Sociology

Programme overview

The MSc in Sociology prepares students for PhD studies in Sociology as well as for advanced professional work in socio­logical inquiries and community planning. The programme allows students considerable freedom to select courses ac­cording to interest and future needs. The programme en­ables students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills and ability to conduct societal analysis, as well as to acquire specialised knowledge of sociology. On completion of the programme, students are awarded a degree of Master of Science (120 credits) specialising in Sociology.

In the programme the students will acquire

• knowledge and understanding in sociology, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as specialised insight into current research and development work.
• specialised knowledge of research methods in sociology.
• the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge, and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information.
• the ability to identify and formulate research questions critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work.
• the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Programme courses

Classical and Con­temporary Theory (15 credits), Methods and Social Analysis (15 credits), Modern Classics (15 credits), Selected courses in theory of science and research methods (in total 15 credits), for example: Participatory Methods of Change and Development (7.5 credits) and/or Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis (7.5 credits) and/or Evaluation Research – Theories and Methods (7.5 credits) and/or Quantitative Methods: Multivariate Analysis (7.5 credits), elective courses/study abroad/internship (30 credits), Master’s thesis (30 credits).

There is a possibility for students to apply for double de­gree with Peking University, Fudan University or National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv.

Career prospects

The programme provides you with both the background knowledge and the practical skills needed to work in a broad range of fields including governmental, non-govern­mental and the private sector.

You will be prepared for a future career as a policy maker, a leader or a practitioner working in government agencies, private companies or NGOs, or alternatively, for doctoral studies and a continued academic career.