MA-Thesis in Sociology
Summary
During this course, you will have the opportunity to explore a sociological issue that interests you in depth and carry out an independent study with the support of a supervisor. You will develop advanced skills in writing a research paper, research design, analysis, presentation and research communication. By the end of the course, you will have written a Master’s thesis worth 30 credits.
About
On this course, you will carry out an independent sociological research project and write a Master’s thesis worth 30 credits. You will choose your topic in consultation with your supervisor, but you have considerable freedom to select a topic that interests you. There is also the option of writing your thesis in collaboration with an external organisation.
During the course, you will learn to define a problem, formulate research questions based on previous research and sociological theory, and select and apply relevant methods. You will collect, process and analyse data, and present your findings taking into account scientific, societal and ethical considerations. You will also develop your ability to carry out a major project independently and within specified timeframes.
Who should apply?
This course is aimed at those with advanced knowledge of sociology and research methodology who wish to explore their own research question in greater depth. It is suitable for those who wish to develop specialist knowledge for advanced analytical, investigative or development work, for example within a specific organisation, public authority or civil society organisation, or who are considering doctoral studies.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires a bachelor's degree in social science and a passing grade in second-cycle courses corresponding to at least 45 higher education credits in sociology, of which at least 15 credits for an advanced course and 15 credits in research methods. Language skills equivalent to English level 2/English B/English 6, for example equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS, are also required.
Selection
Selection is based upon the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits.
After graduation
By the end of the course, you will have developed in-depth skills in research design, data collection, sociological analysis and academic communication, as well as in independently planning and carrying out a major project. Through your thesis, you can specialise in an area such as working life and welfare, organisation and governance, migration and integration, power and inequality, relationships and emotions, environmental sociology, or science and technology studies. These skills are useful in roles such as researcher, analyst, strategist, coordinator, project manager, or business developer within the public sector, business, consultancy, trade unions and international organisations, universities, research institutes and civil society.
Together with the other degree requirements, this course may form part of a Master’s degree in sociology, which qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies.
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).
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
Students taking stand-alone courses have excellent opportunities to take part in exchange programmes. The only requirement is that the courses you take abroad must be eligible for credit towards a future degree at the University of Gothenburg.
