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In this Research Master's, you will learn about important issues and methods in social science research. The programme includes mandatory courses, elective courses, and practical research experience. You will finish with an independent research thesis on a topic of your choice, reflecting your interests and expertise.
  • Curriculum

    The curriculum of your study programme depends on your choice out of three methodological specialisations:

    • Empirical-analytical
    • Interpretative (with an option between a long fieldwork period (24 ECTS) OR a shorter fieldwork period (12 ECTS) + an Internship (12 ECTS)
    • Mixed methods (with an option between Fieldwork (12 ECTS) and/or Internship (12 ECTS) and/or Methods Electives (12 ECTS)

    You will follow compulsory and elective methods courses within the chosen methods specialisation.

  • Year 1

    In the first semester, you start with a general mandatory course focusing on key issues in Social Science Research, such as epistemology, quality, and ethics. This first period also allows you to get to know the programme and the staff. 

    In block 2 and 3 you will follow two thematic electives and decide on your methods specialisation. You can choose from three specialisations: 

    • Empirical-analytical 
    • Interpretative  
    • Mixed methods  

    In the second semester, you will take mandatory and elective courses in your chosen specialisation. If you plan to do fieldwork in the second year, this semester is when you will work on your research proposal.  

    At the end of the first year, all students will come together again for a Teamwork Research Seminar. 

  • Year 2

    In the second year, you will explore your own research interests. Depending on your specialisation, you can choose to do one or more of the following in the first semester: 

    • Fieldwork: Gain experience in qualitative in-depth research and collect data for your thesis. 
    • Internship: Participate in an ongoing research project in the field of social sciences. The internship can be with the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research or an external organisation. 
    • Methods electives 

    In the second semester, regardless of your specialisation, you will focus on independent research and thesis writing. Your thesis can be an academic article or a monograph. During this time, you will also take a mandatory course called Thesis Seminar to help you with the thesis writing process. Additionally, all students will attend three short workshops on Academic and Professional skills. 

  • Thesis

    Your Master's thesis will be based on your individual research and published as either a monograph or a manuscript for an academic article. 

Study programme Empirical Analytical Methods

Disclaimer: the programme is subject to change. Please look at the Curriculum Overview at the top of this page.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Epistemology, Quality, and Ethics in Social Science Research
    Period 1
    12

    Spend a semester in a different city and learn to compare urban environments. The course teaches various research methods, from traditional case studies to innovative approaches, focusing on practical skills. You will engage in workshops and seminars to develop your own research proposals and apply comparative techniques.

  • Team Work Research Seminar
    Period 5
    3

    Improve your interpersonal and communicative skills. Learn how to listen actively, communicate effectively, show empathy, and handle conflict. You will also gain experience working in diverse teams with peers from different research backgrounds.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Thematic Electives
    Period 2
    Period 3
    18

    Students follow two Thematic Electives (18 EC) taking place in period 2 and 3 of the first Semester. You can choose from the following electives: "A Crisis of democracy? Challenge(r)s in the 21st century", "Culture, Markets, Power", "Immigration, Precarious Labor and Segregation", "Race, Sex, and Postcolonial STS" and "The Politics of Sustainability: Environments, Cultures, Materials".

  • Data and Measurement
    Period 4
    6

    Learn to manage, analyse, and report data according to social science standards and ethics. You will gain hands-on experience with data exploration, visualisation, and reliability assessment, while also discussing legal and ethical issues. The course prepares you for advanced statistical analyses and complements other research-focused courses in the program.

  • Design in Quantitative Research
    Period 4
    6

    Learn how to identify causal relationships in social science research using quantitative methods. The course covers different research designs, including randomized experiments, quasi-experimental approaches, and regression models, helping you understand and apply these techniques to uncover causal links between variables.

  • Statistical Models in the Social Sciences
    Period 5
    Period 6
    9

    Learn to apply linear and logistic regression techniques to analyse causal relationships in social science data. You will explore methods for handling complex, nested data structures. The course combines lectures on statistical concepts with hands-on practice in computer labs. You will complete a final paper by applying these skills to a research question of your choice, using real-world datasets.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Methods Electives
    Period 5
    6

    Students choose one Methods Elective of 6 EC in period 5 of year one. You can choose from the following electives: "Experimentation in the Social Sciences", "Big Data and Automated Content Analysis", "Computational Social Science Analysis", "Content Analysis" and "Policy Oriented Research".

