Global Sociology: Comparative Perspectives

Global Sociology: Comparative Perspectives is an interdisciplinary master's program offered by Saint Petersburg State University, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social processes, structures, and changes across different cultural and national contexts. This program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and empirical research skills necessary to analyze social phenomena at both local and global levels. Emphasizing comparative analysis, the curriculum explores diverse societies, focusing on issues such as globalization, social inequality, migration, urbanization, and cultural diversity.

Students will engage with a wide range of sociological theories and methodological approaches, enabling them to critically assess the social dynamics shaping the modern world. The program fosters a multicultural academic environment, encouraging students to utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods for their projects. Through coursework, seminars, and research assignments, students gain practical skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, preparing them for careers in academia, policy-making, international organizations, NGOs, and media.

The program also offers opportunities for international exchange and collaboration, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and build networks with peers and scholars worldwide. Graduates of the Global Sociology: Comparative Perspectives program will be equipped with the analytical tools necessary to understand complex social issues and contribute to sustainable development and social policy reforms. The program is ideal for those interested in pursuing advanced research, teaching, or careers in social consulting within a global framework.

Master’s program students have the opportunity to participate in international and Russian
research projects, scientific conferences. They actively publish their findings in scientific
journals in Russia and abroad.

Program’s obligatory courses:
• Modern Sociological Theories
• Global Sociology
• Comparative Sociology
• Evolution of Social Inequality in Modern Societies
• Civil Society in Global Perspective
• Cross-cultural Communications under Globalization
• Sociology of Consumption in Modern Society
Program’s elective courses:
• Global Networks
• Religious Integration in Global Perspective
• Gender Issues at the Age of Globalization
• Globalization of Education and Science
• Urban Social Space: Cultural and Communicative
Practices
• Effective Professional Communication
• Scientific Research Technology and Scientific
Discourse Workshop on Comparative Sociology

Students practice at:
• Institute of Russian Studies at Hankuk
University of Foreign Studies (Seoul,
Republic of Korea)
• Institute of Eastern and Western Societies
at the Faculty of Sociology, SPbU
• Sociological Institute at the Russian
Academy of Science (St. Petersburg)
• European Commission (Brussels,
Belgium), etc.

Graduates work at:
• Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus (St. Petersburg)
• Philip Morris Sales & Marketing (Moscow)
• Center for International Cooperation in Education Development
(Moscow)
• Graduate School of Management at SPbU
• Russian radio stations
• Marketing Department in «Utilex» (Novosibirsk), etc.
They also continue their studies at universities such as St. Petersburg University
(Russia), Darham University (England), University of Lancaster (England),
University of Minnesota (USA)

1. An application for Admission to
an educational program
2. Copy of an identity document with
the indication of nationality
3. Original educational credentials
(BA diploma or academic record)
or a copy thereof
4. Photographs 3 x 4 (4 pieces), made
during the calendar year
5. Portfolio of documents including the
motivation letter, an essay on one of
proposed topics, and optional documents
approving foreign language abilities,
research and publication experience

Foreign applicants on government-funded basis should
also submit a copy of the medical certificate on absence of
contraindication against studying and a copy of the medical
certificate on the absence of the H IV virus and AIDS
The admission rules, criteria for the tests assessment, and
a comprehensive list of documents to be submitted are
downloadable from the Admissions Office web page:
abiturient.spbu.ru

As specified in the Governmental decree of Russian Federation (October, 8 2013 № 891"On Fixing an Education Quota for Foreign Nationals and Stateless Citizens in the Russian Federation"), foreign citizens are provided an opportunity to take part in an Competition for state-funded educational places at Universities in Russian Federation, including SPbU (funded from the budget of Russian Federation). Information about order of admission will be available on this page in the terms defined by the Government of the Russian Federation. http://abiturient.spbu.ru/index.php/russkij/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/admissions-of-foreign-citizens/m-admission-procedure-gov

Submission period

For russian applicants:
June 20 – July 10
(online application from April 10)

For foreign applicants:
- on government-funded basis: April 10 – June 15
- on fee-paying basis:
April 10 – July 10 (for applicants requiring an entry visa)
April 10 – August 10 (for applicants not requiring an entry visa)