Master in behavioural- and social sciences, 120 higher education credits

Aim

The aim of the Master programme (two year) in behavioural and social sciences is to provide students the opportunity to obtain a Master's degree with strong research ties to one of the Faculty's postgraduate topics in political science, psychology, social work or sociology. The program combines deep knowledge in the subject with broadening perspectives. It gives the students knowledge and skills for a working life of change and it provides the ability to apply knowledge in an independent scientific work. The program provides the opportunity to finish the studies after two semesters with a master's degree.

Programme objectives

Knowledge and understanding
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 Credits) the student shall have:
•demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
•demonstrated specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 Credits) the student shall have:
•demonstrated the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
•demonstrated the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
•demonstrated the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
•demonstrated the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Master of Arts/Science (120 Credits) the student shall have:
•demonstrated the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
•demonstrated insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
•demonstrated the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

In addition, each course will have its specific learning outcomes, outlined in the course syllabus.

Content

First year

Political science
Introduction to Advanced Studies in Social Sciences, 7,5 Credits
Organization Analysis7,5 Credits
Multi-level Democracy , Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 7,5 Credits
Political institutions, 7,5 Credits
Political theory, 7,5 Credits
Qualitative method, 7,5 hp*
Quantitative method, 7,5 hp
Optional Cours, 7,5 hp*

Psychology
Introduction to Advanced Studies in Social Sciences, 7,5 credits
Stress - Effects on Creativity, Decision-making and Productivity, 7,5 credits
Change and Development in Working Life, 7,5 credits
Environmental Psychology Factors in Working Life, 7,5 credits
Qualitative method, 7,5 hp*
Quantitative method, 7,5 hp
Optional Courses, 15 credits*

Social work
Introduction to Advanced Studies in Social Sciences, 7,5 credits
Narrative and discourse analysis, 7,5 credits
Optional Courses, 15 credits
Introduction to social work as a field of research, 7,5 credits
Qualitative method, 7,5 hp*
Quantitative method, 7,5 hp
Ethnicity, Gender and Power, 7,5 credits*

Sociology
Introduction to Advanced Studies in Social Sciences, 7,5 credits
Risk and Risk Communication, 7,5 credits
Organization Analysis 7,5 credits
Social Psychology, 7,5 credits
Sociological theory, 7,5 credits
Qualitative method, 7,5 hp*
Quantitative method, 7,5 hp
Optional Cours, 7,5 credits*

Note. If you choose to terminate your studies after one year with a master's thesis (one-year) the changed courses marked with an asterisk are replaced with a Master's thesis (one-year) in your main subject.



Second year

Political science
Civil Society and the State, 7,5 credits
On representativity, 7,5 credits
Research methods, 7,5 credits
Theory, 7,5 credits
Master thesis, 30 credits

Psychology
Social Relations, Social Support and Health, 7,5 credits
Optional Cours, 7,5 credits
Research methods, 7,5 credits
Theory, 7,5 credits
Master thesis, 30 credits

Social work
Advanced course in social work, 7,5 credits
Optional course, 7,5 credits
Research methods, 7,5 credits
Theory, 7,5 credits
Master thesis, 30 credits

Sociology
Civil society and the state, 7,5 credits
Optional Cours, 7,5 credits
Research methods, 7,5 credits
Theory, 7,5 credits
Master thesis, 30 credits

Specialisation

Psychology

Social Work

Sociology

Political Science

Entry requirements

Degree of Bachelor (at least 180 credits) with a major in Political Science for specialization in Political Science
Degree of Bachelor (at least 180 credits) with a major in Psychology for specialization in Psychology
Degree of Bachelor (at least 180 credits) with a major in Social Work for specialization in Social Work
Degree of Bachelor (at least 180 credits) with a major in Sociology for specialization in Sociology

Proven language proficiency in English (English course A), for example shown from one of the following international English tests:
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 530 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 72 on internet based test and not below 17 on the TWE
- IELTS Academic Training with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score on the specific parts of at least 5.0

Description of programme

Master in Behavioural and Social Sciences has the following specializations:

Political science
Psychology
Social work
Sociology

Master (two-year) includes 120 credits.
Master (one.year) includes 60 credits.

Master (two-year) includes the following categories of courses:
a. Courses in the main subject, 30 credits
b. Theory and Research Methods, 30 hp
c. Optional courses, 30 credits
d. Master's dissertation (two-year) in the main field, 30 credits

Master (one-year) includes the following categories of courses:
e. Courses in the major field, 22.5 points
b. Theory and Research methods, 7.5 credits
g. Optional courses, 15 credits
h. Master's dissertation (one-year) in the main field, 15 credits

Optional courses in another main subject can be credited after approval from your main subject.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Programme with restricted admissions

Specific prerequisites are indicated in the syllabus for each course.

Teaching and examination

Teaching methods are indicated in the syllabus for each course.

Assessment methods are indicated in the syllabus for each course.

Title of qualification

Degree of Master of Arts/Science (60 credits)
Degree of Master of Arts/Science (120 credits)

Magisterexamen or Masterexamen med huvudområdet psykologi, socialt arbete, sociologi eller statsvetenskap
translated into
Master of Science (60 Credits) or (120 Credits) with a major in Psychology or Social Work or Sociology or Political Science