Master in Applied Sociological Research
- About the programme
- Programme structure
- Entry & Graduation requirements
- Tuition fees & scholarships
- Career prospects
| • 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 |
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.
This programme is designed for students and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in social research methods to develop expertise crucial for the UAE and the surrounding region.UAE society has transformed tremendously over the past decades.While the economy has flourished, new social issues and challenges have emerged in areas such as demography, urbanism, education, media, health, and family dynamics. These «social facts» must be analysed and understood from a social sciences perspective.
Being a social scientist demands in-depth knowledge of key sociological theories, methods, and research techniques to explore the social world effectively.
One of the primary challenges for research and informed policymaking the GCC region is the production and the analysis of accurate and reliable social data. Skills such as statistical analysis (using specialised software like R and SPSS), survey design, and interview techniques are essential for this field.
The programme is organised in 2 years and integrate 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).
Our faculty comprises distinguished professors and lecturers from France, recognised globally for their expertise in social research. The Paris faculty is affiliated with leading research centers in France, particularly the GEMASS (Groupe d’étude des méthodes et de l’analyse sociologique de la Sorbonne)*.
International recognition
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi provides the combined experience of Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité. This rich heritage of joint excellence is now available in Abu Dhabi under the Ministry of Education and is recognised worldwide.
Distinguished tradition
Sorbonne was one of the first university in the world to teach social sciences and especially sociology at the beginning of the 20th century, with the arrival of an emminent professor, Emile Durkheim (1858-1917), one of the founding fathers of the discipline. Throughout the century, some of the most famous sociologists taught at Sorbonne and today, the Sociology Department of Sorbonne University is one of the best rated departments of sociology in France. With a strong emphasis on social theory, sociology of inequalities, economic sociology and social research methods (network analysis, survey, visual methods, digital methods), the Bachelor and Master in sociology from Sorbonne University are among the most selective and attractive programs in sociology in France.
Enhancing individual & national development
This programme has been developed in partnership with local public organisations active in social issues and social planning, as well as with private companies specialised in consulting to ensure that this programme matches national aspirations. The evening format of the programme allows professionals to successfully continue their studies without putting on hold their career.
Networking
Each class will feature a select group of students from the UAE and from diverse countries, fostering a vibrant and international learning environment. Our rigorous admissions process ensures that you’ll be among high-potential peers, enhancing the quality of your educational experience and expandng your professional network.
Typical delivery format of the courses*
M1 and M2
| Day | Evening |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Monday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
| Thursday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm |
*This is the usual pattern of the courses, changes may sometimes occur. Language (5:00pm-8:00pm) and Methodology (4:30pm-8:30pm) classes take place during the semester between missions
The Master in Applied Sociological Research is delivered in English and consists of four semesters over two years. The thoughtfully designed course schedule includes evening and weekend classes on a biweekly basis, accommodating those who wish to balance their studies with professional commitments.
Year 1
| Modules | Courses |
|---|---|
| Special Sociological Fields |
|
| Applied Methodology |
|
| Introduction to Research |
|
Year 2
| Modules | Courses |
|---|---|
| Special Sociological Fields |
|
| Applied Methodology |
|
| Introduction to Research |
|
Conduct your own research
A central element of the programme is the individual research project, which allows students to tackle a relevant social issue, under the guidance of a Parisian professor.
By engaging in meaningful exploration and contributing to the understanding of social challenges, students will be well-prepared for future professional opportunities, equipped to make a positive impact in their fields and communities.
The 4th semester will be almost exclusively dedicated to this personal research.
- Bachelor in a relevant field with a CGPA of 3 out of 4 or equivalent. Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (or equivalent scores as per the equivalency table) may be conditionally admitted under probation during the first semester. The student will be authorised to continue in the programme only if they secure an average of at least 12 out of 20 which is obtained by the end of the first semester. The decision is based on academic performance and will be made official after the completion of the first semester
- or Bachelor with minimum of 2nd class honours
- or Bachelor with an average of 12 out of 20
- Bachelor students with a GPA below 3 may be admitted on the ground of their professional and/or personal experience, in case they are granted a VAPP by SU’s or UP’s VAPP commission
- 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 avalidity of 18 months or, Native English speaker who completed 3 full years in an English-medium institution within a maximum period of 3 years Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview to assess the candidate’s motivation, career expectations and relevant professional experience in the degree area. Applicants who earned their undergraduate degrees from universities outside the UAE must present a Certificate of Equivalency for their graduation certificates from the UAE Ministry of Education. Applicants, who are holders of undergraduate degrees issued by a licensed higher education institution in the UAE, are required to submit a copy of their degrees attested by the UAE Ministry of Education. For details on requirements, kindly visit the Ministry’s website : Ministry of Education.
Admission to our master’s programmes is selective and each applicant will be considered on his/her own merit.
The two-year programme is open to candidates holding a bachelor’s degree (BA or BSc) Only candidates who already have a professional experience in social research (typically 5-10 years in a relevant field) may be eligible for entering directly into the second year.
General entry requirements
Assessment & graduation requirements
Students will be assessed through individual assignments, presentations, reports, and examinations.
Notably, this programme does not include final exams, allowing for a more consistent assessment of student progress throughout the course and the programme.
|
• Programme tuition fees (over 2 years): |
AED 143,400 (approximately US$ 39,077) |
|
• Payment of fees: |
Click here |
Scholarships*
25% academic excellence scholarship
New joiners are eligible to 25% scholarship on tuition starting from the 1st semester. To be eligible, applicants are required to meet one of the below criteria:
- Bachelor CGPA average of 3.6/4.0 and above, or equivalent
- Bachelor with Final Average of 15/20 above
- Bachelor with first class honors
- Candidates graduating as the top of class, despite the average
A minimum average of 14/20 is required to maintain the scholarship for the following semesters.
For programmes taught in English: an English Proficiency level with a minimum of 7.0 for IELTS or 94 for TOELF IB
Preferential rates
20% Alumni preferential rate
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi alumni are eligible to a 20% waiver on tuition fee.
25% preferential rate upon enrolment on a second master’s degree
Applicants holding a master degree from SUAD and enrolling for a second master degree at SUAD are entitled to a 25% waiver on tuition.
5%-15% corporate rate
Companies and organizations benefit from a special discount, based on the number of employees enrolling in programmes. For more details, please contact +971(0) 2-6569311
10% Family discount
Students who have a first-degree relative currently enrolled in an undergraduate or a postgraduate programmes are eligible for a 10% discount.
*Conditions apply
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. Our most brilliant graduates have been accepted in PhD programs in France, the UAE Europe, Canada and the United States.
