Master's Programme in Social Analysis, 60 credits

In this programme, you will acquire advanced knowledge and skills in social analysis. Through developing advanced methodological and analytical knowledge and skills, you will be able to study many important contemporary global and local social problems and risks. You will acquire knowledge about how social problems are constructed, as well as about how scientific problems relate to various social issues. The role of social science in society is discussed and it will contribute to a deeper understanding of the possibilities and limitations that science have in terms of resolving or dealing with various social problems.

Moreover, the programme provides advanced training in the relationship between methodology and research design, as well as training in how to conduct and evaluate research results. During the first semester, you will also learn how to conduct a literature review of a research field of your choice and you will develop your scientific writing skills. During the second and final semester, you will write a Master's thesis (independent project) of 30 credits, in one of the following subjects: Gender Studies, Human Geography, Media and Communication Studies, Political Science or Sociology.

Programme syllabus Master's Programme in Social Analysis, 60 credits

This program gives a Degree of Master (60 credits). The program begins with the course Sociology, Social Analysis: Theory and Method, Second Cycle, 30 credits. The course engages with the construction of social problems. The student is trained to develop knowledge and reflexive skills with regard to how scientific questions relate to different social problems. The role of science in society is discussed and the course gives insights into the possibilities and limitations of research to solve or handle various social issues. The course furthermore addresses methodology and research design in social sciences. The relation between different methodological principles and research design within social science research is discussed. The course moreover addresses the role of analysis in the research, including analysis methods of qualitative as well as quantitative material. During the end of the course the student gets training in academic writing and the conducting of a literature review for preparation of the upcoming thesis. During the second semester the student selects one of the courses Independent Project - Thesis, 30 credits, in one of the following subjects: Sociology, Media and Communication Studies, Human Geography, Political Science and Gender Studies.

Specific entry requirements: A Bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits with sociology, gender studies, human geography, media and communication studies, social anthropology, social work, political science or equivalent (including an independent project of at least 15 credits) as the main field of study. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School. For more information on how to document your English language qualifications, see University Admissions in Sweden.

First semester: Autumn semester 2025

Pace of study: Full Time

Level: Second Cycle

Study places: 10

Selection: Number of credits obtained no later than on the last application date

Study venue: Örebro

School: School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

Qualifications: Degree of Master of Arts/Science [60 credits]

Language of instruction: The language of instruction is English.

Head of programme: Magnus Boström

Application code ORU-M1502

Advanced skills in social analysis are sought after both in the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. Such knowledge and skills can be used for research and development, evaluations, market analysis, gender impact assessment, risk analysis and project management.

This international programme is taught in English. Besides the social scientific academic skills the programme provides skills to communicate about science in English, which is crucial on the international labour market. The programme also provides a solid foundation for further studies in doctoral programmes.

Study Advisor: Leila Illikainen

Phone: +46 19 303000 (switchboard)

Email: studievagledning.humus@oru.se