Gsss Brochure

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Masters and Research Masters
in the Social Sciences
2014 - 2015
Graduate School of Social Sciences
The Graduate School of Social Sciences encourages students to pursue intellectual
themes and acquire analytical skills that transcend specic academic elds. We take
pride in providing education in the broadest sense, helping students to develop both
on a professional and a personal level. Prof. Mark Rutgers
Bushuis, Graduate School of Social Sciences
Word of welcome
Welcome to the Graduate School of Social Sciences at the University of Amsterdam!
Amsterdam is and always has been a melting pot of cultures, and a centre of international trade and
intellectual exchange. One of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe, it is considered an
example of political, religious and intellectual tolerance. Amsterdam has also become one of the
leading providers of international education on the European continent. We invite you to join us
and prepare yourself for your future career!
The Graduate School of Social Sciences encourages you to pursue intellectual themes and acquire
analytical skills that transcend specifc academic felds. We offer both in-depth disciplinary
programmes in the social sciences and social science oriented interdisciplinary programmes.
All of our courses are taught by highly experienced lecturers from many different disciplines and
cultural backgrounds, and encourage you to specialise in topics of your choice in the broad context
of our staffs international research programme. We take pride in providing education in the
broadest sense, helping you to develop both on a professional and a personal level.
Currently the Graduate School of Social Sciences offers the programmes described in this brochure.
However, our selection of programmes is subject to changes. For further information on new
programmes, please consult our website at www.gsss.uva.nl.
If you wish to continue your studies in a culturally and intellectually challenging environment,
we look forward to welcoming you at the Graduate School of Social Sciences.
Prof. Mark Rutgers
Dean of the Graduate School of Social Sciences
3 University of Amsterdam | Graduate School of Social Sciences
Contents
University of Amsterdam 5
Graduate School of Social Sciences 6
General information 7
Career outlook 8
Overview 9
Conict Resolution and Governance 10
Contemporary Asian Studies 11
Cultural and Social Anthropology 12
Human Geography 13
International Development Studies 14
Medical Anthropology and Sociology 15
Politicologie: Bestuur en beleid 17
Political Science: European Union in a Global Order 18
Politicologie: Internationale betrekkingen 19
Political Science: International Relations 20
Politicologie: Politieke theorie en politiek gedrag 21
Sociologie: Algemene sociologie 23
Sociology: Comparative Organisation and
Labour Studies 24
Sociology: Cultural Sociology 25
Sociology: Gender, Sexuality and Society 26
Sociology: Migration and Ethnic Studies 27
Sociology: Social Problems and Social Policy 28
Sociology: Urban Sociology 29
Urban and Regional Planning 31
Research Master International Development Studies 32
Research Master Social Sciences 33
Research Master Urban Studies 34
Joint European Master in International Migration
and Social Cohesion 35
PhD programmes 36
Summer & Winter programmes 37
Practical matters 39
Services and facilities 40
Learning at the crossroads
of culture and commerce
As a metropolitan university with an
excellent reputation for research,
the University of Amsterdam (UvA)
offers students a stimulating
academic environment in one of the
social and cultural capitals of
Europe.
A tradition of excellence
The UvA enjoys a rich history, with
roots tracing back to 1632 when
its predecessor, the Athenaeum
Illustre, was founded to train
students in Trade and Philosophy.
Until the nineteenth century, it
remained a small institution with no
more than 250 students and eight
professors. In 1877, it was renamed
the University of Amsterdam and
granted the right to confer the
highest academic degrees.
Study programmes for
the modern world
Today, the UvA seeks to offer an
inspiring international academic
environment in which students and
staff can develop their talents optimally.
One of Europes major research
universities, the UvA, with some
30,000 students and 5,000 staff,
currently offers around 300 study
programmes, many of which are
taught in English.
The wide range of academic
programmes allows students to tailor
their studies to suit their personal
ambitions and talents. Equally
important, the UvAs international
curriculum prepares students for a
successful global career.
Cutting-edge research
Over time, the UvA has risen to
international prominence as a
research university, gaining an
excellent reputation in fundamental
and socially relevant research and
offering programmes in almost every
feld. It is a member of the League of
European Research Universities and
Universitas 21, and maintains
intensive contact with leading
research universities around the
world.
International classroom
Recognising the value of bringing
students and researchers together
from around the world, the UvA
continues to invest in and expand its
international curriculum. Since many
of its Masters programmes are
already taught in English, the UvA
is able to attract a large number of
international students, researchers
and staff. The entire academic
community thus benefts from a
global input and perspective.

A city of dynamic
possibilities
Characterised by a critical, creative
and international atmosphere, the
UvA has a long tradition of open-
mindedness and engagement with
social issues, in keeping with the
spirit of the city with which it is
linked. The tolerant atmosphere
found in Amsterdam provides an
inviting setting for scientists,
entrepreneurs and artists alike.
Students beneft from the numerous
Dutch and international frms,
academic institutions and cultural
organisations that make Amsterdam
the commercial, social and artistic
heart of the Netherlands as well as
a prestigious global centre.
University of Amsterdam
The Graduate School of Social
Sciences (GSSS) offers a broad
variety of Dutch and English-taught
Masters, Research Masters and PhD
training programmes. We welcome
over a 1,000 students a year in our
programmes.

Mission
At the Graduate School of Social
Sciences, we stand for diversity and
excellence in social science graduate
programmes in the areas of human
geography, planning, international
development studies, political
sciences, sociology and anthropology.
We offer:
n in-depth one-year disciplinary
programmes with an option for
thematic tracks within the
discipline;
n thematic one-year interdisciplinary
programmes;
n two-year Research Masters
programmes linked to our top
research focus areas;
n tailor-made PhD education in
cooperation with the Amsterdam
Institute for Social Science
Research (AISSR);
n summer schools with a strong
academic orientation.
Our ambition is to be a dynamic,
multifaceted institution marked by
high academic standards, an open
intellectual international atmosphere,
and a vibrant academic commons.
We facilitate multiple public events,
where Dutch and international
students and faculty engage each
other in debates, seminars and
classrooms.
To us, good education means
teaching and challenging students at
the cutting edge of academic research,
guided by independent study, critical
and obligatory participation, pro-
active student counseling, strict
thesis supervision, transparency and
fair rules and guidelines.
For an overview of programmes,
see page 9.

Research-based teaching
The one-year Masters programmes
offer graduate level education in a
specifc discipline or subject area.
They prepare graduates for a
professional, academically grounded
career. The two-year Research
Masters programmes, however, offer
a more profound and research-
oriented instruction. The Research
Masters programmes provide the
foundation for research-oriented
careers and comprehensive training
for students pursuing a PhD degree.
Teaching is characterised as
research-based teaching. It implies
that all programmes culminate
in students developing their own
research thesis, closely mentored
and guided by a supervisor with
expertise in the particular area
of investigation. Lecturers in the
Masters programmes are active
researchers and affliated with the
Amsterdam Institute for Social
Science Research (AISSR), one of
the most highly ranked and vibrant
research institutions in Europe.

Graduate School of Social Sciences General information
Studying at the UvA

As part of its approach to education,
the UvA entrusts students with a
high degree of individual
responsibility, encouraging them to
develop an independent and critical
way of thinking.
Teaching
The UvA offers learning opportunities
that combine the latest technology
with solid educational practice.
Students are exposed to diverse
teaching methods such as:
n lectures
n working groups
n tutorials
n practical training
n feldwork
Assessments are conducted in the
form of examinations, research papers,
presentations or a combination of all
three. In addition, many study
programmes incorporate computer-
mediated learning tools into their
courses. Most programmes are
completed with a formal research
thesis.
The academic year
The UvA academic year is divided
into two semesters, each lasting
21 weeks. The academic year is
scheduled as follows:
n First semester
September to January
n Second semester
February to June
Credit system
The European Credit Transfer and
Accumulation System (ECTS) is a
standardised credit system that
allows for the effcient transfer of a
students academic progress across
different institutions within Europe,
thus promoting greater mobility and
fexibility for students. Most courses
at the UvA are allocated 6 to 12
ECTS credits each. A full-time study
for one academic year represents 60
credits, corresponding to 1,680 hours
of study.
Grading system
The criteria and grading system used
by the UvA is common to Dutch
academic institutions, but may be
different from those used in Europe
and other parts of the world. The
grading system is on a scale of 1-10
where a 6 is regarded as suffcient.
Accreditation
Through systematic and periodic
comparison and evaluation, the UvA
ensures that its educational
programmes at the Bachelors and
Masters levels, and their curricula,
meet national and international
standards. The Accreditation
Organisation of the Netherlands and
Flanders (NVAO) is the offcial,
independent body that monitors the
quality assurance system of Dutch
universities.
English language
prociency
In an international environment, a
suffcient mastery of the English
language is critical for academic
success. Non-native English speakers
must pass one of the following tests:
n Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL)
n International English Language
Testing System (IELTS)
n Cambridge International
Examinations
English-speaking students with an
academic degree from one of the
following countries are exempted
from the English language
profciency testing requirements:
n Australia
n Canada
n Ireland
n New Zealand
n United Kingdom
n United States
Scholarships
The UvA aims to attract the worlds
brightest students to its international
classrooms. Outstanding students
from outside the European Economic
Area (EEA) can apply for two kinds
of scholarships. One scholarship
available to UvA students is the
Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.
In 2014, a second scholarship, the
Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship
(AES), will be introduced for
exceptionally talented students.
www.uva.nl/scholarships
www.grantnder.nl
As a student of the social sciences
you may ask yourself, What can
I actually do with my Masters
degree? Is my chosen study perhaps
too specialised? Is an academic
education an effective starting point
for my career goals?
Since Masters programmes are
academic and specialised, and your
thesis topic is even more so, the
impression may arise that career
options are limited to very
specialised jobs. The reality is,
however, that social science
graduates fnd positions as academic
professionals in a very broad range
of functions. An academic Masters
curriculum, such as those at the
GSSS, do train you to become an
academic professional, but do not
provide straight forward vocational
training, such as universities of
applied science (HBO) would do.
As an academic professional, you
will have acquired cutting-edge
knowledge in a specifc feld of
study. As a graduate, you have
mastered the all-important academic
skills to analyse, plan, research,
argue, interpret, and to report on
your fndings at a very high and
abstract level. What is more, you
will be able to link theoretical
insights with social issues and needs.
These professional academic skills
are extremely valuable for a
multitude of careers. Your studies at
the University prepare you for a
career, not for a specifc job straight
out of university.
The choice is yours
As a Social Sciences graduate, you will
be able to enter a variety of functions,
and to enhance your knowledge and
skills to suit the environments you
will be working in during the course
of your career. A substantial number
of graduates do fnd jobs closely in
line with their study. However, many
fnd interesting jobs that may at frst
glance appear unrelated to their feld
of study. What you decide to do after
graduation, and what jobs you may
fnd during your career is not limited
to your specifc programme or thesis
topic. The labour market has a large
demand for Social Sciences alumni
who are able to adequately address
social issues. Society needs people in
executive and advisory positions with
well-grounded and up-to-date
knowledge.
As a graduate, you are suited for
employment in a wide variety of
organisations, for instance,
government (local, national,
international), multinational and
private companies, NGOs,
education, research institutions and
media outlets. Your academic training
also enables you to pursue a career in
universities in the Netherlands and
elsewhere around the world.
Career support
Some examples of functions you may
encounter are: (junior) policy adviser
or consultant, management trainee,
member of the embassy staff, project
manager, journalist for newspapers/
weekly magazine/television/radio,
online editor, scientifc researcher/
university academic, policy maker,
planner, trainer, university teacher,
and so on.
With that in mind, it is important to
become aware of what functions and
organisations are of possible interest
to you to start working in after your
graduation: what does the labour
market have to offer you, and how
can you present yourself in the best
way possible? To support you in
your career goals, the University
offers a variety of resources. For
instance, twice a year the GSSS hosts
a Career Event, where you can meet
organisation representatives and
alumni, and receive helpful tips and
feedback about searching for a job
as a graduate. There are also specifc
courses you can take in addition to
your main curriculum, for instance
on job interviews, writing application
letters, doing a job search, and even
starting your own business, all to
assist you in developing your skills
for fnding a position that suits you
after graduation.
Career outlook
Overview of programmes at the Graduate School of Social Sciences Career outlook
Masters programmes Page Duration
Conict Resolution and Governance 10 1 year
Contemporary Asian Studies 11 1 year
Cultural and Social Anthropology 12 1 year
Human Geography 13 1 year
International Development Studies 14 1 year
Medical Anthropology and Sociology 15 1 year
Politicologie: Bestuur en beleid 17 1 year
Political Science: European Union in a Global Order 18 1 year
Politicologie: Internationale betrekkingen 19 1 year
Political Science: International Relations 20 1 year
Politicologie: Politieke theorie en politiek gedrag 21 1 year
Sociologie: Algemene sociologie 23 1 year
Sociology: Comparative Organisation and Labour Studies 24 1 year
Sociology: Cultural Sociology 25 1 year
Sociology: Gender, Sexuality and Society 26 1 year
Sociology: Migration and Ethnic Studies 27 1 year
Sociology: Social Problems and Social Policy 28 1 year
Sociology: Urban Sociology 29 1 year
Urban and Regional Planning 31 1 year

