Social Sciences (Research MSc)

Today's modern societies require flexible social scientists who are able to generate relevant knowledge about important social and cultural concerns. The Research Master's programme in Social Sciences is a two-year programme for motivated students with excellent academic records who wish to pursue a career in social science research in an academic setting or in private or governmental research institutes.

This programme offers advanced training in current social science theory and innovative methodologies in a rigorous and multidisciplinary social science research environment. It trains students to:

• conduct research along both empirical-analytical and interpretive lines
• approach their research from a historical perspective
• appreciate both local detail and the global context

During their studies, students specialise in one of the following five thematic specialisations:

• Institutions and Inequality
• Health, Care and the Body
• Comparative Politics
• Globalization, Flows and Localities
• Migration and Integration

Studying Social Sciences at the University of Amsterdam

The programme centres on having students work closely with highly qualified University of Amsterdam (UvA) academic staff. The thematic specialisations are all linked to strong research groups of the new social science research institute (Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research). In each of the five specialisations, a specialisation tutor will function as the bridge between students and researchers. These tutors act as advisers for the Research Master's students during the two years of study. The programme offers a combination of rigorous training, a wide range of courses to choose from in the first year and up to six months of independent study/fieldwork in the second year.