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Restricted-choice electives: Workshops Academic and Professional Skills
    Period 3
    Period 4
    Period 5
    3

    During this elective you can choose from the following workshops: "How to find a PhD position", "Atlas.ti", "Self-Care in Academia and Beyond", "Digital Methods", "Non-Academic Career Preparation", "Press Releases" and "Research Grant Politics". Find out more about the workshops in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Research Master Thesis Seminar
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    3

    This seminar is designed to support you in writing the final thesis. You will get introduced to tools for academic writing, planning and time management.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Methods Electives and Individual Reading Course
    Period 1
    Period 2
    12

    Students that choose to follow restricted-choice methods electives in year 2 for 12 EC have the option to replace 6 EC of these electives for an Individual Reading Course. Find out more in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Internship Social Sciences
    Period 1
    Period 2
    12

    Find out more in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Research Proposal Workshop
    Period 3
    6

    Develop a quantitative research proposal for your master’s thesis with guidance from your thesis supervisor and course instructor. The course is designed to assist you in creating a strong proposal.

  • Thesis Research Master Social Sciences
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    24

    A Master’s Thesis for the Research Master Social Sciences is in the form of a manuscript for an academic article or short monograph.

Compulsory course
Elective

Study programme Interpretative Methods

Disclaimer: the programme is subject to change. Please look at the Curriculum Overview at the top of this page.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Epistemology, Quality, and Ethics in Social Science Research
    Period 1
    12

    Spend a semester in a different city and learn to compare urban environments. The course teaches various research methods, from traditional case studies to innovative approaches, focusing on practical skills. You will engage in workshops and seminars to develop your own research proposals and apply comparative techniques.

  • Team Work Research Seminar
    Period 5
    3

    Improve your interpersonal and communicative skills. Learn how to listen actively, communicate effectively, show empathy, and handle conflict. You will also gain experience working in diverse teams with peers from different research backgrounds.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Thematic Electives
    Period 2
    Period 3
    Period 6
    18

    Students follow two Thematic Electives (18 EC) taking place in period 2 and 3 of the first Semester. You can choose from the following electives: "A Crisis of democracy? Challenge(r)s in the 21st century", "Culture, Markets, Power", "Immigration, Precarious Labor and Segregation", "Race, Sex, and Postcolonial STS" and "The Politics of Sustainability: Environments, Cultures, Materials".

  • Interpreting Qualitative Data
    Period 4
    6

    Learn how data collection, analysis, and interpretation are interconnected in qualitative research This course focuses on interpreting qualitative data, exploring different approaches like deductive, inductive, and abductive methods. It also covers the use of software like ATLAS.ti to support data interpretation.

  • Research skills: Ethnography and Beyond
    Period 4
    6

    Explore various ethnographic methods for qualitative research, such as participant observation and interviewing, while emphasizing the importance of researcher positionality and self-reflection. You will learn about topics like relational aspects of fieldwork, collaborative methods, and ethics. The course includes expert guest lectures and offers flexibility in assignments to match your interests.

  • Qualitative Research Design and Fieldwork Proposal
    Period 5
    Period 6
    9

    Get introduced to the key aspects of research design through discussions, workshops, and practical exercises. You will develop your own research ideas and create an individual research proposal, covering elements like research questions, methods, relevance, and time management.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Methods Electives - Interpretative
    Period 5
    6

    Students choose one Methods Elective (6 EC) in period 5 of year one. You can choose from the following electives: "Analyzing talk and language: Discourse and Conversation analysis" and "Policy Oriented Research".

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Restricted-choice electives: Workshops Academic and Professional Skills
    Period 3
    Period 4
    Period 5
    3

    During this elective you can choose from the following workshops: "How to find a PhD position", "Atlas.ti", "Self-Care in Academia and Beyond", "Digital Methods", "Non-Academic Career Preparation", "Press Releases" and "Research Grant Politics". Find out more about the workshops in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Research Master Thesis Seminar
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    3

    This seminar is designed to support you in writing the final thesis. You will get introduced to tools for academic writing, planning and time management.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Fieldwork and Internship
    Period 1
    Period 2
    24

    Al students in this methods specialisation choose fieldwork in Year 2 (either for 12 or 24 EC). Students who choose fieldwork for 12 EC have the option to follow an internship of 12 EC.

  • Working with Fieldwork Data
    Period 3
    6

    Reflect on and learning from fieldwork experiences through peer discussions and analysis. You will explore self-reflexivity, representation, and data analysis using methods like grounded theory and abductive analysis. The course is flexible, allowing you to address topics based on your own research interests and shared data.

  • Thesis Research Master Social Sciences
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    24

    A Master’s Thesis for the Research Master Social Sciences is in the form of a manuscript for an academic article or short monograph.

Compulsory course
Elective

Study programme Mixed Methods

Disclaimer: the programme is subject to change. Please look at the Curriculum Overview at the top of this page.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Epistemology, Quality, and Ethics in Social Science Research
    Period 1
    12

    Spend a semester in a different city and learn to compare urban environments. The course teaches various research methods, from traditional case studies to innovative approaches, focusing on practical skills. You will engage in workshops and seminars to develop your own research proposals and apply comparative techniques.

