Master in Sociology [120.0] - SOC2M

Through the study of different issues such as socialization, identity, culture, power, organization, regulation, class, inequality, cultural and social conflict, globalization, change and social  movements, the training in sociology is primarily designed to understand the social players (individuals or groups), their relationships and connections in contemporary society at a time of profound change. The Master in Sociology aims to develop:

• intellectual grasp of the tools and main issues in sociological analysis
• ability to understand social processes and problems for practical purposes related to research, diagnosis, evaluation and social intervention
• ability to maintain a critical distance 
• good methodological investigation skills (qualitative or quantitative) 
• practical ability to conduct either basic research (research focus) or in a professional field (professional focus) related to  social intervention or intercultural relations and development) professional focuses

These skills as a sociologist are required in associations, business, government departments as well as in research departments or in consultancy.

In addition to an in-depth study of the various disciplines in sociology, the research project is a key component of the 120 credit Master. It is therefore possible to do a research placement, either in the field of basic research or in a professional field relating to the social requirements of the different players and organizations.

The 120 credit Master in sociology contains core subjects, optional ‘area’ subjects and four different focuses.  

• The core subjects (65 credits) contain subjects relating to theoretical cross-disciplinary issues (20 credits), Jacques Leclercq Chair lectures (6 credits) in which renowned lecturers present their research,  qualitative or quantitative methodology (10 credits), a seminar in the practical aspects of research  (7 credits) and a final piece of work (22 credits)
• optional subjects, grouped according to different areas of sociological analysis (e.g. work, city, religion, family, education, globalization), can be selected depending on students’ training and research project (25 credits)

In addition, students may choose to acquire specific skills by choosing one of four different focuses (30 credits):

• research focus relating to the development of basic research skills and involving a placement in a research centre ;
• the research and social intervention professional focus is designed to develop research and social intervention skills in a particular area of society such as social work, towns, education, training and work ; it involves a research and intervention placement in a body outside the academic world ;
• the socio-anthropology of interculturality and development professional focus is designed to develop skills in the creation, execution and assessment of development projects in an intercultural context, both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres ;
• teaching focus which develops teaching and training skills in the field of social sciences.

Doctoral programme : doctorate in Sociology