Sociology: Social Problems and Social Policy

Social Problems and Social Policy offers students an insight into the ways in which social problems are defined and tackled within welfare states.

This Master's programme combines a broad foundation of sociological theory and research methods training with a more specific focus on the construction of social problems and attempts by policy-makers to solve these. The different components of the Master's combine to enhance students' skills in applying social theory to deconstruct contemporary social issues from a range of critical perspectives. The distinctive qualities of the programme are in its combining of constructionist perspectives with applied, case-oriented approaches to evaluate policy effectiveness. In linking these two approaches, the course enables students to develop critically incisive yet constructive insights into a range of contemporary problems and policy approaches. More specialised courses include those focusing on pertinent themes of Active Citizenship or Vulnerable Groups, alongside a more comparative approach to European Welfare States, Industrial Relations and Labour Market Policies.

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). 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) is an extended piece of research that focuses on a specific topic within the field of Social Problems and Social Policy, 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 a 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 at least, earned during previous study. Grade list: All applicants are required to submit official and final 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 social policy and social problems. 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 social policy and social problems. 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. Candidates with a related but slightly less optimal academic bachelor's degree may be admitted provided they complete a preparatory semester in social sciences and/or an intensive research methodology module first. For more information on application and admission, please visit our website. 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 ECTS 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 social policy and social problems. 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 social policy and social problems. 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. Candidates with a related but slightly less optimal academic bachelor's degree may be admitted provided they complete a preparatory semester in social sciences and/or an intensive research methodology module first. 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

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Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
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• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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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

Accreditation

Accredited by: NVAO in: The Netherlands