Labour market inequalities, ethnic and gender diversity, political conflict about culture and identity, and the vicissitudes of the welfare state are just some of the issues that define today’s public debates in the West. If you are interested in these or related issues, then KU Leuven’s one-year programme Master of Sociology is the choice for you. Taught by dedicated and internationally recognised staff, it offers students the opportunity to become experts in one of three specialised domains: Culture and Society, Quantitative Analysis and Social Data Science (QASS), and Economy and Society.
Programme structure
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Truncus communis: every student chooses two out of three courses that provide advanced training in social research skills. The options include a course on quantitative methods ('Collecting and Analyzing Big Data for Social Sciences' or 'From Problem to Analysis'), on qualitative methods ('Advanced Qualitative Methods'), and on theory use in social-scientific research ('Sociological Theory in Action').
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Specialisation: students choose one specialisation including the master’s thesis. The master’s thesis is the written report about the research project the student has independently conducted under close supervision of one of the programme’s staff members, all of whom are experienced researchers.
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Electives: students finalize their personal program by adding one or two electives so that their total study load amounts to at least 60 ECTS credits. These electives can either be selected from the two specialisations in the programme that have not been chosen, or from a sizable list of English-language master courses in fields like anthropology, psychology, economics, law, media studies, and many more.
Culture and Society
In the 'Culture and Society' track of the Sociology programme, you study the cultural shaping of today's social issues.
Quantitative Analysis and Social Data Science (QASS)
In the 'QASS' track of the Sociology programme, you become a master in the collection and analysis of social data.
Economy and Society
In the 'Economy and Society' track of the Sociology programma, you become an expert in work, social policy and health.
Going Abroad
As a Master of Sociology student, you have different options to go abroad. You can attend a summer/winter school for credits or study an additional semester abroad at a partner university, immediately after you completed your Master’s programme.
Voluntary Internship
You can do a voluntary internship during your studies in Belgium or abroad. You will not earn any credits, but relevant working experience and a social network are big assets on the labour market!
Honours Programme
Do you want to develop your academic qualities during your studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences? Like to broaden your view on the topic of Identity and debate with fellow students, professors and experts? Motivated to work on your professional skills, leadership qualities and personal identity? Then our honours programme is perfect for you!
Questions about the programme?
Ask about the classes you will take, the subjects you will study, or the campus where you will be spending your time.
Questions about studying at KU Leuven?
For those wondering about how KU Leuven can help you feel at home whilst studying in Belgium.
Questions about admissions?
Where to start, what to include, and more support on the road to enrolling at KU Leuven.