Master of Science in Social Policy Analysis (IMPALLA)

  My profile | Admission requirements | Study programme | Studying abroad | Assets | Career prospects | More information

Fact sheet

The Master's

Are you looking for an advanced academic degree in international comparative social policy research? Would you like to be taught by internationally renowned professors with years of expertise in implementing and evaluating social policies? Would you like to be able to apply your theoretical knowledge to empirical analysis by using statistical methods and data handling? If so, the Master of Science in Social Policy Analysis offered by Luxembourg, Leuven, and Associate Institutions (IMPALLA) is worth your serious consideration.

Attending the IMPALLA programme was a great opportunity to sharpen both my academic and social skills. I also really appreciated the material support and resources, truly outstanding in comparison with other educational institutions.
- Student

My profile

Applicants should have strong English language skills and a solid knowledge of statistics and research methodology. They should be interested in social policy as such, in its development and implementation, in social problems and social change and should be motivated to analyse these subjects more profoundly. By the end of the programme, students should be able to grasp both the overall socio-economic picture and the crucial social-policy issues at stake. They should be able to choose and master the correct methodologies needed to analyse the available databases, and they should be able to present and communicate the results of their personal research.

I consider the IMPALLA programme as the best preparation for a PhD or an academic career. As for the schedule and the studying requirements, the IMPALLA year was exceedingly demanding. Learning how to use statistical and social-policy analysis tools for my research, I improved my methodological skills. Luxembourg as well as Leuven each provide a perfect working environment for students, with 24/7 access to PC facilities, a floor to themselves, and the guidance of professors’ assistants.
- Student

Admission requirements

To the definitive admission requirements
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Study programme

The programme begins in late August with an intensive introductory period for all participants. By mid-October, students should be ready to begin the programme’s main courses.

The lectures covering the theoretical aspects of the programme are spread out over two periods and are complemented by exercises related to the subjects being studied. During the rest of the week, students are encouraged to attend expert meetings, carry out case studies in groups or individually, and complete individual assignments.

To a detailed overview of the programme

Studying abroad

The programme is organised jointly by the Centre for Sociological Research at K.U.Leuven (Belgium) and the Centre d’Etudes de Populations, de Pauvreté et de Politiques Socio- Economiques (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). Associated institutions are the University of Tilburg (the Netherlands), the University of Nancy II (France), and the University of Luxembourg (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). Students reside in Luxembourg for seven months and in Leuven for three months. The programme attracts students from all around the world.

Assets

The IMPALLA programme has several important assets. Its international and comparative focus, the high calibre of its staff and the international character of its student body form the cornerstones of this unique programme. The IMPALLA programme provides an up-todate ICT environment and special access to national and international comparative micro databases. Finally, students are conscientiously guided by a team of assistant professors and researchers.

Career prospects

In a globalising world, social policy issues are of central importance. New jobs are constantly created in the fields of implementation and evaluation of social policies. Past IMPALLA graduates have pursued carreers as consultants to national ministries and administrations or international institutions, academic institutions, advanced research centres, or private firms specialising in auditing and impact assessment.

In short, the programme qualifies graduates for a top-level career as a social researcher in either the public or private sector.

More information