Academics
Sociology and Social Research (SaSR) is a Master’s programme focusing on theoretically and methodologically advanced research in the social sciences. SaSR is embedded in the Department of Sociology at Utrecht University and is the only Master’s programme of its kind in the Netherlands. SaSR graduates are trained as all-round social science researchers, whose roots are in sociology.
The students of a cohort enter the programme together in September and, throughout two years, follow all courses together. However, within most courses, you can choose topics you want to focus on, and, of course, you can choose your elective courses, internship and the topic of your Master's thesis from among a list of available options.
The programme is designed to stimulate interaction and cooperation between students. That is, you will learn not only from your teachers and supervisors but also from each other. This teaching format requires, however, that no more than around twenty students are admitted to the programme per year. The selection process is therefore competitive.
All teachers involved in the programme possess high-level teaching and research skills. They are members of research schools that have been accredited by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and are embedded in national and international research networks. The diverse set of teachers and researchers provides the intellectually stimulating environment necessary for excellent social science research training.
After having successfully completed the programme, students will have acquired the following skills and knowledge:
- You have an overview of important theoretical and methodological issues in your field of study. You have expertise and experience in the elaboration of a research project with a clearly formulated research problem that is innovative while building on the state of the art in the field and being well grounded in the literature.
- You have an overview of different research designs, methods of data collection and analysis. You have acquired the expertise and experience in the elaboration of research designs, methods of data collection and analysis that are adequate for answering an underlying research question. You are capable of choosing and applying these methods in your research.
- You are trained in the quantitative research methods that are appropriate in your field of study. You have gained experience in the full process of social research and in reporting the results of research in your field of study. These qualifications are reflected in a Master’s thesis, which has the form of a publishable research paper.
- You are capable of independently carrying out research, e.g. towards acquiring a PhD.
- You are trained in academic writing, in presenting your research to various audiences, and in data documentation and archiving.
- You have acquired a general work orientation that is required for membership in a research team and in a research network in your domain of interest.