Program Overview
The Sociology and Social Research at Utrecht University is a MSc programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Sociology and Social Research programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Netherlands and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Sociology and Social Research programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Sociological theory construction and model building
- Family and social inequality
- Methods and statistics 1: regression analysis and its generalizations (compulsory)
- Research practical 1: time competition in families and organizations (compulsory)
- Social networks - theory and empirics
- Starting with your thesis - literature review
- Methods and statistics 2: structural equation modelling and multilevel analysis (compulsory)
- Research practical 2: social network analysis (compulsory)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You have a Bachelors degree (equivalent of a Dutch University Bachelors degree) within in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, (like Interdisciplinary Social Science, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology and Psychology) and can demonstrate the following knowledge, insight, and skills:
- You have training in methods and statistics (totaling approximately 20 EC), including topics such as univariate descriptive statistics, correlation, univariate regression, and one-way analysis of variance,
- You have training in one or more topics in multivariate statistics, that is, factor analysis, multiple regression, and/or analysis of variance,
- Hands on experience with SPSS or another statistical software package for data analysis.
- You need a GPA of 3.4 (or the Dutch equivalent of 7.5) or higher to be eligible. Students with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.4 (Dutch equivalent: 7 or higher) will be considered for admission. The programmes Board of Admissions will determine whether these candidates compensate for this GPA with other capacities they possess.
- Proof of your proficiency in English (CAE- Level B, CPC- Grade C).
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 15,167 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 2,006 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Utrecht University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Utrecht University
Utrecht University
Utrecht, Netherlands
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline Apr, 2027
- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