Research Masters programmes Page Duration
Research Master International Development Studies 32 2 years
Research Master Social Sciences 33 2 years
Research Master Urban Studies 34 2 years
Erasmus Mundus programme Page Duration
Joint European Master in International Migration and Social Cohesion 35 2 years
For further details, go to www.gsss.uva.nl
Accreditation
The quality of all our Masters degrees has been accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
Would you like to know more
about conicts? Their shifts
in character and signicance?
The possibilities for actions
in real-life situations? And
how to transform conict
into a resource for democratic
governance?
The Confict Resolution and
Governance programme provides
you with a foundation in theory and
research that helps you analyse
conficts and confict resolution
efforts in relationship to the dynamics
of public governance. You are given
the opportunity to develop a
command of diverse resources needed
to respond to analytical challenges
presented by local, regional, and
global conficts and to situate
contemporary events in a historical
and comparative perspective. The
case-oriented approach of the
programme helps you to develop
skills and experience through the
analysis of action in settings that are
grounded in comparative and
historical perspectives.
Student prole
The programme is rigorous and
intensive. You are expected to
develop your capacity to work
independently and in groups.
Students come to the programme
from a wide range of disciplinary
and cultural backgrounds. This
diverse group is linked by a shared
interest in developing their
theoretical and research competence
in close relationship with practices
Language of instruction: English
Duration of programme: 1 year (60 ECTS)
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Conict Resolution and Governance

www.uva.nl/msc-conflict-resolution-and-governance

located at the boundary between
confict resolution and governance.
Competencies
You will develop the capacity to
employ theoretical orientations to
make sense of the range of infuences
(from global to local and
instrumental to identity-based and
institutional) that shape conficts and
their relationship to governance.
Your capacity to draw on the most
vexing features of contemporary
conficts to shape governance regimes
from the fabric of crisis will be
increased. You will gain skills in
confict analysis, in negotiation and
confict resolution, and in linking
research with practice.
Alumni
An education in the social sciences
will impart a broad range of skills
that easily translate into a multitude
of careers. Learn more about the
career outlook on page 8.
Specifc career examples from
alumni of the Confict Resolution
and Governance programme are:
n Development expert in fragile
states
n Business Development Manager
at Cordaid Urban Matters
n Lecturer, tutor and thesis
supervisor at UvAs College of
Social Sciences
n Assistant at Stichting Bescherming
Burgerrechten, a civil rights
organisation
For students interested in this
eld of study, we also offer a
two-year Research Masters.
Confict Resolution and Governance
Rosa Dinnissen, The Netherlands
Alumna of Conict Resolution and Governance
I liked the international character of the Masters programme. Around half of the students have a non-Dutch
background. Together with the fact that it is a selective programme, these factors led to a cohesive group of diverse
people that tends to meet up; not only for class, but also for interesting lectures, cultural activities and, of course,
Amsterdams night life. After a year, I can say that I made some good new friendships and simultaneously created
an international network.
Contemporary Asian Studies
is an innovative programme
with a broad, interdisciplinary
character and a comparative
approach to the study of Asia,
as a powerhouse of local and
global changes. During the
programme you will focus on
all the main regions of Asia,
stressing the importance of
looking at interconnections
both within the vast Asian
region and between Asian
societies and other parts of
the world.
Academic research on Asian societies
is becoming increasingly important,
in terms of both its theoretical and
practical relevance. How can we
approach, in a rigorous academic
manner, the many important issues
that dominate todays news, whether
they be Chinas and Indias economic
transformation, high and low-skilled
migration fows, political and social
movements, or the global reach of
Asian companies and the spread of
Asian popular culture? The crucial
importance of Asia for advancing
and enriching contemporary theories
and debates on transnationalism,
citizenship, development, economic
restructuration, mobility and many
other issues is engaged and
demonstrated throughout the
programme.
The main objective of the
programme is to meet a growing
demand for social scientifc
knowledge and expertise in different
areas concerning Asian societies.
This programme consists of courses
that focus on contemporary themes
as well as courses on specifc regions
of Asia. The programme also offers
you the opportunity to design and
conduct independent feld research
in Asia, leading to the Masters
thesis. If you wish to conduct
research on Asia from the
Netherlands, that can also be
accommodated.
Student prole
As a highly motivated student with a
strong academic background, you are
expected to develop the ability to
work independently as well as in a
mixed group of Dutch and inter-
national students. This approach will
enable you to enrich an interactive
learning process and your cross-
cultural communication skills.
Contemporary Asian Studies
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Contemporary Asian Studies

www.uva.nl/msc-contemporary-asian-studies
Alexia Pui Yan Wu, China
Alumna of Contemporary Asian Studies
I am glad about my decision because this Masters offered me comprehensive and intensive courses. Although
I often found them challenging, I enjoyed learning all the concepts and theories a lot. They helped me understand
where and how the stereotypes about Asia came about. Besides that, I have a dynamic group of classmates who
also share the same interests as me. We actively participated in the discussions during classes, and outside the
classrooms.
Competencies
The programme is designed to
ensure that you advance your
knowledge on Asian societies,
develop analytical competencies,
gain experience in conducting
practical research in Asia, and learn
to communicate your fndings and
arguments in a clear, measured and
convincing manner.
Alumni
alumni of the Contemporary Asian
Studies programme are:
n Senior consultant at CAPCO
Financial Services (consultancy
for the fnancial services industry)
n Analyst at GCiS China Strategic
Research
n Trainer at the Hogeschool van
Amsterdam, University of
Applied Sciences
n Consultant at McKinsey (Global
management consulting frm)
n Communication offcer at Global
Reporting Initiative (non-proft
organisation)
n PhD researcher at the Institute
for the Study of International
Politics, University of Sussex
Tine Molendijk, The Netherlands
Alumna of Cultural and Social Anthropology
I conducted my research among Dutch combat soldiers; a choice which conrms that anthropology is much broader
and more versatile than some may think. Through participant observation, media analysis and interviews, I examined
relations between patriotism and (illegitimate) military violence. I cannot think of anything more exciting than seeing
my own thesis rolling out of the press, with a picture on the cover of the people I have personally spent time with. My
thesis is really my own product, from a to z.
Contemporary cultural and
social anthropology aims
to understand and explain
particular ways of living and
behaving in societies all over the
world, among different groups
of people. How do people relate
to each other and their social
and material environment?
Questions of globalisation, identity
and authenticity, migration,
citizenship, but also of transnational
relations, development, and myths of
progress are at the heart of the
Masters programme in Cultural and
Social Anthropology. The Masters
programme is designed to transform
you into an active participant in the
production of anthropological
knowledge and the principles and
practices of the discipline. As an
anthropologist, you will investigate
your carefully formulated research
question by means of ethnographic
feldwork and relevant comparisons.
The Masters programme in
Anthropology is a broad, one-year
Masters programme in which you
design and conduct your own high
quality anthropological research.
After completing a period of
feldwork, you are expected to write a
well-argued thesis. A distinctive
feature of this programme is the
relative freedom in choosing the topic
for your Masters thesis. In terms of
regional focus, there are also many
options, as there is a wide range of
regional specialisations among the
Cultural and Social Anthropology
staff, who can support and supervise
your project. When starting this
programme, you will need to have a
preliminary idea of the kind of
research you would like to conduct.
This implies basic knowledge of a
specifc anthropological research
theme as well as a region. It is also
possible to join one of the established
research projects of one of our staff
members.
Student prole
The academic standards of this
Masters programme are rigorous and
you are expected to demonstrate a
high level of commitment,
independence and resilience. What do
you need in order to complete this
Masters programme successfully?
n a strong interest in anthropological
theory,
n the desire to learn how to write
thorough analytical texts,
n an anthropological orientation,
namely the ability to empathise
with the perspective, emotions and
ideas of other people,
n fexibility and self-reliance,
essential for the successful
completion of feldwork.
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Cultural and Social Anthropology

