma, or Certificate. This programme is a valuable pathway for anyone committed to fostering fair and inclusive environments, making it suited to people at different career stages.

The MA in Equity and Diversity in Society (Part-time) goes beyond academic study—it’s an opportunity to become an advocate for EDI and contribute to a more equal society. Through engaging study in theory, policy, and practice, this course prepares you to make a lasting impact in the fields of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Course details

Start date:
Study modes:
  • Part-time
  • Online
Language:
  • English
  • Welsh
Course length:
3 Years Part-time
Entry requirements:
2:2 honours degree  

Why choose this course?

01
This degree is delivered full-time or part time; face-to-face or through online learning.
02
Applicants are encouraged from both traditional degree awards, from professional practice and those with experience in the field.
03
This degree responds to the need for professionals who are able to understand ‘the complexities involved in social policy formation, implementation and development’ (SPA, 2007: 8).

What you will learn

Our teaching philosophy for the MA in Equity and Diversity in Society centres on blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. We believe in reflective, inclusive learning that equips students with real-world skills, drawing on current educational policy and practice. Through interactive modules, students explore social and cultural theory to become effective advocates for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).y, gender, age social justice, sustainable development, poverty and inclusion.’

Compulsory

Dissertation

(60 credits)

The Philosophy and Practice of Social Research

(30 credits)

Optional

Political: Influences on Inequality and Diversity

(30 credits)

The Social (Re)Production of Inequality

(30 credits)

Managing Professional Practice in Advocacy

(30 credits)

Dismantling Barriers to Equality: Gender, Ethnicity and Race, Youth and Age, Health and Disability and Vulnerable Groups

(30 credits)

Sustainable Communities

(30 credits)

Disclaimer

  • The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

    You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.

Staff

Our People

You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Ratings and Rankings

Further information

  • 2:2 honours degree   

    • or UWTSD recognised equivalent.  

    Alternative entry routes   

    • Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.  

    Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree.   

    These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree.    

    Admissions Advice and Support   

    For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.   
     
    English language requirements   

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.   

    Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.  

    Visa and funding requirements   

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.   

    For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.   

    International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.    

    For full information read our visa application and guides.     

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 

  • There are NO EXAMINATIONS in Equity and Diversity in Society (MA). The assessments within this programme aim to not only allow a student to demonstrate their academic understanding but also ‘upskill’ them through the use of assessments directly related to the needs of employers in this field, and may include:

    • Assignments
    • Case studies
    • Community profile
    • Designing a leaflet and supporting academic paper
    • Dissertation
    • Extended essays
    • Questionnaire design
    • Reflective diaries
    • Seminar presentations.
  • Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.   

    If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.  

    We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.

    Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities  

    There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.   

    Opportunities to Learn Welsh  

    We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.    

  • Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

    If students wish to undertake data collection as part of their dissertation they will require a DBS prior to data collection.

    There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:

    • Books
    • Clothing
    • Fieldwork
    • Printing and copying
    • Stationery
  • You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.

  • This programme aims to develop students’ intellectual independence and critical engagement with evidence. Although it is not primarily a vocational programme, it does prepare students to move in a vocational direction. Graduates exiting from this degree will be well placed to enter a range of careers, including, for example:

    • Child Care Officer
    • Education Officer
    • Equality Agenda
    • Family Aide
    • Fostering Service Project Worker
    • Health care professional
    • Language and Numeracy Assistant
    • Learning Coach
    • Probation Officer
    • Social Worker/Social Services
    • Support Assistant for disabled people
    • Teacher
    • Voluntary youth organisation worker

     Graduates may also choose to go on to complete postgraduate consider gaining professional endorsement via the Youth and Community Work (MA) or progressing to a PhD in Social Justice and Inclusion.