Programme for Master in Sociology
Summary
The Master´s Programme in Sociology provides rigorous, in-depth research training preparing students for both doctoral studies in the social science and a broad range of professional careers in social research beyond the university. All courses are taught in English and students recruited both domestically and from abroad.
About
Sociology is a vibrant and influential social science today which has expanded beyond its established concerns with class, social conflict and inequality to address a growing diversity of issues stretching from gender, the body and emotions to migration, new social movements and global environmental change.
This two-year programme embraces the enormous variety of contemporary sociological investigations and seeks to combine the enduring insights and methodological rigour of established traditions with the creative force gained from new leaps in the sociological imagination.
The programme encompasses core modules in contemporary sociological theory as well as applied qualitative and quantitative research methods. An emphasis is also placed on choice and flexibility with opportunities to spend a term of study abroad with an Erasmus partner in sociology or to integrate a period of professional work placement into your degree.
Students are able to take advantage of the strong and dynamic research clusters in the Department of Sociology and Work Science and encouraged to visit research seminars to gain inspiration for their choice of thesis topic. Students complete their Master’s thesis under the individual guidance of a supervisor of their choice. Drawing on the considerable outreach of the department, it is also possible to complete a Master’s thesis in applied social analysis in collaboration with an external partner.
Programme structure and content
Year 1
Autumn Term
Contemporary Sociological Analysis and Horizons (15 credits)
Applied Qualitative Research Methods (15 credits)
Spring Term
Elective Courses (30 credits) including opportunity for Erasmus exchange (30 credits) or to follow a selection of courses at our department including Work Placement in Applied/Public sociology (15 credits), Emotions in Organizations (7.5 credits) and Sustainability Science and Expertise: Sociological Perspectives (7.5 credits) (from spring 2024 replacing Social Science as Expertise and Social Scientists as Experts, 7.5 credits).
Year 2
Autumn Term
Social Change (15 credits)
Applied Statistical Analysis (15 credits)
Spring Term
Master’s Thesis in Sociology (30 credits)
Who should apply?
The programme addresses those who are interested in Sociology.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
Applicants to the Programme must hold a Bachelors degree within the Social Sciences or equivalent, corresponding to at least 180 credits. Those applying must also prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.
Special instructions for application
To apply for the program, you need to fill out and submit the document Letter of intent / CV. The document is found on our application instructions page:
More information about Special instructions for application
Selection
Selection will be based on an assessment of the academic and professional merits of applicants leading to judgment of their overall ability to successfully complete the programme. To assist in this process applicants should not only submit documentation demonstrating fulfillment of the entry requirements but also a Letter of intent / CV. During the selection process priority will be given to applicants holding a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, corresponding to at least 180 credits. However, the final selection decision will encompass a combined assessment of the applicant’s Letter of intent / CV.
Please upload the Letter of Intent / CV to universityadmissions.se no later than 22 April.
After graduation
The programme equips you with a unique and widely valued skills set encompassing practical skills in applied qualitative and statistical methods; powerful analytical and interpretative skills; project design and management skills as well as advanced writing and communication skills. Such comprehensive research training not only qualifies you for doctoral studies in the social sciences, but also professional careers in all manner of public bodies; in private industry or in non-governmental organizations.
Facilities
Teaching takes place in the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences in the Haga district in central Gothenburg. Lectures and seminars within "Campus Haga" are held in the buildings Dragonen and Sappören (Sprängkullsgatan) as well as Husaren (Husargatan).