www.uva.nl/msc-anthropology
Cultural and Social Anthropology
Competencies
In a world of increasing
globalisation, the Masters degree
in Anthropology equips you with
highly relevant skills, such as:
n independently devising,
implementing, evaluating and
reporting on a large-scale project,
n experience in developing networks,
n knowledge of qualitative research
methods, including participant
observation and interviewing,
n the ability to write well and argue
cohesively,
n training in the effective presentation
of your own work and ideas.
Alumni
alumni of the Cultural and Social
Anthropology programme are:
n Head of Communications at SNV
Netherlands Development
Organisation (non-proft
development organisation)
n Branding consultant and project
manager at Sustainable Brands
(commerce community)
n Policy offcer at NWO (Dutch
organisation for scientifc research)
n Research Associate at the
Netherlands Centre for Social Care
Research
Saskia Sanders, Switzerland
Alumna of Human Geography
I thought studying at the UvA would be a great opportunity to nd not only a Masters that really suited my interests,
but also to spend a year in another city. In order to choose a programme, I looked into the course outlines and the
elds of research of the lecturers of different universities and programmes. I found that the Masters programme in
Human Geography at the UvA covered most of the topics I wanted to pursue. Of course, the fact that it is located in
Amsterdam was a great plus too!
Intertwined spatial
developments of urbanisation
and globalisation processes
are central to the Human
Geography curriculum. As a
Human Geography student,
you will explore these
sociospatial dynamics at
different geographical scales
from different perspectives.
Core challenges investigated
in the programme include
urban inequality, demographic
changes, regional economic
disparities, geopolitical
conicts and identities, uneven
development as well as
environmental issues.
In the context of urban and political
geographies, the programme offers
you a broad range of geographical
sub-disciplines and skills to engage
with the multi-scalar character of
social, political, economic and
cultural processes, and the associated
spatial structures. Current socio-
spatial relations are studied in several
domains (social, economic, political,
cultural and environmental) through
the lenses of space, place and scale.
Accordingly, the programme
includes core courses on
geographical theories, ethics and
methodologies, research methods
and various thematic courses which
enable you to explore the multiple
dimensions of contemporary
challenges and phenomena. Within
the programme in Human
Geography, you compose your own
geographical profle through the
selected thematic courses and thesis
project.
Student prole
You must demonstrate that you can
work independently as well as
collaborate in a team. Furthermore,
you need to be critical and be able to
defend your own point of view, both
in academic debates as well as in
written work. Carrying out
geographical research within a given
timeframe is essential.
Competencies
You will advance your knowledge in
geographic information systems with
respect to key issues in human
geography which will assist you in
solving spatial problems. You will
learn the relevant competencies such
as understanding geographical
contexts and applying geographical
knowledge to societal issues when
dealing with contemporary spatial
issues in cities and a globalising world.
Human Geography
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Human Geography

www.uva.nl/msc-human-geography
Alumni
alumni of the Human Geography
programme are:
n Project Employee Sustainability at
Amsterdam Innovation Motor
(AIM promotes innovation,
cooperation and new business in
the Amsterdam region)
n Geography teacher at a secondary
school
n Geographic Information Systems
expert at Dutch water board
n Science Coordinator at UNU-
EHS: United Nations University,
Institute for Environment and
Human Security
n Director Viafrica Foundation (ICT
service and projects in Africa)
International Development
Studies focuses on global
development issues. In an
increasingly interconnected
world, several cities and regions
have successfully adjusted to
the processes of economic
globalisation and show high
growth rates; simultaneously,
processes of impoverishment
and exclusion occur all over the
world, both in the North and
South.
Virtually everyone who wants to deal
with international affairs or work
internationally is confronted with
issues such as poverty, equity, social
justice and sustainability. During this
programme you will look at these
issues at multiple levels in both rural
and urban contexts. The Masters
programme in International
Development Studies is an
interdisciplinary programme in terms
of content, its staff and the students
participating in it. The programme
provides you with a strong
background in contemporary theories
and debates in international
development, as well as insights into
more specifc themes. You will have
the opportunity to specialise in, for
example, the role of education in
development, economics, childrens
rights, natural resources and
environmental concerns or
urbanisation and urban inequalities.
A characteristic feature of this
Masters programme is a feldwork
period of roughly 8-10 weeks in a
developing country, in which you will
conduct your own research project.
Student prole
International Development Studies
welcomes both Dutch and
international students who seek to
study international development
issues in an interdisciplinary
programme and to join an
intellectual community known for
its open view towards global
concerns. The programme is high
level and demanding, and we expect
you to devote full attention to your
studies during the entire year.
Competencies
Interdisciplinary and problem-
oriented training equips you with
both academic and professional
skills needed for a career in the
development sector. You will be
well prepared for a position in
international and national
organisations that work on
international development issues.
The Masters programme also
provides a valuable foundation for
you if you are planning to continue
your studies in order to teach or
conduct research in development
issues.
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in International Development Studies

www.uva.nl/msc-international-development-studies
Studies
Lennart Funck, Germany
Alumnus of International Development Studies
This interdisciplinary programme allowed me to explore and learn new theoretical concepts and methods and also gave me
the opportunity to specialise, for example in environmental topics, education, governance, urbanisation, health, etc. But since
you will nd yourself in a one-year Masters programme, where you have to organise a three-month eld research activity, you
will face a lot of work and organisational tasks. Not just in relation to your courses, but also in regard to your thesis and your
time abroad. Youll probably experience some frustration and obstacles, but youll also have a lot of support and encounter
new and interesting experiences in the theoretical and practical challenges that come your way.
Alumni
Specifc career examples from alumni
of the International Development
n Staff Offcer at NWO (Dutch
organisation for scientifc research)
n Project member at Food First
Coalition, United Kingdom
n Executive partner at Emic
research; Consultancy in East-
West relations
n Lecturer and researcher on
Education in Confict Areas,
n Marketing Manager at D.light
Design East Africa Ltd., Tanzania
n Junior Project Manager at VNG
International (International
Cooperation Agency of the
Association of Netherlands
Municipalities)

Diseases move across national
borders - so do patients, doctors
and medicines. Health and
healthcare is often a matter of
politics, economics and culture
too. In the Masters programme
in Medical Anthropology and
Sociology, you will use social
science theory and methods to
critically analyse health issues in
a globalising world.
The Masters programme in Medical
Anthropology and Sociology (MAS)
trains you to understand health,
illness and the body from a social
science perspective. During the
programme you will look at
contemporary global and local
health problems, as well as key
topics in social science. It enables
you to deepen your knowledge of
anthropology and sociology, while
at the same time acquiring a
specialisation in a health-related
topic. If you have a medical or
psychological sciences background,
you will acquire further training in
social science and you will learn to
critically and refexively integrate
this training with your earlier
academic and professional
experience. If you have a social
science background, you will have
the opportunity to further sharpen
your analytical tools and acquire a
specialisation in the feld of health.
You will examine a broad range of
issues: from the social determinants
Medical Anthropology
and Sociology
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Anthropology and Sociology

www.uva.nl/msc-medical-anthropology-and-sociology
of disease to sexual subcultures to
the politics of pharmaceuticals.
The UvA has been a pioneer in this
exciting and growing feld. Our
intensive, one-year programme
combines coursework and a thesis
project based on your own
individual feldwork. You can
choose to do research in the
Netherlands or anywhere else in
Europe; or even go to Asia, Africa or
the Americas. You will design and
organise your own research project,
on a medical anthropological or
sociological theme of your interest,
with the guidance of our
international academic staff.
Student prole
You are interested in health,
healthcare and bodily culture. You
should be self-motivated and have a
keen interest in conducting research.
In the core courses, you are
encouraged to read texts critically
and refect upon the information
learned. You are asked to compare
theoretical approaches and to apply
these approaches to current issues
and relevant empirical data. During
the period of research for your
thesis, you are deemed able to
perform these skills independently
and to act autonomously in the
research feld.
Michou Benoist, The Netherlands
Alumna of Medical Anthropology and Sociology
For me, Medical Anthropology and Sociology is the most applied specialisation of anthropology as this eld enables
you to combine the cultural layer of life, politics, gender and our embodied reality with psychology and philosophy.
By matching a theoretical view with peoples experiences, I feel anthropologists can play an important role at the
intersection between patients and citizens, management, policymakers and medical professionals.
Competencies
You will gain skills that will enable
you to contribute to multi-
disciplinary problem-driven research
and interventions.
Alumni
alumni of the Medical
Anthropology and Sociology
programme are:
n Programme manager at RIVM
Centre for Healthy Living
n Researcher MUTHI (Multi-
disciplinary University
Traditional Health Initiative) at
n Medical Anthropologist at
Maxima Medisch Centrum
(medical centre)
n Associate Director at Community
Health for Asian Americans
Geertje Haverkamp, Nederland
Studieadviseur Politicologie
Als studieadviseur van de master Politicologie spreek ik veel studenten van de afstudeerrichting Bestuur en beleid. Zij
verdiepen zich in theorien over het openbaar bestuur maar gaan ook casusgericht te werk. Het is mooi om te zien dat
onze studenten zich betrokken voelen bij maatschappelijke problemen en de actoren en belangen die daarbij een rol
spelen. Tijdens het scriptieonderzoek analyseren ze een probleem om zo een steentje bij te dragen aan de oplossing
ervan. Hun opleiding wordt daarmee niet alleen academisch maar ook maatschappelijk relevant.
Wil je weten hoe beleidsma-
kers en burgers omgaan met
politieke vraagstukken? Bestuur
en beleid leert je politieke en
beleidsmatige processen rond
deze vraagstukken kritisch te
beschouwen met aandacht voor
de onderliggende dilemmas. Je
zoekt hierbij voortdurend naar
nieuwe manieren van omgaan
met beleidsproblemen: hoe kun-
nen bestuurspraktijken en orga-
nisaties worden aangepast aan
het veranderende tijdsbeeld?
Tijdens de opleiding Bestuur en be-
leid komen invloedrijke theorien uit
de bestuurskunde en politicologie
aan bod. Je ontwikkelt de bestuurs-
kundige, organisatiekundige en poli-
ticologische vaardigheden die nodig
zijn om bestuurspraktijken te kunnen
analyseren, begrijpen en verbeteren.
Je leert beleidsprocessen te doorlopen
door casussen te analyseren en be-
leidsadviezen te ontwikkelen. Ook
maak je kennis met de beroepsprak-
tijk. Bestuur en beleid aan de UvA
onderscheidt zich van andere be-
stuurskundige opleidingen door de
manier waarop het een kritisch-ana-
lytische benadering van onderzoek
combineert met het ontwikkelen van
vaardigheden voor het ontwerpen
van beleid. De blik is daarbij sterk
gericht op de werkvloer: je bestudeert
bestuurlijke praktijken op internatio-
naal, Europees, nationaal en lokaal
niveau, zowel vanuit het perspectief
van een wetenschapper als vanuit het
standpunt van handelende actoren.
Door deze combinatie van perspec-
tieven leidt de master Bestuur en
beleid jou op tot een professional die
bestuurlijke vraagstukken van de
21ste eeuw kritisch en effectief weet
aan te pakken.
Studentenproel
Ben je genteresseerd in hoe beleid
tot stand komt en wil je via onder-
zoek of praktijk daar een bijdrage aan
leveren? Beschik je over goede analy-
tische vaardigheden en heb je een
Language of instruction: Dutch
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science

