MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Radboud University, Neth...
MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies (research)
Nijmegen
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies at Radboud University offers a deep dive into understanding social structures, cultural dynamics, and the mechanisms that drive societal change across different contexts. This research-oriented program equips students with the theoretical and methodological tools needed to analyze and compare societies, exploring global social trends and cultural practices. The program focuses on comparative research, enabling students to examine societal issues such as inequality, migration, globalization, and social justice from a variety of cultural and geographical perspectives, preparing them for academic research or roles in policy analysis, NGOs, or governmental organizations.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social and cultural theories, research methods, and the ability to conduct cross-cultural and comparative research. Core courses focus on research design, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and comparative methodologies. Additionally, students engage with topics such as globalization, migration, ethnicity, social movements, and political change. The program includes workshops and seminars that foster critical thinking and research skills, as well as opportunities for students to specialize in areas such as international development, political sociology, or cultural anthropology. The final component of the curriculum is the master’s thesis, where students conduct independent research in collaboration with faculty members.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies program is deeply embedded in comparative research methodologies. Students are encouraged to explore the diverse ways societies structure their social and cultural systems, investigating topics such as social inequality, political transformation, and cultural integration. Research projects often focus on comparative analysis between different geographical regions, offering insights into how local contexts interact with global trends. The program emphasizes empirical research and data-driven analysis, equipping students with the skills necessary to conduct interdisciplinary studies that address pressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and human rights.
Industry Engagement: Radboud University’s MSc in Social and Cultural Science emphasizes industry engagement through partnerships with research institutes, NGOs, and international organizations. Students benefit from opportunities to collaborate with these partners on real-world research projects, which not only enhance their practical experience but also provide them with professional networks for future career opportunities. The program encourages internships, placements, and field research that allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical settings, addressing social and cultural issues at both the local and global levels. These engagements also enhance the impact of students’ research, contributing to the development of evidence-based policies and strategies in society.
Global Perspective: A key feature of the MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies program is its global perspective. Students are exposed to diverse cultural and social contexts through case studies, international research collaborations, and cross-national comparisons. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding societal issues in a globalized world, where social, political, and economic processes are interconnected. This global outlook allows students to critically examine global challenges, such as migration, social inequality, and human rights, and to develop solutions that are applicable across different cultural and national contexts. Furthermore, the international nature of the program attracts students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment that fosters cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.
Location
Nijmegen
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
€ 14661
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: €75
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 100 or higher.
Radboud University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students pursuing their studies in the Netherlands. These scholarships are designed to help ease the financial burden of studying abroad and are awarded based on various criteria, including academic excellence, program type, and country of origin. Radboud University’s scholarships aim to attract highly motivated and talented students from around the world, contributing to the university’s diverse and global student community.
Radboud University Scholarship Programme: The Radboud University Scholarship Programme is one of the most prestigious opportunities available to international students. This scholarship is intended for talented non-EU/EEA students who wish to pursue a Master's degree at Radboud University. It offers a partial or full tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend to help cover living costs. The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic merit, with candidates needing to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements in their previous studies.
Holland Scholarship: The Holland Scholarship is a national scholarship program designed for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Offered by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Radboud University, this scholarship provides financial assistance to students who wish to study a Bachelor's or Master's program at a Dutch university. The scholarship is a one-time payment intended to help cover part of the tuition fees for the first year of study. To be eligible, students must meet specific academic requirements and have been admitted to an eligible program at Radboud University.
Erasmus+ Programme: Radboud University participates in the Erasmus+ Program, which offers scholarships for international students to study in Europe. Through Erasmus+, students can receive financial support for study abroad exchanges, internships, and research projects. This program is available to students from participating universities around the world, providing an opportunity for international students to gain experience at Radboud University while being funded through this EU initiative.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Several faculties at Radboud University offer additional scholarships for international students enrolled in specific programs. These scholarships are often based on academic excellence, research potential, and the student's country of origin.
External Scholarships: In addition to scholarships provided by Radboud University, international students may also be eligible for external funding opportunities from other organizations, government agencies, or foundations. These scholarships may be available for students based on various factors, such as nationality, field of study, or financial need. Students are encouraged to explore external scholarship options through Dutch embassies, private organizations, and global scholarship portals.
Graduates of the MSc in Social and Cultural Science: Comparative Research on Societies (Research) program from Radboud University are equipped with advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a comprehensive understanding of global social and cultural issues. These qualifications open doors to a wide array of career opportunities in academic research, policy analysis, international development, and social consultancy.
Academic Researcher/PhD Candidate: Many graduates of this program choose to pursue a PhD in social sciences or cultural studies, continuing their research in areas such as global inequality, social movements, migration, and political change. They can work in universities or research institutes, contributing to the academic body of knowledge through publications and conferences.
Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts in governmental agencies, think tanks, or international organizations. They apply their research skills to analyze and advise on policies that address societal challenges, including migration, social justice, education, and urban development. These roles often involve conducting research, writing reports, and presenting recommendations to policymakers.
Social Researcher: Graduates can become social researchers working for research agencies, NGOs, or consulting firms. They design and carry out research studies to gather data on social issues such as poverty, education, health, and human rights, providing valuable insights that inform social interventions and policy development.
International Development Specialist: Graduates with an interest in global development can pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies. In these roles, they work on projects related to poverty reduction, education, gender equality, and sustainable development, often conducting cross-cultural comparative research to inform development strategies and policies.
Cultural Consultant: With a strong background in cultural studies and comparative research, graduates can work as cultural consultants for businesses or international organizations. They provide expertise on cultural integration, cross-cultural communication, and global marketing strategies, helping organizations navigate cultural differences in global markets.
Program Officer/Project Manager: Graduates can work for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or humanitarian agencies, managing and overseeing projects that focus on social issues such as human rights, refugee support, and community development. They utilize their research and analytical skills to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and implement strategies for social change.
Social Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as social policy advisors for local governments, NGOs, or research institutions, advising on policies aimed at addressing social inequalities, health disparities, and the impacts of globalization. They analyze social trends, assess policies, and provide guidance on improving social welfare systems.
Cultural Affairs Officer: Graduates with an interest in cultural diplomacy and international relations can work for governmental or intergovernmental organizations, managing cultural exchange programs, art exhibitions, and educational initiatives. These roles involve fostering international collaboration and promoting cultural understanding through research and programming.
Communications Specialist: Graduates can become communications specialists in organizations focused on social justice, human rights, or global health. In this role, they may be involved in research-driven public relations, creating content and campaigns that highlight social issues and promote awareness of global challenges.
Social Media Analyst/Content Strategist: With expertise in cultural and societal trends, graduates can work in digital communications, focusing on how societal issues are represented and discussed on social media platforms. They may analyze online content, track public discourse, and advise on strategies to engage diverse audiences in social change.
Human Rights Advocate: Graduates with a passion for human rights can work with international NGOs, governmental bodies, or advocacy groups, focusing on issues such as refugee rights, gender equality, and social justice. They conduct research and advocate for policy changes based on empirical evidence and global comparative studies.
