Masters programmes in Social Sciences teach students to approach social phenomena with critical awareness and they develop the communication skills necessary for a future career.
Applicants
As the term suggests, Social Sciences engage students with the complex relationships between societies and the individuals that comprise them. It is only natural that we perceive cultures and communicate between each other in vastly different ways. Through Social Sciences, we can explore and study these fascinating variations in depth. As a Masters student in this field, you will develop a critical understanding on current social problems by examining them in a historical, philosophical or political context. You will broaden your perspectives on the world and you will also gain valuable analytical insights and communication skills. It would not be an overstatement to say that Social Sciences are essential for our collective drive for progress.
Course content
The programmes and specialisations in Social Sciences are quite diverse. If you have an overall interest in the field, you will have to consider which particular subdomain to choose – examples include Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Ethnic and Gender Studies, Anthropology, and more. Although the list of subjects will differ according to the programme of your choice, some academic focus on history, politics, public policy, and research methodologies is to be expected.
Admission requirements
The application procedure for most of the Social Sciences Masters programmes includes presenting a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or at least having covered a number of credits in particular subjects. If you are not a native English speaker, make sure to prepare your results from an English proficiency test before your application. Your test scores and your average GPA will be something that the admissions office will want to note down. It is possible that you will not have to present language proficiency results if your undergraduate studies were held in English. While not compulsory for most programmes, relevant work experience can be a plus. Sitting the GRE General Test may be a requirement for some programmes, especially in US universities.
Career options
The career prospects for Masters graduates in Social Sciences are looking bright at the moment. Trends suggest that the field is among those with higher employment rates, while a US report from 2014 showed that a higher proportion of Social Science graduates occupy managerial or senior level roles compared to graduates in several other studies. Depending on the specific discipline in which you get your degree, you can find job opportunities in governmental and educational sectors, law enforcement or healthcare. Possible occupations include psychologist, social worker, research analyst, human resources consultant, anthropologist, and others. In a nutshell, investing in a Social Sciences Masters degree can open up possibilities which are both professionally and personally satisfying.
For an overview of some of the most popular Masters programmes, click here