www.uva.nl/msc-bestuur-en-beleid

Politicologie: Bestuur en beleid
Bestuur en beleid is een track van de master Politicologie
scherp oog voor praktische proces-
sen? Dan is deze master iets voor jou.
Competenties
Als je kiest voor de master Bestuur
en beleid word je getraind in be-
stuurskundige en politicologische
vaardigheden die je nodig hebt om
bestuurspraktijken te kunnen analy-
seren en er in te participeren. Naast
onderzoeksvaardigheden leer je
beleidsprocessen te doorlopen door
casussen te analyseren en beleids-
adviezen te ontwikkelen.
Alumni
Studeren aan de GSSS zorgt voor
brede kennis, wat invloed heeft op de
vele keuzes die je kunt maken voor je
carrire. Lees meer over het beroeps-
perspectief van de GSSS op pagina 8.
De volgende opsomming geeft
voorbeelden van functies van
alumni Bestuur en beleid:
n Onderzoeker bij hogeschool
INHolland en UvA
n Docent bestuurskunde
n Business professional bij advies-
en projectmanagement bureau
Dutch
n Projectleider bij Platform
Duurzame Luchtvaart
n Beleidsmedewerker bij de
Gemeente Amsterdam
n Zelfstandig ondernemer en
consultant
Voor studenten die genteresseerd
zijn in deze studie, is er ook een
tweejarige Research Master.
Are you interested in how the
current sovereign debt crisis
in the Eurozone affects the
European Unions position in
the world? And would you like
to know how the EU responds
to social and political instability
in its own direct neighborhood?
Do you want to know if old and
new external security threats
(like migration, global warming,
energy dependency, new wars)
can prompt EU member states
to get their act together?
The European Union in a Global
Order programme provides you
with a theoretical and empirical
understanding of the EUs external
relations. It deals with the idea of a
double movement, with a dual focus:
on the internal determination of the
EUs external relations and actions
(like the role of state and non-state
actors in the development of a
Common Foreign and Security
Policy, the actual decision-making
process, its instruments),
and on the impact of global
developments, challenges and threats
on foreign policy-making at the
European and Member State level.
European Union in a Global Order
offers you a theoretically and
methodologically pluralist and
interdisciplinary programme. Social,
economic, political and cultural
processes of change (at different
levels of analysis) are seen as mutually
constitutive. The programmes focus
is on the EUs external, international
and foreign relations rather than
politics or economics.
Student prole
The programme is intensive and
rigorous. You are expected to
develop a capacity to work
independently and in group settings.
The research-oriented character of
the Masters implies that you
develop and apply your theoretical
and methodological skills in the
framework of the research projects.
Competencies
Upon completion of the Masters,
you will be able to:
n demonstrate originality in
developing and applying ideas
within a research context;
n apply knowledge as well as
problem solving capacities in a
specifc topical area within the
broader context of the feld of
European Foreign Relations;
n clearly communicate conclusions as
well as the theoretical and methodo-
logical rationale underpinning these
to a specialist and non-specialist
academic audience in both speech
and writing;
n utilise academic skills that allow
you to continue studying beyond
the Masters level in a manner that
is largely self-directed and
autonomous.
Political Science: European Union
in a Global Order
European Union in a Global Order is a track in the Masters programme in Political Science

www.uva.nl/msc-european-union-global-order
Alumni
alumni of the European Union in
a Global Order programme are:
n Programme manager at RIVM
Centre for Healthy Living
n Policy offcer at Ministry of
Education, Culture and Science
(OCW)
n Senior consultant at Bantu
Consultancy
n PhD researcher at Institute for
European Studies, Free
University Brussels
n Sustainability consultant at KWA
Business Consultants
n HR administrator at the
international humanitarian
agency GOAL.
Edgars Eihmanis, Latvia
Masters student in European Union in a Global Order
For me the European Union in a Global Order experience has been both challenging and pleasing. While at EUGO,
Ive acquired pivotal intellectual tools, enabling me to understand European and international affairs much better than
before. Particularly, Ive been fond of the quality of counselling, as some of the instructors are leading gures in their
respective elds of study.
Tim Fresen, Nederland
Alumnus Internationale betrekkingen
Naast de verplichte vakken binnen je specialisatie wordt er een breed scala aan keuzevakken aangeboden, van zeer
theo retische tot meer praktische vakken. Bij Internationale betrekkingen hoort redelijk wat theorie. Dat levert veel
interessante discussies op academisch niveau op. Mijn medestudenten waren behoorlijk gemotiveerd waardoor ik ook
werd gestimuleerd extra mijn best te doen. Ik vind goede cijfers halen belangrijk, maar ook makkelijk omdat de stof
interessant is.
Vind jij het leuk om mee te den-
ken over politieke, economische
en sociale conicten waarvan
aard, oorzaken en gevolgen na-
tionale grenzen overschrijden?
Vind je het interessant hoe deze
conicten de verhoudingen tus-
sen staten raken, maar ook de
verhoudingen tussen statelijke
en niet-statelijke politieke acto-
ren, zoals multinationale onder-
nemingen en non-governmen-
tal organizations (NGOs)?
Tijdens de opleiding Internationale
betrekkingen onderzoek je o.a. de
Noord-Zuidverhouding,
ontwikkelingsproblematiek,
mondiale criminaliteit,
terrorismebestrijding, internationale
milieuvraagstukken en de
internationale
concurrentieverhoudingen. Je
analyseert de wisselwerking tussen
transnationale economische,
maatschappelijke, politieke en
technologische ontwikkelingen en
het statensysteem. Je bekijkt hoe
deze ontwikkelingen het traditionele
onderscheid in de politiek tussen
lokaal, nationaal en internationaal
beleid hebben doen vervagen en
hoe politieke issues als economie,
veiligheid, identiteit, milieu e.d.
met elkaar verweven zijn geraakt.
Je bestudeert hoe de veranderde
politiek het collectief handelen op
regionale, continentale en mondiale
schaal benvloedt en welke vormen
van beleid en bestuur op de verschil-
lende niveaus van een wereldwijde
samenleving bruikbaar zijn. Tenslotte
heeft het vakgebied Internationale
betrekkingen van oudsher ook een
duidelijke normatieve orintatie op
de goede wereldorde en het goede
leven voor de wereldmaatschappij.
Studentenproel
Heb je interesse in de analyse van
internationale betrekkingen? Kijk
je over grenzen heen? Ben je
genteresseerd in het functioneren
van internationale organisaties,
transnationale sociale bewegingen,
ontwikkelingsproblemen en
veranderingsprocessen zoals de
economische crisis en de opkomst
van de BRICS-landen? Dan is deze
studie iets voor jou!
Competenties
Internationale betrekkingen biedt je
de mogelijkheid jouw algemene

www.uva.nl/msc-internationale-betrekkingen
competenties te versterken, zoals
analytisch en praktisch inzicht in
complexiteit, waardering van diver-
siteit en oog voor uiteenlopende en
conficterende belangen in interna-
tionale en transnationale verhou-
dingen en processen. Ook biedt
Internationale betrekkingen je een
grondig inzicht in transnationale
coalities en veranderingsprocessen.
Tijdens de opleiding leer je daarover
te adviseren en te publiceren. Deze
bekwaamheden spelen in alle
maatschappelijke sectoren een rol en
vormen een goed uitgangspunt voor
een leidinggevende functie in een
breed spectrum van organisaties.
Alumni
brede kennis, wat invloed heeft op
de vele keuzes die je kunt maken
voor je carrire. Lees meer over het
beroepsperspectief van de GSSS op
pagina 8.
alumni Internationale betrekkingen:
n Adviseur bij organisatieadvies-
bureau Twynstra Gudde
n Medewerker bij Amnesty
International
n Directeur Wetenschappelijk
Bureau bij Socialistische Partij
n Programmamanager Preventie
Jeugd en Sancties bij Ministerie
van Justitie
n Beleidsmedewerker bij de EU
Politicologie: Internationale betrekkingen
Internationale betrekkingen is een track van de master Politicologie
Would you like to know more
about the rapidly changing
world of global politics?
The International Relations
programme provides you with
insight into global politics and
fundamental questions not only
about war and peace, but also
about justice, efciency and
identity throughout the world.
It will enhance your knowledge
about the rise and fall, conict
and cooperation between
sovereign nation-states, as well
as those of non-governmental
actors and international and
regional organisations.
International Relations examines
global politics through a
comprehensive curriculum to provide
you with not only a broad
foundation of knowledge, but also a
deeper and more specialised
expertise. You will learn to criticise
and develop theoretical insights based
on a range of scholarly traditions
within political science and other
social sciences. You will also learn to
analyse those insights through
original empirical research using a
variety of methodologies. The
curriculum covers a very wide palette
of courses, allowing you to choose
your particular focus and expertise,
from war and security studies to the
study of international political
economy in all corners of the world.