  • Team Work Research Seminar
    Period 5
    3

    Improve your interpersonal and communicative skills. Learn how to listen actively, communicate effectively, show empathy, and handle conflict. You will also gain experience working in diverse teams with peers from different research backgrounds.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Thematic Electives
    Period 2
    Period 3
    18

    Students follow two Thematic Electives (18 EC) taking place in period 2 and 3 of the first Semester. You can choose from the following electives: "A Crisis of democracy? Challenge(r)s in the 21st century", "Culture, Markets, Power", "Immigration, Precarious Labor and Segregation", "Race, Sex, and Postcolonial STS" and "The Politics of Sustainability: Environments, Cultures, Materials".

  • Restricted-choice electives: Methods Electives
    Period 4
    6

    Students have to choose between the electives 'Interpreting Qualitative Data' and 'Research skills: Ethnography & Beyond'.

  • Data and Measurement
    Period 4
    6

    Learn to manage, analyse, and report data according to social science standards and ethics. You will gain hands-on experience with data exploration, visualisation, and reliability assessment, while also discussing legal and ethical issues. The course prepares you for advanced statistical analyses and complements other research-focused courses in the program.

  • Mixed Methods Design and Analysis Course
    Period 5
    Period 6
    9

    This course covers the basics of mixed methods research design, combining qualitative and quantitative data to improve research findings. Students will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and learn to design their own mixed methods studies. The course includes critical readings, practical examples, and hands-on design exercises.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Methods Electives
    Period 5
    6

    Students choose one Methods Elective of 6 EC in period 5 of year one. You can choose from the following electives: "Experimentation in the Social Sciences", "Big Data and Automated Content Analysis", "Computational Social Science Analysis", "Content Analysis" and "Policy Oriented Research".

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Restricted-choice electives: Workshop Academic and Professional Skills
    Period 3
    Period 4
    Period 5
    3

    During this elective you can choose from the following workshops: "How to find a PhD position", "Atlas.ti", "Self-Care in Academia and Beyond", "Digital Methods", "Non-Academic Career Preparation", "Press Releases" and "Research Grant Politics". Find out more about the workshops in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Research Master Thesis Seminar
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    3
  • Restricted-choice electives: Fieldwork, Internship, Methods Electives and Individual Reading Course
    Period 1
    Period 2
    24

    Students that choose to follow restricted-choice methods electives in year 2 for 12 EC have the option to replace 6 EC of these electives for an Individual Reading Course. Find out more in the online course catalogue linked below.

  • Mixed Methods in Practice
    Period 3
    6

    This course prepares you for your mixed methods master’s thesis. Those who completed fieldwork will refine their projects and plan their thesis writing, while others will develop their research proposals. The course is tailored to meet individual student needs.

  • Thesis Research Master Social Sciences
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    24

    A Master’s Thesis for the Research Master Social Sciences is in the form of a manuscript for an academic article or short monograph.

Compulsory course
Elective
Extra information
  • Workload

    The programme upholds a high academic standard and is both challenging and rewarding. We encourage you to fully engage with your studies throughout the duration of the programme, with an average workload of 40 hours per week. The programme offers a diverse mix of teaching methods, including lectures, small-sized seminars, group discussions, and supervised hands-on training during methods courses or in the field. 

Frequently asked questions
  • What are the main differences between the one year master's programmes of the Graduate School of Social Sciences and this research master's programme?

    In the research master's programme there is a strong(er) focus on methodology courses. Students also develop their own individual thesis project, and receive individual thesis supervision. The two-year research master's also offers more time to gain in depth knowledge and allows you to develop the skills necessary to carry out high quality social scientific research.

  • What can I expect from a tutor?

    In the first year, all students have a tutor, who functions as the bridge between students and the research programmes affiliated with the departments of Anthropology, Sociology and Political Science. There are three tutors in the programme, and they have the following responsibilities:

    • introducing students to relevant program groups and UvA researchers
    • helping students to develop their research ideas and find a research topic
    • suggesting staff members for an individual reading course
    • helping students to find an internship(supervisor) and thesis supervisor(s)
  • Which students undertake fieldwork, and when?

    Students in the Interpretative methods specialisation undertake fulltime fieldwork (24 ECTS) or part time (12 ECTS), in their second year, from the beginning of September until the Christmas break. In the same period, students in the Mixed Methods specialisation also have the option to undertake fieldwork of 12 ECTS and combine this with either an internship (12 ECTS) or methods electives (12 ECTS). You can do your fieldwork within the Netherlands or abroad. Check the student site for more information about the fieldwork. In case you are interested in an internship, check out the information on the website.

  • Which students do an internship, and when?

    Students in the Empirical-Analytical track follow a mandatory internship of 12 ECTS in the first semester of the second year. For students in the other methods specialisations the internship is optional, and smaller (12 ECTS). Check the student site for more information about the internship.