Students enrolled on the Master [120] in Sociology programme are working towards acting within and for Society as sociologists capable of robustly analysing societies and cultures in Europe and around the world, understanding contemporary changes and issues on a global and local scale and acting with the unique outlook and skills of a sociologist, at local, national and international level. UCL seeks to produce academics with a sociologist’s mindset, who want to combine methodological and analytical skills and a critical approach to acquire a sociological outlook that deepens and opens the understanding of social actors and their relationships within contemporary societies, for practical research, diagnostic, evaluation and social intervention purposes.
On completion of the Master’s programme, the graduate sociologists, by applying a comprehensive portfolio of theoretical and methodological knowledge, will be able to:
- analyse the social rationale at work in all human activities and actions, regardless of the field – economics, politics, law, technology, culture, etc.;
- assess and diagnose, from a sociological perspective, the various skills that can complement those of specialists in other disciplines (e.g. economists, legal experts, engineers, psychologists, doctors, etc.), as they highlight the specific features of the relational, structural and cultural aspects of human phenomena;
- incorporate these unique features into their analyses, identify aspects other professionals are unaware of and, by doing so, make alternative and critical interpretations of reality (still social and cultural in its constitution and/or consequences);
- problematise and conceptualise a human activity, situation or problem, taking into account the social conditions and dynamics, in order to devise and implement suitable innovative solutions;
- apply their sociological expertise and skills appropriately within different sectors of activity (all human activity having a sociological character).
Through their choice of focus and the associated work placement, the graduates undertake specialist training geared towards the following occupations:
- academic researcher in the field of sociology (Research focus);
- researcher in the area of social intervention (Professional focus: Research and Social Intervention);
- researcher in the field of globalisation and its effects on human activities (Professional focus: Globalisation and Multiculturalism);
- social sciences teacher (Teaching focus).
The sociology graduates of today and tomorrow are aware of the responsibility associated with the role of sociologist: as academic, analytical and responsible stakeholders, they are in the front line for detecting, studying, interpreting and acting on the major contemporary social issues in a globalised world (inequalities and social cohesion, interculturalism, sustainable development, techno-scientific advances, etc.), with civic and ethical values being core concerns. They will have invested in a continuous development approach enabling them, as professionals, to demonstrate expertise, multiple skills and the ability to adapt and evolve positively in their social and professional environment.
This profile of a sociologist is all the more necessary in societies confronted with profound changes, where there is a strong social need on the part of citizens and decision-makers alike for an understanding of what is happening and what the future holds.
Learning outcomes – a sociologist’s skills and perspective
On completion of the Master 120 in Sociology programme, graduates will have adopted a sociologist’s mindset, built on a comprehensive body of specialist knowledge in sociology and shaped around the three cornerstones of this approach: methodological and analytical skills and skills requiring “critical thinking”. These fundamental skills, as well as others developed by students during the training, are explained below.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1. Master and use, in a critical manner, specialist knowledge in sociology and knowledge of various associated disciplines in order to understand and expertly analyse a local, national or international social phenomenon.
- Identifier la (ou les) méthode(s) la (les) plus appropriée(es) par rapport à un objectif
- Appliquer une ou des méthodes qualitatives et/ou quantitatives
- Communiquer les résultats (oralement, par écrit, ou sur d'autres supports)
2. Develop an analysis and analytical grids specific to the sociologist in order to study a social phenomenon (local, national or international), adapted to the context (organisational, institutional, cultural, etc.) and at pertinent levels of analysis and action (macro-social, meso-social, micro-social).
2.1. Identify and place the issues, actors and dimensions of a social phenomenon (situation) in its context (organisational, institutional, cultural, etc.).
2.2. Define the phenomenon studied, explain the pertinent level of analysis (macro-social, meso-social, micro-social) and action and the initial question(s).
2.3. With regard to the level of analysis and the initial questions, select the appropriate epistemological approach, define the theoretical framework(s) of analysis and conceptualise the social phenomenon.