www.uva.nl/msc-international-relations
Alumni
alumni of the International Relations
programme are:
n Account offcer at the Dutch
Ministry of Security and Justice
n Academic coordinator at
HafenCity Universitt Hamburg,
Germany
n Project offcer at Himilo Relief
and Development Association
n Political staff member of the
Dutch parliament
n Junior Analyst of Research
Products at Sustainalytics
Political Science: International Relations
International Relations is a track of the Masters programme in Political Science
Student prole
develop the capacity to work
Competencies
International Relations exposes you
to a broad and diverse range of
theoretical and empirical skills. The
curriculum is designed to train you
to develop your own original, useful
and empirically sophisticated
research relevant to academic
scholarship and practical policy. The
resulting combination of expertise
and skills provides you with an
excellent preparation for a career in
international-oriented government
service, international policy-making
organisations, non-governmental
organisations, and international
business and consulting. The
programme also provides you with
a strong foundation for further PhD
work in any of the social sciences.
Dan Wang, China
Masters student of International Relations
International Relations is equipped with professors with rich teaching experiences and excellent research abilities.
It is a nice thing to study with like-minded peers who, though coming from different countries and having different
educational backgrounds, hold the same passions for international relations as you do. Besides, various activities and
workshops every semester allowed me to study both inside and outside the class.
Politieke theorie en politiek ge-
drag (PTPG) is een studie naar
politieke gedragingen, politieke
instellingen en politieke idealen.
Als PTPG student houd je je
bezig met brandende politieke
kwesties zoals radicalisme,
migratie, populisme, nationa-
lisme en kosmopolitisme.
Tijdens deze studie verdiep je je in
actuele onderwerpen zoals breekbare
staten in de ban van een burgeroorlog
en autoritaire staten in beweging,
maar ook democratien die worstelen
met etnische, economische en consti-
tutionele conficten en worden gecon-
fronteerd met het geweld van terror-
isten, woedende immigranten van de
tweede of derde generatie en extreem
rechtse groeperingen. Je richt je op de
wetenschappelijke bezinning van het
doen en laten van mensen in de poli-
tiek en hoe deze politieke gedrag-
ingen de bouwstenen zijn van uit-
barstingen van geweld, revoluties,
heerschappij en instorting van impe-
ria, de vorming van natiestaten en
internationale regimes en demo-
cratisering.
Studentenproel
Deze afstudeerrichting is bedoeld
voor alle studenten die kennis willen
nemen van algemene politicologie
vanuit een ruime sociaalwetenschap-
pelijke invalshoek. Als PTPG student
ben je genteresseerd in fundamentele
theoretische vragen en veronderstel-
lingen over politiek en politiek ge-
drag, in zaken als burgerschap en
democratie en in politieke denkers.
Je theoretische belangstelling koppel
je aan vragen over politiek gedrag,

www.uva.nl/msc-politieke-theorie-en-politiek-gedrag
verkiezingen, politieke netwerken,
politieke psychologie en de verander-
ingen die optreden als gevolg van
nieuwe media.
Competenties
PTPG biedt je de mogelijkheid je
grondig te verdiepen in fundamentele
vragen en opvattingen over politiek.
Ook leer je om deze te herkennen in
de standpunten en visies die heden-
daagse politici naar voren brengen.
Daarbij ben je goed in staat de conse-
quenties en implicaties aan te geven
van bepaalde keuzes en programmas.
Je kunt politiek gedrag nauwkeurig
analyseren. Door deze vaardigheden
kun je belangrijke en vernieuwende
bijdragen leveren aan maatschappe-
lijke en beleidsdiscussies.
Alumni
pagina 8.
alumni Politieke theorie en poli-
tiek gedrag:
n Stadsdeelraadslid voor
Amsterdam Zuidoost
n Hoofdredacteur Business
Media bij IDG Netherlands
n Strategisch adviseur bij
Geitenbeek Controlling
Marion Loor, Nederland
Alumna Politieke theorie en politiek gedrag
Om binnen Politicologie een track te kunnen kiezen heb ik een voorlichtingsmarkt bezocht met presentaties van alle
master afstudeerprojecten. Ik heb voor de specialisatie Politieke theorie en politieke gedrag gekozen omdat ik
genteresseerd ben in de ontwikkeling van democratie en in het bijzonder wat de rol van politieke partijen daarin is.
Deze master heeft daar de meeste aandacht voor en richt zich op de theoretische ontwikkeling van democratie en de
toetsing daarvan in de praktijk.
Politicologie: Politieke theorie en politiek gedrag
Politieke theorie en politiek gedrag is een track van de master Politicologie
Ben je op zoek naar een breed
georinteerde studie die zich
bezig houdt met actuele maat-
schappelijke vraagstukken?
De master Sociologie leert je
zelfstandig, kritisch en ge-
nuanceerd denken over socio-
logische vraagstukken en bied
je grondige kennis van de socio-
logische theorie en methoden.
Je maakt je intellectuele en
praktische vaardigheden eigen
om problemen, structuren en
processen met betrekking tot
het samenleven van mensen te
analyseren.
Het brede vakaanbod van Algemene
Sociologie biedt je veel keuze-
mogelijkheden. Je kunt je eigen
vakkenpakket samenstellen binnen
een breed sociologisch spectrum:
cultuursociologie, arbeidssociologie,
stadssociologie, beleidssociologie,
sociologie van gender en seksualiteit
en migratiesociologie. Op het gebied
van onderzoeksmethoden kun je
kiezen uit een breed aanbod van
zowel kwalitatieve als kwantitatieve
methoden. Door middel van het vak
arbeidsmarktorintatie bereid je je
vanaf de start van de studie voor op
het werkende leven als socioloog.
Binnen sociologie bestaan er nog zes
Engelstalige specialisatietrajecten:
Comparative Organisation and
Labour Studies, Cultural Sociology,
Gender, Sexuality and Society,
Migration and Ethnic Studies,
Social Problems and Social Policy
en Urban Sociology.
Studentenproel
Wanneer je op zoek wilt gaan naar
verklaringen van maatschappelijke
problemen, onderliggende processen
wilt begrijpen, kritisch en nieuws-
gierig wilt zijn naar alternatieve ver-
klaringen voor wat er in de wereld
om je heen gebeurt, dan is de studie
interessant voor jou. Je wilt zelf
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Sociology

www.uva.nl/msc-sociologie
Sociologie: Algemene sociologie
onderzoek doen en je door klassieke
sociologische denkers laten inspire-
ren over actuele themas. Kortom:
deze master past bij jou als kritische,
onderzoekende student die zich wil
verdiepen in en op zoek gaat naar
oplossingen voor actuele maatschap-
pelijke vraagstukken!
Competenties
Er bestaat na afronding een scala aan
mogelijkheden op de arbeidsmarkt.
Als afgestudeerd socioloog bezit je
gedegen onderzoeksvaardigheden
en heb je de capaciteit om complexe
maatschappelijke problemen in kaart
te brengen, potentile oplossingen
aan te dragen en daartoe adviezen te
schrijven.
Alumni
pagina 8.
alumni Algemene sociologie:
n Senior Campaigner bij
campagnebureau BKB
n Fractielid politieke partij
n Docent Methoden en Technieken
aan de UvA
n Onderzoeker bij de DSP-groep
n Intern organisatieadviseur bij
Vierstroom
Renee Siep, Nederland
Student Algemene Sociologie
Voordat ik aan mijn master begon heb ik verschillende informatiedagen bezocht. Zo krijg je een indruk van de
opleiding. Hier ontmoette ik de studieadviseurs van de master. Dit zijn handige contacten om te hebben. Zij weten
ontzettend veel van de opleiding of kunnen je doorverwijzen naar de juiste mensen. Erg handig!
Labour Studies (COLS) offers
you a sociological perspective
on the organisation of work
processes, on the functioning
of modern labour markets and
of the governance of rms
and other public or private
organisations that form the
locus of employment.
The Comparative Organisation and
Labour Studies programme provides
you with a broad foundation of
sociological theory and research
training with a more specifc focus
on the organisation of work in
contemporary societies. During this
programme, you will study the
modern world of work at various
levels: the micro-level (e.g.
workplace practices and human
resource management); the meso
level (e.g. employment relations or
the governance of frms); and the
macro level (e.g. bargaining between
trade unions and employers
associations, and the structure of
labour market institutions and
welfare states). The programme
gives you a comparative perspective
on institutional variety (i.e.
examining how rules and regulations
differ between countries as well as
within countries). It stimulates you
as a student to apply a sociological
perspective in your work, based on
thorough scientifc research,
situating labour processes in a
broader societal context.
Student prole
Do you have an interest in and
general knowledge of labour and
organisation issues? Do you want
to go beyond the boundaries of the
topic and infuse your research with
a critical sociological approach?
Are you keen to engage in rigorous
research? Then apply for the

www.uva.nl/msc-comparative-organisation-and-labour-studies
Sociology: Comparative Organisation
and Labour Studies
Comparative Organisation and Labour Studies is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology
Labour Studies programme.
Competencies
The programme equips you with a
set of transferable skills to analyse
complex societal and organisational
problems that allow you to see
beyond the generally accepted
assumptions in the feld of labour and
organisations. The focus on both
organisations and institutional
contexts meets the increasing
demands for graduates and
professionals that are able to combine
these complementary perspectives.
Alumni
alumni of the Comparative
Organisation and Labour Studies
programme are:
n Consultant at Andersson Elffers
Felix (AEF)
n Trade union secretaries for the
largest German trade union
federation Verdi
n HR manager at the Hay group in
London
n Research positions at the Statistics
Netherlands (CBS)
n PhD trajectory funded by the
Dutch National Science
Foundation (NWO)
Magnus Muhlbradt, Canada
Alumnus of Comparative Organisation and Labour Studies
I have found it very satisfying to study at the UvA, and this has much to do with the international scope of the programme.
If your previous educational experience comes from a North American university, you might nd that there is a very different
classroom culture. Most professors are not afraid to confront and counter the arguments you present, and they might be
very blunt about their own positions on the subject. But there is no reason to feel intimidated by this. One might say, it is
the way of the Dutch.
Would you like to know if
the global exchange of media
products Disney movies,
fashion magazines, popular
music poses a threat to local
and national cultures? Or if
developing art markets in
Russia, China, Brazil and India
adopt Western models and
institutions?

