Program Overview

Master in Applied Sociological Research

Programme Overview

The Master in Applied Sociological Research at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a unique programme in the UAE, designed for those passionate about understanding and shaping society. This degree equips students with the skills to analyse social issues, design and conduct impactful research, and communicate findings effectively. Graduates are prepared to meet the evolving needs of policymakers, government entities, and professionals in consultancy and research sectors.

Programme Details

• Programme duration: 2 years
• Delivery language: English
• Degree awarded: Master in Applied Sociological Research
• Accreditation: The curriculum follows the European ECTS system and the degree is awarded by Sorbonne University in Paris. This programme is accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation.
• Admission deadline: 29 August 2025
• Interview dates: TBA

Programme Structure

The programme is organised in 2 years and integrates methods training with substantive research topics of social and sociological relevance, providing:

• Insight into contemporary social issues through courses on substantive questions (globalisation, youth, family, economy and digital transformation,…)
• Various opportunities of specialisation on the Gulf and UAE societies (gulf studies courses, own research experience and research seminars)
• In-depth methodological training through practical experience applying theoretical and methodological knowledge in both quantitative and qualitative research methods (lab sessions, project-based teaching, individual research)

Modules and Courses

Year 1

• Special Sociological Fields
  • Gulf Studies I
  • Networks and Society I
  • Economy and Society I
  • Social Theory I
  • Theory and concepts
  • Social Stratification
• Applied Methodology
  • Qualitative Methods I
  • Visual Sociology I
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Data Analysis
• Introduction to Research
  • Thesis Research Project

Year 2

• Special Sociological Fields
  • Gulf Studies II
  • Networks and Society II
  • Economy and Society II
  • Social Theory II
  • Sociology of Globalisation
  • Youth, Education and Society
• Applied Methodology
  • Qualitative Methods II
  • Visual Sociologys II
  • Quantitative Methods
• Introduction to Research
  • Thesis Research Project

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent
• Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
• Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20
• IELTS certificate with minimum overall band of 6.0 with a validity of 2 years or TOEFL certificate with minimum score of 79 (or equivalent) with a validity of 2 years or Minimum EmSAT English score of 1400 with a validity of 18 months
• Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): AED 143,400 (approximately US$ 39,077)
• 25% academic excellence scholarship: New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester
• Preferential rates:
  • 20% Alumni preferential rate
  • 25% preferential rate upon enrolment on a second master’s degree
  • 5%-15% corporate rate
  • 10% Family discount

Career Prospects

Our graduates work for public or private sector research institutions, in public administration, tertiary sector or international agencies, covering positions dealing with Social Analysis, Social Reporting, Policy Analysis And Advise, Project Management, Communication and Knowledge Management. Graduates are fully equipped to enrolled in PhD programs in the UAE and abroad, in the field of social science, policy-making or cultural studies.