2.4. Devise and implement a pertinent analytical grid (making sure to identify the variables and their status) for the social phenomenon and initial questions relating to local, national or international problems.
3. Master and use, in a critical manner, the different in-depth analytical methods (qualitative and quantitative) required to create a sociological approach and analysis;
3.1. Identify the most suitable quantitative and/or qualitative analytical method(s) for a particular objective.
3.2. Collect or identify sources of clearly defined and pertinent qualitative and/or quantitative data, having identified the social and ethical issues related to collecting the data on the ground.
3.3. Use different methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis in a robust manner.
3.4. Demonstrate autonomy in the use of data analysis software.
3.5. Analyse and correctly interpret the results.
4. On the basis of a well-founded scientific, analytical and methodological approach, create a sociological outlook, diagnosis and critical perspective different from the common perception and complementary to the other human science disciplines.
4.1. Contextualise and describe a social phenomenon.
4.2. Interpret this social phenomenon from a paradigmatic perspective specific to sociology.
4.3. Develop analytical skills and the use of scientific documents in the creation of a line of thinking and argument.
4.4. Construct and formulate a body of knowledge, a diagnosis and a perspective that are different to the common perception and complementary to those of other human science disciplines, highlighting the specific features of the sociological aspects (relational, structural, cultural, etc.).
4.5. Using a well-founded analytical and methodological approach, create an objective, critical and personal sociological assessment leading to a well-argued conclusion.
5. Devise and conduct a sociological research process, implementing a robust and comprehensive scientific sociological approach (analytical, methodological and critical) for an in-depth study of a social problem / phenomenon.
5.1. Construct a problematic scenario and situate it within its social and theoretical environment.
5.2. Identify and formulate a pertinent research issue, making sure to put it in context.
5.3. Prepare a critical summary of the literature relating to this issue, making active, critical and pertinent use of information tools and primary and secondary sources (questioning the validity and pertinence).
5.4. Implement the research: make epistemological, theoretical and methodological choices, conceptualise the issue and formulate hypotheses.
5.5. Create and implement a research strategy and robust analytical grids related to this issue and adapted to the resources and constraints (material, institutional, social) of carrying out the research.
5.6. Devise and conduct an empirical quantitative and/or qualitative research project using suitable tools to collect and analyse the data.
5.7. Develop an expert analysis and interpretation of the information gathered and the results obtained, using the pertinent theoretical framework(s).
5.8. Develop the ability to summarise, allowing the relevant parameters to be put into perspective from a sociological standpoint and pertinent conclusions to be formed.
5.9. Incorporate within this process the principles of a social science research strategy.
5.10. Develop critical thinking on the meaning and social uses of the sociological research (through analysis of research practices and critical objectivity with regard to their own research practices).
6. Communicate, interact, debate and collaborate, in a professional and constructive manner, both verbally and in writing, with the different stakeholders (specialists and the general public) involved in a given situation (study of a social phenomenon, scientific research, debate within society, etc.).
6.1. Communicate verbally and in writing on complex subjects related to the field of sociology in an accurate, structured and well-argued manner according to the communication standards specific to the context and adapting the communication (content and form) to the target audience and the intended objectives.
6.2. Demonstrate the pertinence of their sociological interpretation in specific, critical and constructive/operational terms and contribute to the development of appropriate responses based on a public perspective.
6.3. Communicate and interact respectfully and constructively with various stakeholders, demonstrating an ability to listen, as well as openness, detachment and assertiveness.
6.4. Integrate and work effectively within a team and network effectively with other agencies involved in a given situation.
7. Act critically and responsibly within Society as an academic sociologist, having already developed the skills appropriate for initial practical professional experience and being committed to continuous development.
- Adapter une pédagogie aux profils des destinataires
- Adopter une posture éthique dans la relation pédagogique
- Transposer didactiquement un savoir et un savoir-faire sociologiques
- Construire un cours et définir des modalités d’évaluation
- Enseigner la sociologie dans l’enseignement secondaire ou autres lieux et niveaux de formation
AA-FS-FA. If they pursue the Research focus, students will be able to: develop and acquire in-depth theoretical and empirical knowledge and special skills from an original research perspective based on contemporary social debate.