In Cultural Sociology, you will not
only examine culture from a broad
perspective (collective mentalities,
ideologies, religious orientations,
expert and lay knowledge), but you
will also look at the more specifc
features of culture (art, media, popular
culture). You will focus on how
symbolic goods like books, artworks
and fashion are produced, distributed

www.uva.nl/msc-cultural-sociology
and received. In addition, the
curriculum explores how broader
cultural conceptions are embedded in
social relations, and how they change
over time and vary across social
groups. The approach to the study is
empirically grounded, utilising both
qualitative and quantitative methods.
The programme offers you the unique
opportunity to study key themes
within contemporary cultural
sociology. The research and teaching
of staff members stimulates a strong
engagement with issues of cultural
globalisation and cross-national
comparative research.
Student prole
This rigorous and intensive
programme trains you at a high
academic level. You are expected to
Sociology: Cultural Sociology
Cultural Sociology is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology
develop the capacity to work
Competencies
You will gain knowledge of aspects of
contemporary cultural developments
in relation to social processes and
insight into the functioning of
cultural policy areas. You will gain
the ability to use these concepts and
theories in creative ways. The
combination of empirical studies with
theoretical refection gives you the
intellectual tools and skills you need
to analyse and understand complex
social and cultural issues.
Alumni
alumni of the Cultural Sociology
programme are:
n Lecturer at Hogeschool van
Amsterdam, University of Applied
Science
n Policy offcer at Ministry of
Education, Culture and Science
(OCW)
n Campaign manager at BKB, Het
Campagnebureau (campaigns)
n PhD student at Amsterdam
Institute for Social Science
Research
n Editor-in-chief for the Food Film
Festival in Amsterdam
Rob de Witte, The Netherlands
Alumnus of Cultural Sociology
The knowledge and teaching capabilities of the teaching staff of Cultural Sociology keep the programme challenging.
The contact with other students as well as the teachers themselves is informal and pleasant, while, equally important,
serious and academic.
It is generally accepted that
differences between rich and
poor, between skin colours,
or between Christians and
Muslims are undeniable factors
in peoples lives. Functioning
as a woman or a man, with
particular sexual dispositions,
holds comparable signicance.
Gender, Sexuality and Society
is devoted to enhancing
our understanding of the
differences among groups
of women and groups of
men - as well as between
women and men - in an era of
globalisation. This programme
offers a systematic attempt to
address structurally embedded
prescriptions concerning
gender relations and sexual
behaviour on a par with other
analytical variables such as
class, ethnicity, religion, age, or
political ideology.

www.uva.nl/msc-gender-sexuality-and-society
Gender, Sexuality and Society aims
to integrate the social and cultural
imperatives that shape gendered
identities and sexual relationships
into the normal research repertoire
of social scientists. Accordingly, you
will learn how to incorporate a multi-
disciplinary and transnational
approach. The historical and
comparative dimensions emphasised
in the majority of the courses train
you to analyse issues in society and
culture from various perspectives and
to put them in their wide-ranging
sociological, political and cultural
contexts.
This programme is unique as it is
positioned in the social sciences,
whereas the majority of gender and/
or sexuality studies are located within
the humanities. The combination of
empirical studies with theoretical
refection provides the student with
a solid theoretical, conceptual, and
methodological foundation to better
understand, analyse and cope with
the worlds contemporary problems
and complexities related to gender
and/or sexuality.
Student prole
We dare you to look in the mirror frst
before studying the outside world.
The intellectual initiative of gender
and sexuality studies aims to integrate
the social and cultural imperatives
that shape gendered identities and
sexual desire, behaviour and
Sociology: Gender, Sexuality and Society
Gender, Sexuality and Society is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology

relationships into the normal research
repertoire of social scientists.
Competencies
The programme provides you with a
solid theoretical, conceptual, and
methodological foun-dation for the
empirical study of social issues where
gender and/or sexuality are explicitly
or implicitly at stake.
Alumni
alumni of the Gender, Sexuality and
Society programme are:
n Executive assistant at Association
for Womens Rights in
Development
n Communications and New Media
Manager at Womankind
Worldwide
n Individual and couples therapist
for adults and adolescents
n Gender advisor at PLAN
International
Wieke Hengeveld, The Netherlands
Alumna of Gender, Sexuality and Society
There are not many Masters programmes in the Netherlands that focus on gender and/or sexuality. The opportunity to
combine both from a sociological perspective was what made me choose this Masters. It is very interesting and important
to look at, for instance, how gender and sexuality are seen in society, how people strive for other possibilities to deal with
sexual identity categories and how gender inuences all layers of society.
Migration and Ethnic Studies
(MES) explores the dynamics of
human mobility in the twofold
context of globalisation and
the persistence of nation-state
boundaries. It examines how
those dynamics translate into
ethnic stratication, economic
inequality, and cultural
diversity in both countries of
departure and countries of
destination.
The core and elective courses of the
MES programme review a wide
array of issues, ranging from
migration policy, networks and
movements to migration and asylum
law in Europe; and from migrants
in labour unions and migrant
entrepreneurship to citizenship
and migrant (il)legality; and from
transnational identities, gender,
sexuality and class to cultural and
religious diversity. Migration is
discussed from a broad sociological
perspective. It provides you with the
skills to identify and analyse social
phenomena. You will learn to go
beyond applying or illustrating
available theories of migration,
integration and ethnicity, and gain
the practical skills for both
challenging existing models, and
building new, innovative ones out
of rigorous empirical work.

www.uva.nl/msc-migration-and-ethnic-studies
During the programme, guest
speakers from a variety of disciplines
including sociology, anthropology,
political science, and geography, as
well as practitioners such as lawyers,
documentary makers, labour
organisers and government offcials
share their knowledge with you.
Student prole
You are expected to develop your
capacity to work independently,
becoming knowledgeable scholars
while thinking critically about
dynamics of migration and
integration beyond media and policy
stereotypes. A taste for empirical
research combined with an aptitude
for well-grounded theorization are
appreciated, and will be cultivated in
programme members.
Competencies
You will learn how to identify and
analyse social phenomena by
comparing them with other concrete
cases taken from history or cross-
national comparative research. That
way, you will learn to go beyond just
applying or illustrating available
theories of migration, incorporation,
and ethnicity. You will also gain the
practical skills for both challenging
existing models, and building new,
innovative ones out of rigorous
empirical work, in the perspective
of fundamental as well as applied
research.
Sociology: Migration and Ethnic Studies
Migration and Ethnic Studies is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology
Dana Saxon, United States of America
Alumna of Migration and Ethnic Studies
At the UvA, I quickly realised that I was surrounded by bright, determined, and richly experienced classmates who
have had just as much (if not more) to teach me as I have to share with them. And since the UvA provides a diverse,
international classroom setting, I have had the unique opportunity to participate in discussions and debates about
issues such as ethnicity, gender, and migration, that have inuenced and affected many of us differently in our
various corners of the world.
Alumni
alumni of the Migration and Ethnic
n Offcer at the International
Migration Organization
n Doctoral student at the AISSR
n Editor-in-chief at ASIA
MATTERS
n Senior researcher at Centre for
Marine Policy
Social Problems and Social
Policy offers you insight into the
ways in which social problems
are dened and tackled within
contemporary welfare states,
analysing the roles ascribed
to citizens, professionals and
other stakeholders within these
processes. It considers the
recent histories of various policy
approaches and puts these in a
comparative European context.
Social Problems and Social Policy
combines a broad foundation of
sociological theory and research
methods training with a more
specifc focus on the construction
of social problems and attempts
by policymakers to solve these.
The different components of the
programme combine to enhance
your skills in applying social theory
to deconstruct contemporary social
issues from a range of critical
perspectives.
The distinctive qualities of the
programme are in its combining of
constructionist perspectives with
applied, case-oriented approaches
to evaluate policy effectiveness. In
linking these two approaches, the
course enables you to develop
critically incisive yet constructive
insights into a range of contemporary
problems and policy approaches.
More specialised courses include
those focusing on pertinent themes

www.uva.nl/msc-social-problems-and-social-policy
of active citizenship or vulnerable
groups, alongside a more
comparative approach to European
welfare states, industrial relations
and labour market policies.
Student prole
You should have a keen interest in
and general knowledge of certain
contemporary social problems.
You should be enthusiastic about
harnessing social theory to open
up specifc problems to critical
scrutiny and rigorous research.
Competencies
This programme is unique in that it
focuses on social policy at both the
local executive level and the level of
evidence-based policy making and
policy design. There is an increasing
demand for graduates and
professionals who are able to
combine these complementary
perspectives.
In a broader sense, the component
courses equip you to look beyond
assumptions about the reality of
issues as they are constructed in the
public sphere, analyse complex
societal and organisational
problems, and to evaluate the
effcacy of attempted solutions.
These skills are highly transferable
across the labour market, as is
apparent in the varied roles
performed by our recent graduates.
Alumni
that easily translate into a
multitude of careers. Learn more
about the career outlook on page 8.
alumni of the Social Problems and
Social Policy programme are:
n Managing Director and
Chairwoman, Code-X
International (NGO)
n Policy advisor at Ministry of
Health, Welfare and Sports
(central government)
n Policy Advisor for Zorg en
Zekerheid (health insurance
organisation)
n Researcher for private research
institute in Berlin
For students interested in this eld
of study, we also offer a two-year
Research Masters.
Sociology: Social Problems and Social Policy
Social Problems and Social Policy is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology
Stephanie Welvaart, The Netherlands
Alumna of Social Problems and Social Policy
The main reason for pursuing my academic career at the UvA was my wish to put everyday life in perspective instead of
studying abstract theories, and to make this a tangible starting point for study and research. With this idea in mind, I chose
this particular Masters track and it turned out to be a great choice. Although there were a lot of differences between
students and their educational and theoretical backgrounds, the selection of courses, I believe, gave the students the
opportunity to brush up with the theoretical knowledge needed.
For the rst time in history,
the majority of humanity
lives in cities. We live in
an urban world. Urban
Sociology provides you
with the analytical tools to
understand how conditions
in urban environments affect
the feelings, ideas, relations,
and opportunities of their
inhabitants.
Urban Sociology posits that urban
areas possess unique attributes
(numbers, density, diversity, mobility)
that shape all aspects of social life.
These urban attributes affect the
thoughts and feelings of individuals,
their relations to strangers, friends,
and colleagues. You will also explore
the ways in which institutions operate,
and the kinds of economic
opportunities available to individuals
and groups operating in the city which
are also affected by urban attributes.
During the programme you will
examine the contemporary forces that
are making cities bigger, more diverse
and more fuid than ever; and the
effects of these conditions on various
aspects of social life. In particular, you
will examine key forces that accelerate
the growth and diversity of cities
(migration, globalisation, inequalities);
the ways in which different class and
ethnic groups settle and interact in
these places (gentrifcation, ethnic
neighborhoods); and how interactions

