COLS offers a sociological perspective on the organisation of work processes, on the functioning of modern labour markets and of the governance of firms and other public or private organisations.
The Master's programme combines a broad foundation of sociological theory and research methods training with a more specific focus on the organisation of work in contemporary societies. The modern world of labour and work is studied at various levels: the micro-level (e.g. workplace practices and human resource management); the meso level (e.g. employment relations or the governance of firms); and the macro level (e.g. bargaining between trade unions and employers associations, and the structure of labour market institutions and welfare states). The distinct qualities of the programme lie in the way it encourages a comparative perspective on institutional variety (i.e. examining how rules and regulations differ between countries as well as within countries). It stimulates students to apply a sociological perspective in their work, based on thorough scientific research, situating labour processes in a broader societal context.
This programme starts in September.
The programme (60 ECTS) starts with a theory course in Sociological Perspectives and a Thematic Core Course which is part of the track. In the second block students follow an elective preferably relevant to the topic of the thesis. The first semester ends with an intensive Winter School in methods. Different courses are offered in both quantitative and qualitative methodoloy. In the second semester, students start with a second elective and a thesis seminar in which they will write their research proposal. Throughout the academic year students are enrolled for a lecture series, preparing students for the labour market.
The programme is concluded with a Master's thesis (23 ECTS credits). Fulfilling the requirements should take one year of full-time study.
Students who need to complete a preparatory programme will require more time, the amount of which will depend on the extra requirements to be fulfilled.
Thesis
The Master's thesis (23 ECTS credits) is a report on research that focuses on a topic in the field of Comparative Organisation and Labour Studies, in which theoretical insights and the analysis of empirical data are integrated. It is carried out by the students under the supervision of two faculty members. The subject of the thesis is to be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser. The thesis should be between 16,000 and 24,000 words.
Degree requirements
The Master of Science degree (60 ECTS) is awarded only after successful completion of both the course requirements and the Master's thesis.
Additional subject: All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of sociological theory and social sciences research methodology, evenly distributed across (an equivalent of) 60 ECTS credits at least, earned during previous study. Grade list: All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained. Knowledge minimum: At least (an equivalent of) 6 ECTS credits of sociological theory is expected to be taken in the field of organisation and labour studies. Language test: All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English. For more information, please visit our website gsss.uva.nl. Previous education: Students who have obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology can be admitted to the programme, provided that they have completed 6 ECTS credits in the field of organisation and labour studies. Students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a social sciences discipline closely related to the programme (including economics and psychology) are invited to apply, provided that they meet the entry requirements as specified. International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education. Written request: All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation. Additional subject: All applicants are expected to have a solid basis in the field of sociological theory and social sciences research methodology, evenly distributed across (an equivalent of) 60 EC at least, earned during previous study. Grade list: All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of each higher education institute attended, listing all courses and examinations already completed and currently enrolled in, and grades and credits obtained. Knowledge minimum: At least (an equivalent of) 6 EC of sociological theory is expected to be taken in the field of organisation and labour studies. Language test: All non-native speakers of English (including Dutch students) applying to one of the English-taught programmes offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. All students must be able to read textbooks, understand lectures, take part in classroom discussions and undertake written work in English. For more information, please visit our website. Previous education: Students who have obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology can be admitted to the programme, provided that they have completed 6 EC in the field of organisation and labour studies. Students with an academic Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a social sciences discipline closely related to the programme (including economics and psychology) are invited to apply, provided that they meet the entry requirements as specified. International diplomas are evaluated on the basis of advice from professional diploma evaluators. The minimum level of the diploma should be equivalent to three years of Dutch university education. For more information on application and admission, please visit our website. Written request: All applicants are required to submit a statement of motivation. Additional language requirements:Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: C1Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: C1IELTS overall band: 6.5IELTS listening: 6IELTS reading: 6IELTS writing: 6IELTS speaking: 6TOEFL paper based: 575TOEFL computer based: 232TOEFL internet based: 90 English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90
Scholarships / Grants:
Neso Indonesia: StuNed Scholarships for Master studies, short courses and customized training programmes are available for Indonesian professionals with at least two years work experience in a development-related organization. For additional information: Website
Fulbright/ NAF: The Fulbright Center is a bi-national, non-profit organization established by international agreement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of The Netherlands. It promotes educational co-operation and provides information on study, research and internships in the United States. For additional information: Website
The University of Amsterdam: The University of Amsterdam provides a limited number of full and partial scholarships for excellent students from outside the European Economic Area. The Amsterdam Merit Scholarships have specifically been designed to offer talented, ambitious and dedicated students the opportunity to pursue a Mast For additional information: Website
U.S. Department of Education: Loans are no longer being made under this program. All new loans will be made under the Direct Loan program. For additional information: Website
: Students from Columbia can apply for this scholarship through their website. For additional information: Website
: Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, which has been implemented for 20 years and aims to support Turkey's administrative capacity building efforts for the effective implementation of the EU acquis, is the most prestigious scholarship programme in Turkey. For additional information: Website
We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Their use improves our sites' functionality and enables our partners to advertise to you. By continuing to use our website or clicking on the I agree button you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Details on how we use cookies can be found in our Cookie Policy