Master's Programme in Sociology

The programme consists of 120 credits corresponding to two years of full-time study.

Year one

The first semester consists of four in-depth courses, each worth 7.5 credits. In addition to an introductory course on the sociological problem, three thematic courses are offered. Each of these courses highlights, from a specific theme, the links between the central theoretical sociological tradition and contemporary research on the topic.

During the second semester, subject skills are further developed. Two initial 7.5 credit methods courses develop your knowledge around quantitative and qualitative methods, connecting this to questions that are brought up during the first semester. The semester ends with a 15-credit project course where groups of students practice studying an assigned problem within the framework of a shared project. The ability to independently work with qualitative and quantitative methods and to integrate theory and method to analyse sociological problems are crucial for employment within and beyond the academy. Further you will give an oral presentation of the project findings.

Year two

The third semester consists of four 7.5-credit courses. The first course of the semester covers social problems and their development over time in a comparative perspective, offering important scholarly content for national and international students alike. Thereafter, you get the opportunity to specialise further, partly through the following course where you choose between several themes, and partly through two preparatory courses for your thesis at the end of the semester.

The preparatory courses inlude a research design course, where a project plan is prepared for your thesis, as well as a research review course. During the research review course, a significant selection of literature relevant to your thesis´ sociological problem will be identified, collated, analysed and appraised.

The third semester is also suitabel for exchange studies.

The fourth and final term of the programme is devoted entirely to your Master’s thesis.

Teaching methods vary between courses, consisting mostly of lectures, seminars, workshops and independent study. The programme is offered on campus in Uppsala by the Department of Sociology. The language of instruction is English.

Students work alone and in groups. Assessment methods vary and may include written exams, hand-in written exams, oral examinations and presentations. Students are expected and encouraged to contribute to discussions and to critically evaluate the content of the programme.

The programme meets today’s great need for individuals with the skills to independently analyse societal processes and phenomena at different levels with a focus on the interaction between individuals and structural factors. Such knowledge and skills are important and in demand in administration, civil society and the commercial sector.

During the programme you will train to analyse, critically examine and problematise societal developments. You get the opportunity to enhance your sociological breadth and competence and specialist expertise in a self-selected problem area.

The programme prepares you for employment in a wide range of sectors where sociological expertise is required. Your expertise in a specific subject or theme will be strengthened as you carry out studies in your chosen courses. Further, you will combine this with practising methods and different means of communication. These are critical skills in a multitude of sectors, such as business and organisational development, workplace innovation, project leadership, and social and organisational analysis in all sectors of society

Across sectors, sociologists regularly work in societal activities where knowledge about how the collation, processing and analysis of complex information is required for various social questions. The programme provides you with the necessary tools for this.

The Master’s programme in Sociology is also preparatory for continued studies towards a PhD in sociology, and you can continue with a career in research at Uppsala University or other universities in Sweden or internationally.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.