www.uva.nl/msc-urban-sociology
Sociology: Urban Sociology
Urban Sociology is a track of the Masters programme in Sociology
Andreas Marx, Germany
Masters student in Urban Sociology
I decided to come to Amsterdam because the Graduate School of Social Sciences at the UvA is one of the best and
well-known social sciences institutes in Europe. I got the chance to work and study with colleagues from all around
the world and became friends with many of them. No doubt, I learned a lot in the courses and the international
lectures provided us with a lot of useful literature and varying ideas and theories according to the course topic.
The atmosphere between the students and the lecturers was more than friendly and you get great support from
the whole staff of GSSS.
and write in this language. These
competencies make you desirable to
a diverse range of employers engaged
in urban issues.
Alumni
alumni of the Urban Sociology
programme are:
n Program offcer at Kaghan
Memorial Trust
n Communications Associate at
Dialogue Advisory Group
n Deputy Programme Manager at
European Metropolitan Network
Institute
n Policy advisor in Dutch
parliament for labour party
n Assistant Professor at University
of Groningen
Research Masters.
between diverse groups produce new
cultures, ideologies, and political
mobilisations. You will explore these
issues through core and elective
courses. The core course Under-
standing the city provides you with
an introduction into these issues while
the elective courses provide you with
greater depth on these matters.
Student prole
develop your capacity to work
You are also expected to be an active
contributor to the courses.
Competencies
You are provided the theoretical tools
to understand how large cities operate
in a global world. This provides you
with insights into the factors that
make some cities more successful than
others, why inequalities develop
within them, the driving forces behind
urban conficts, the policy instruments
available to address pressing urban
problems, and the role of civil society
organisations in ameliorating the lives
of urban residents. Moreover, the
comparative nature of the courses
allows you to bring a uniquely
international understanding to your
understandings of cities.
Lastly, as all the courses are in English,
you will fnish the programme with
advanced abilities to reason, debate,
New conditions of the network
society and relational
geography have rapidly
inuenced urban and regional
development. The Masters
programme in Urban and
Regional Planning offers you
a broad training in urban
and regional planning, with
a focus on strategic planning
and mobility in transformative
spaces as well as urban
development and real estate.
During the programme, you
will focus on innovative forms
of planning aimed at solving
problems of collective action in
metropolitan areas.
The Urban and Regional Planning
programme offers you a thorough
understanding of advanced theories
and methodologies of urban and
regional planning, with a focus on
urban and metropolitan areas. Core
elements are drafting spatial plans,
policies and projects (spatial
interventions), understanding actor
constellations, knowing the
institutional conditions of spatial
interventions and the international
comparison of spatial planning
traditions and metropolitan
governance.
You will gain knowledge of relevant
research methods for planning and
conducting research and will apply
acquired theories, knowledge and
research skills in a Masters thesis.
Urban and Regional Planning
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Urban and Regional Planning

www.uva.nl/msc-urban-and-regional-planning
In summary, the programme trains
you to analyse (by refecting on
research and by doing research) and
act (by critically assessing existing
interventions and by drafting new
interventions).
Student prole
In order to complete the Masters
programme, you must demonstrate
that you can work independently
as well as collaborate in a team.
Furthermore, you need to be critical
and defend your own point of view,
both in academic debates as well as
in written work. Carrying out
spatial research within a given
timeframe is essential.
Competencies
You will be well informed about
planning paradigms and international
planning practices and will also
advance your knowledge of advanced
research methods for analysing
empirical data. Understanding the
social and spatial interrelationships
and applying disciplinary knowledge
to societal issues in space are relevant
competencies in dealing with
contemporary social and spatial
issues in metropolitan regions.
Alumni
alumni of the Urban and Regional
Planning programme are:
n Junior Registrar at Jong
Management VNO VCW
n Consultant for metropolitan
development (Grontmij)
n Project leader assistant in water
management (Waternet)
n PhD researcher on megaprojects
n Policy advisor for spatial
development at the Ministry of
Infrastructure and Environment
n Location Strategy Consultant,
Ahold Europe
Research Masters.
Amanda Eyer, Switzerland
Alumna of Urban and Regional Planning
My decision to study Urban and Regional Planning at the UvA was rather circumstantial. Initially, I was attracted to
Amsterdam, on the one hand, for its pleasant and diverse scenery, and, on the other, for its bicycle culture. Only later
did I realise that the Dutch have a long history in planning; indeed, the Netherlands as a whole is an engineered system.
Coming from the seemingly untamed landscapes of Switzerland, this idea strikes me as unique.
The Research Master
Studies focuses on development
processes and transformations
and shifting balances of power in
the Global South. During the
programme, you will concentrate
on current debates on political,
social, cultural, environmental
and economic issues.
The programme curriculum covers
these subjects at different and
interacting levels of scale, ranging
from the micro-level of individuals
and households to the macro-level of
states. The programme trains you in
a variety of research methodologies
and techniques to understand these
processes from a predominantly
Southern and internationally
comparative perspective.
The Research Master International
Development Studies is an
interdisciplinary programme, both
in terms of the outlook of the
programme, its staff and the students
participating in it. The programme
provides you with a thorough
background in contemporary
theories and debates in international
development studies, including key
themes such as poverty, economic
growth, and resilience; value chains
and corporate social responsibility;
children, health and education and
so on.
Duration of programme: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in International Development Studies (Research)

www.uva.nl/rmsc-international-development-studies
Student prole
The Research Master International
Development Studies welcomes
research-oriented Dutch and
international students who are
seeking to study international
development issues in an
interdisciplinary programme and
who would like to join an intellectual
community known for its open view
towards global concerns. The
programme maintains a high
academic standard and is demanding.
We expect you to devote your full
attention to your studies for the
duration of the programme.
Competencies
The strong research orientation of
the programme prepares you for an
academic career or a career in applied
research. Graduates of the Research
Masters will be well positioned to
apply for English-language PhD
programmes in the Netherlands and
internationally. Positions in the
development sector or private sector
also offer valuable options as the
interdisciplinary and problem-
oriented training of the programme
equips you with the required
academic and professional skills
needed for these sectors. You will be
well prepared for employment in
international and national
organisations that work on
international development issues.
Research Master International
Development Studies
Alumni
Specifc career examples from alumni
of the Research Master International
Development Studies programme are:
n PhD position with the Centre of
European Research on Micro-
Finance (Brussels) on social
entrepeneurship and microfnance;
n Senior researcher for international
cooperation at NCDO (Dutch
expertise and advisory centre for
citizenship and international
cooperation)
n Programme Offcer at Dutch
Scientifc Council NOW
n Policy advisor in Dutch parliament
for labour party
n PhD position at the University of
East Anglia (UK) on a project
loosely aligned with the Young
Lives international study on
childhood poverty
n PhD position at the Graduate
Institute of International and
Development Studies
n Policy Researcher and lobbyist for
the Dutch NGO NiZa
(Netherlands Institute for South
Africa)
Anna-Lisa Noack, United States of America
Research Masters student in International Development Studies
Through International Development Studies, I have been given the chance to not only unpack theories but also to look at
development policies and how they are viewed by intended beneciaries. In addition to helping me develop academically,
the months leading up to and conducting eldwork contributed greatly to my personal development as this period engaged
and challenged every part of my being.
Are you interested in social
scientic research, and do you
want to pursue a career in
academic or (non-academic)
research environments? The
Research Master Social Sciences
(RMSS) is designed for excellent
students with an interest in
research from multidisciplinary
and disciplinary perspectives.
Due to an extensive focus on
advanced quantitative and
qualitative research skills,
students who have nished the
RMSS will be able to carry out
high quality scientic research
independently.
The Research Master Social Sciences
offers you advanced training in
contemporary social science
research. The programme combines
advanced social theory with
innovative methodologies in a
rigorous and multidisciplinary social
science research environment. You
will specialise in one of fve felds of
research: institutions and inequality,
healthcare and the body,
comparative politics, globalisation,
fows and localities, and migration
and integration.
During the programme, you will
choose between three research
methods tracks: empirical-analytical,
interpretative, and mixed. All tracks
offer a wide range of advanced
research methods courses.
Research Master Social Sciences
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Social Sciences (Research)

www.uva.nl/rmsc-social-sciences
An internship allows students to
become actively involved in ongoing
research projects. The fnal thesis
takes the shape of a manuscript that
can be directly submitted to an
international peer-reviewed journal.
Student prole
A defning feature of this Research
Masters programme is the extensive
focus on research skills. You will
obtain these skills through
substantive and methods courses,
as well as during a six to eight week
internship.
Competencies
You will be able to tackle modern
social challenges and problems
through innovative and multi-
disciplinary social science research,
both in academic and non-academic
Maria Kranendonk, The Netherlands
Research Masters student in Social Sciences
After nishing the rst academic year of this programme, I must say that discussing and attending classes with
students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds has been a great learning experience. Most of the lectures were given
in small groups, which made it possible to discuss with fellow students and ask the professors many questions.
research environments. You will gain
the ability to formulate socially and
scientifcally relevant research
problems within the key areas of
social sciences. The programme
develops your capacity to construct
a research design to solve these
problems through the use of advanced
quantitative and/or qualitative
techniques. You will be able to report
on their research process and
conclusions clearly and concisely.
Alumni
the alumni of the Research Master
Social Sciences programme are:
n PhD-student and/or Assistant
Professor (in a.o. Political Science,
Sociology, Anthropology, Urban
Studies, mainly at University of
Amsterdam, but also at a.o.
Erasmus University Rotterdam,
Tilburg University, VU University
Amsterdam, Universidad
Autonoma de Madrid)
n Research Assistant, Dutch
Scientifc Council for Government
Policy (WRR)
n Political Assistant to city senator,
Amsterdam municipality
n Policy Advisor, Dutch Ministry
of Foreign Affairs
n Qualitative research consultant
for opinion polling agency TNS
NIPO
n Analyst at Accenture (consultancy,
technology services, outsourcing)

