Sociology and Social Research

Overview

Explore pressing societal issues

What glues a society together? How can trust and cooperation be promoted and conflict be avoided? What causes inequality in general and inequality between men and women in the job market in particular? Why do immigrants have higher unemployment rates and lower-paid jobs? 

In the Master’s programme Sociology and Social Research at Utrecht University , you will learn how to answer such questions. The Sociology and Social Research programme is closely related to the research programme of the Department of Sociology and is embedded in the Interuniversity Centre for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS). The programme  is recognised as a high quality programme and has been awarded high ratings by different organisations in the Netherlands.

International orientation and individual development

The programme’s international character offers you global perspectives on sociological topics as well as a broad range of research opportunities. About 40% of our students come from abroad and prominent international scholars teach masterclasses. 

During your electives, you have the opportunity to follow courses or do an internship at another university or research institute in the Netherlands or abroad. You will be able to choose your thesis topic from a broad range of topics.

Programme objective

In this two-year Master’s programme, you will learn to operate as a highly qualified social science researcher. You will integrate social theory and state-of-the-art quantitative empirical research methods. 

You will  have the opportunity to make choices that fit your goals, by choosing to do an internship and by selecting the topic of your thesis from a list of major sociological research questions, provided by our excellent researchers and lecturers who will be your supervisors.

Career Prospects

Job prospects are excellent

There is a need in society for well-trained researchers with extensive knowledge of social science theories and methodologies. This Master’s programme connects with current major social issues and prepares you for a career in research, whether in academia (PhD training), at research institutes, or governmental organisations. You will also be prepared for a non-scientific career path.

Academic Careers

As a graduate of this programme, you will be a highly trained researcher and well-qualified to work as a scientific researcher in the social sciences.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.