AA-FA.1. Master theories and/or methodologies in specialised sociological research.
AA-FA.2. Demonstrate a specialisation in epistemological skills in sociology.
AA-FA.3. Prepare sociological literature, analyse it in depth and put it up for discussion.
AA-FA.4. Demonstrate an analytical and ethical approach in their research process.
AA-FA.5. Construct a problematic research topic and formulate original hypotheses.
AA-FA.6. Devise and implement in detail a pertinent and original research strategy, analytical grids and empirical study with a high degree of independence.
AA-FA.7. Become part of a research team and develop skills (communication, discussion, debate and collaboration) specific to the role of researcher.
AA-FS-RIS. If they pursue the Professional focus “Research and Social Intervention”, they will be able to: apply their sociological outlook and skills pertinently in a specific socio-institutional context to clarify and support social intervention projects.
AA-FS-RIS.1. Demonstrate critical, sociological and socio-anthropological knowledge of specific sociocultural contexts and theories contributing to their analysis.
AA-FS-RIS.2. Be part of a collective action demonstrating an analytical and ethical approach.
AA-FS-RIS.3. Situate social issues within the scope of social intervention.
AA-FS-RIS.4. Become aware, from a sociologist’s perspective, of the institution’s operational or strategic concerns and problematise these concerns to define the necessary sociological research.
AA-FS-RIS.5. As a sociologist, critically analyse the existing data and situations observed.
AA-FS-RIS.6. Develop and implement a coherent and pertinent sociological research project based on a social intervention problem.
AA-FS-RIS.7. Suggest pertinent and analytically well-founded intervention strategies.
AA-FS-RIS.8. Develop skills related to initial practical professional experience (work placement): situate and perform their role and scope of action within an organisation; collaborate effectively with different stakeholders as part of a network; compare professional theories and practices.
AA-FS-GM. If they follow the Professional focus “Globalisation and multiculturalism”, they will be able to: use their sociological outlook and skills pertinently to understand, analyse and act on the globalisation process, its challenges and effects on human activities, and subsequently identify the 21st-century sociocultural challenges associated with it.
AA-FS-GM.1. Incorporate the principal disciplinary approaches in sociology, political sciences and economics to understand the globalisation process and compare them within an analysis of different areas of globalisation.
AA-FS-GM.2. As sociologists, situate and interpret the issues of globalisation and multiculturalism in the contemporary world.
AA-FS-GM.3. As sociologists, analyse a specific issue related to globalisation and multiculturalism in depth and create a perspective based on a sociological approach.
AA-FS-GM.4. Analyse a globalisation or multiculturalism situation, define and use the sociologist’s theoretical and operational tools enabling pertinent and ethical intervention.
AA-FS-GM.5. With regard to issues related to globalisation and multiculturalism and ideological debates, demonstrate the pertinence of their sociological interpretation using contemporary forms of negotiation.
AA-FS-GM.6. Develop skills related to initial practical professional experience (work placement): situate and perform their role and scope of action within an organisation; collaborate effectively with different stakeholders as part of a network; compare professional theories and practices.
AA-FD. If they pursue the Teaching focus, they will be able to: apply the skills required to embark on a career as an upper-secondary level social sciences teacher and to develop in that position.
AA-FD.1. Work in a school environment, in partnership with various actors.
AA-FD.2 Teach in authentic and varied situations.
More specifically, for teaching in the field of social sciences,
graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to read a programme of social science classes at secondary level in a critical manner, identifying the key elements and, on that basis, devise a practical programme for a one-year course;
- Demonstrate the ability to implement an interdisciplinary approach to social science classes.
AA-FD.3. Adopt an enquiring attitude and be committed to continuous development. For more details, consult "Upper-secondary" teaching qualifications (sociology, political sciences, anthropology).
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