Master's Programme in Sociology of Education

The programme comprises five core courses in Sociology of Education equivalent to 37.5 credits. While three of the core courses address theoretical and methodological traditions relevant to Sociology of Education, the other two focus on the rise and development of educational systems, one from a historical perspective and another analysing current transformation.

In addition, at least six more specialised courses in Sociology of Education are offered yearly and may be included in your studies leading to a Master's degree according to your study orientation. These courses vary between years, since their content is connected to ongoing research and visits by international researchers in the area.

You are also encouraged to take courses in other disciplines at Uppsala University, other universities in Sweden or partner universities abroad. Furthermore, you will have the possibility of completing an internship either in Sweden or in another country.

Your studies will culminate in a Master's thesis project in which you will engage in individual research and original analytical work. Courses and fieldwork related to the Master's thesis can be carried out abroad as well, in particular at universities and research environments with which close collaboration is upheld.

Courses within the programme

Core courses in Sociology of Education:

• Sociology of Education, Traditions, 7.5 credits
• Sociology of Education, Methods, 7.5 credits
• Sociology of Education, Research Techniques, 7.5 credits
• Current Transformations of Educational Systems, 7.5 credits
• The History of Educational Systems, 7.5 credits

Additional courses in Sociology of Education:

• Geometric Data Analysis, 7.5 credits
• Histories of Modern Societies: Contextualising Education, 1800-2000, 7.5 credits
• Sociology of Education, Internship, 7.5 credits or 15 credits
• Pierre Bourdieu's Sociology of Education, 7.5 credits
• Sociology of Power, Elites and Elite Education, 7.5 credits
• Transnational Educational Strategies, 7.5 credits
• Gender and Education, 7.5 credits

Final research project:

• Master's Thesis in Sociology of Education, 30 or 15 credits

The courses offered in the programme have a foundation in empirical research, theory and critical reasoning, with active researchers as teachers and supervisors. International guest researchers with expertise in various fields within or connected to the sociology of education, are invited to lecture or give courses.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, regular written assignments with feedback from lecturers, oral presentations as well as both individual and group supervision, you are supported in gradually developing methodological skills, theoretical knowledge and critical judgment capacities. As training progresses, you are expected to take increasing responsibility for your learning to gradually acquire professionally relevant and research-based knowledge and skills.

The programme is taught in English, and you are encouraged to advance your mastery of English for writing, presentation and discussion.

In contemporary society, education assumes a key role and is also crucial for how countries cope with global competition. During the last half-century, educational systems have expanded dramatically, and more people than ever are engaged in some kind of educational training. This expansion, along with decentralisation and deregulation in terms of governance, has made the landscape of educational programmes and institutions increasingly complex, both at national and international levels. As a consequence, there is a demand for analytically advanced knowledge of education, both within the educational system itself and within organisations and companies oriented towards education.

Upon completion of the programme, you should have gained both broad and specialised knowledge and skills in the sociology of education, with the capacity to critically examine various types of studies on education and its social role. You should also have gained advanced knowledge and skills in formulating scientific problems, conducting studies and communicating results both verbally and in written form.

The Master's Programme in Sociology of Education prepares you for a professional career where such knowledge is particularly important. The programme opens the door to PhD studies in sociology of education and future positions in academia as a lecturer, professor or researcher, as well as to professions related to the planning, design, organisation, administration and evaluation of education.

Previous graduates of the programme have become PhD students in different subjects, as well as research assistants, administrators and analysts.

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. Learn more about UU Careers.