The 21
st
century will be an
urban century. It is expected
that the largest cities and
metropolitan regions of Europe,
North America and Japan will
keep growing, even though
the population of especially
Europe and Japan as a whole
will decline.
Contrary to the earlier ideas about
the global economy becoming
increasingly footloose, large cities
and metropolitan areas will remain
the most important economic hubs of
this part of the world. In other parts
of the world like China, Latin
America, the Middle East and Africa,
cities are still growing very fast
because of migration from the rural
areas to the cities. Some of the largest
cities of the global South are
becoming serious competitors in the
global economy too. Both in the
North and South, cities are becoming
more international and inter-
connected.
Our programme combines the
disciplines of urban geography,
economic geography, urban and
regional planning, and urban
sociology, to provide you with a multi-
disciplinary and comprehensive
approach to urban change.
An important theme throughout the
programme is the international
comparison of urban phenomena, as
exemplifed by a comparative
Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Urban Studies (Research)

www.uva.nl/rmsc-urban-studies
methodology course and the
requirement of an international
comparison in your Masters thesis.
A unique feature of the programme,
related to this focus on international
comparison, is the semester abroad at
one of our exchange partner institutes
in Europe, North America or East
Asia.
Student prole
You should be interested in a
multidisciplinary approach of the
urban, which means thinking
beyond your own disciplinary
background. We expect you to have
performed well above average in your
Bachelors programme and to have
the ambition of a research career in
academia or a research-oriented
position in relevant professional
felds like urban and regional
planning, housing, social policy or
real estate.
Competencies
In the Research Masters programme,
you acquire a solid foundation in the
latest developments of urban studies
theory as well as a thorough training
in advanced research methodology
of the social sciences. In our
methodology courses, combining
qualitative and quantitative methods
in mixed-method approaches is
specifcally encouraged.
Research Master
Urban Studies
Alumni
the alumni of the Research Master
Urban Studies programme are:
n Assistant professor at University
of Amsterdam
n PhD researcher at University
of Kentucky
n Adviser to the board of the
Development Alliance, City of
Amsterdam
n Real estate analyst at IPD,
Amsterdam
n Researcher, Nicis Institute,
The Hague
Donya Ahmadi, Iran
Research Masters student in Urban Studies
About a year after the presidential elections in Iran and the demonstrations and oppression that followed, I began looking
for scholarships through the grantnder, an online tool for nding scholarships at Dutch universities. Thats when I stumbled
upon this programmes webpage. I was immediately drawn to its robust multidisciplinary design. Having contacted many
universities, I was particularly struck by the warm and welcoming demeanor of UvA faculty members, the very same
demeanor and enthusiasm I came to experience at the Graduate School when I came to Amsterdam.
The Joint European Masters
in International Migration and
Social Cohesion (MISOCO) is
a two-year international
Masters with the support
of the Erasmus Mundus
programme of the European
Union. The programme offers
you the unique opportunity to
study international migration in
three European countries.
You are selected on the basis
of your qualications. The
programme also offers Erasmus
Mundus Student and Scholar
Scholarships.
MISOCO seeks to explore the
critical elements of international
migration and the incorporation of
immigrants in the society of
destination. Its aim is to educate you
in advanced theories, techniques, and
methodologies in the feld of
migration studies. After completing
this programme, you will be able to
translate perceived societal problems
into relevant social scientifc research
questions and contribute to the
solution of such problems by
combining insights from
fundamental social theory joined
with substantive theories.
This Masters is unique to Europe.
It provides an opportunity to bring
together those who have an interest
in creating a shared outlook for
Joint European Master in International
Migration and Social Cohesion
Type of programme: Erasmus Mundus Master Programme
Title: Master of Science (MSc) Sociology

www.misoco.org
Europe in terms of migration
studies. All partner universities not
only teach, but also actively research
various migration-related issues,
offering you state-of-the-art
knowledge in the respective
specialisation areas.
Scholarships
A limited number of Erasmus
Mundus scholarships is available
each year:
n 21,000 per year for non-EU
students
n 11,000 per year for EU students
Student prole
The MISOCO Masters programme
has been designed for people working
or intending to work in the feld of
migration and social cohesion;
regardless of their race, gender,
religion, age, and/or geographical
origin. However, the consortium aims
to admit only highly qualifed
students. You are chosen on the basis
of the quality of your education and
professional background, your
experience in and concern for
migration issues, your multicultural
sensitivity, and your linguistic abilities.
Competencies
International Migration and Social
Cohesion prepares students for
doctoral study, further academic
research and jobs in a variety of
sectors, including advisory
organisations, government
institutions, NGOs and journalism.
Alumni
The frst MISOCO class graduated
in 2012. Two alumni are now pursuing
a PhD. Most MISOCO graduates
now work as policy advisors in local
or national governmental
organisations, often back in their
home country, or for NGOs such as
the Australian Agency for
International Development and The
Hague Institute for Global Justice.
Ecaterina Buracec, Republic of Moldova
Alumna of the MISOCO programme
It goes without saying that MISOCO is especially attractive due to the possibility of living in three European countries.
Along with two years of intensive courses, the programme includes eld trips, internships and guest lectures by
distinguished professors who could provide valuable advice for your research project. Perhaps the greatest value of this
Masters is the variety of possibilities it offers to its students. MISOCO is a good chance to enhance your knowledge,
discover other countries and prepare the ground for a future career.
PhD Programme
The GSSS offers doctoral candidates
in the Social Sciences an appealing
international research environment in
close cooperation with the
Amsterdam Institute for Social
Science Research (AISSR).
Students that have obtained their
Masters degree are, in principle,
eligible for a doctoral position. Full-
time doctoral programmes last at
least three or four years and consist
mainly of independent research
activities. Doctoral candidates may
also be assigned teaching tasks.
Research results are presented in the
form of a doctoral thesis which must
be defended before a doctoral
committee in a public setting.
PhD candidates can be admitted to
the AISSR and subsequently also to
the GSSS PhD courses by:
1. Applying for a PhD vacancy in a
research project externally funded
through an open recruitment
procedure. Vacancies are
announced on the AISSR and UvA
websites.
2. Submitting their own research
proposal: Candidates will provide
their own funding through private
resources, grants or by being under
contract with other UvA units,
institutes and companies.
AISSR bundles research in the social
sciences in the felds of sociology,
geography, planning, international
development studies, political science
and anthropology. It is the largest
research institute in this domain in
the Netherlands. The research
programme focuses on the
functioning of contemporary
societies and their interrelationships
from historical, comparative and
empirical perspectives and covers a
broad spectrum of topics, such as
health, citizenship, stratifcation,
globalisation and democratic
representation. Cooperation across
the disciplines is institutionalised in
fve centres that focus on Urban
Studies, Social Science & Global
Health, Inequality Studies,
Migration & Ethnic Studies and
Gender & Sexuality.
Social Sciences at the UvA is ranked
41 in the QS World University
Rankings 2012-2013, holding the top
position in this ranking for the
Netherlands. AISSR is also highly
successful in competing for external
research funding, at both the
national and international level.
The AISSR has approximately 150
doctoral candidates, half of which
are international candidates.
Doctoral candidates are embedded in
one of the AISSR programme groups
while the core training courses are
formally offered by the GSSS. There
is a strong alignment and cross-
fertilisation between the AISSR
programme groups and specialisation
tracks in the GSSS (research) Master
and PhD training programmes.
The PhD training programme that
GSSS offers (of up to 40 ECTS
credits of courses) consists of three
main parts:
n Methodology: Advanced level
qualitative and quantitative
courses
n Theory: An advanced and unique
course on social science theory
spanning all represented
disciplines
n Choice and tailor-made courses:
Courses ftting the individual PhD
candidates needs and featuring
skills and topics that complement
personal expertise and contribute
to the project
The programme also allows for PhD
candidates to develop highly
specialised courses involving visiting
professors (so called Short Intensive
Courses).
More information on application
procedures can be found at:
www.aissr.uva.nl/phd-programme

Summer & Winter programmes
Summer programmes
The Summer Programmes Offce
at the Graduate School of Social
Sciences in Amsterdam offers a
variety of intensive summer courses
and tailor-made programmes (in
cooperation with universities
abroad) in a variety of felds. All of
the summer programmes are taught
in English.
With over 15 years experience in
programme development, the
Summer Programmes Offce is
capable of offering high quality
short-term study abroad
programmes. With insiders
knowledge of the city of Amsterdam
and an excellent quality of (guest)
lecturers from the professional feld
and faculty, programmes have been
developed that offer a truly authentic
Amsterdam experience and direct
connection with a world-class
university. Depending on the specifc
programme, it is possible for
students who are advanced
undergraduates, graduate students or
working professionals to follow a
programme.
Summer programmes (provisional):
n Summer Institute on Alcohol,
Drugs and Addiction
n Summer Institute on Sexuality,
Culture and Society
n Social Policies & Pragmatic
Tolerance
n Global Poverty and Inclusive
Development
n Urban Studies: Housing, People
and City Spaces
n Social Innovation Safari: A Problem
Solving Learning Adventure
For specifc information on our
summer programmes and the
admission requirements, please
check our website:
www.gsss.uva.nl/summer

Tailor-made courses

Are you interested in bringing
a group of students, faculty or
professionals to Amsterdam for
an educational trip?
The Summer Programmes Offce
can help create an entire programme
from scratch or facilitate a
programme based entirely on your
wishes. As part of the University of
Amsterdam, the summer programme
staff have access to all facilities and
offer the advantage of working with
one of the top research institutions
in the world.
Winter programmes
As the fastest growing specialisation
in cultural anthropology, medical
anthropology is a dynamic feld. The
offers short courses in three essential
themes within medical anthropology
and sociology each year. The courses
are open to Masters students, PhD
candidates and healthcare
professionals.
The courses are presented by
(inter)national staff and renowned
guest lecturers from different
universities and the professional
feld. The programme takes place
in January.
The different courses (3-6 ECTS) are
offered in parallel sessions by experts
in their felds. The following courses
will be offered by the Masters
programme in Medical
Anthropology and Sociology in
January 2013 (provisional):
n Culture, Psychology and
Psychiatry
n Anthropology of Sexuality, AIDS
and Reproductive Health
n Medicine and Human Rights:
in Cross-Cultural Perspectives
As these courses are aimed at PhD
candidates, researchers, medical
professionals and interventionists
working in health-related felds.
They are designed in such a way that
the knowledge can be immediately
applied in the work feld. They are
also part of the Masters programme
in Medical Anthropology and
Sociology.
Therefore, these courses also offer
a unique opportunity to exchange
intercultural professional
experiences, and to expand network
contacts.
For more information and
application, please check our
website:
www.gsss.uva.nl/winter
More information about these winter
courses will follow as soon as
available. This information has been
edited with the utmost care. No
rights can be derived from any of its
contents.
The UvA helps students coming to Amsterdam in various ways, such as
arranging visas, permits and housing. Please consider these practical matters
when preparing for your stay.
Coming to Amsterdam
The UvA helps students coming to
Amsterdam in various ways, such as
arranging visas, permits and housing.
Please consider the practical matters
described below when preparing for
your stay.
Visas and permits
There are two types of documents
needed to stay in the Netherlands.
Depending on the country of which
you are a citizen, you may need to
apply for:
n an MVV (a long-term entry visa),
before coming to the Netherlands
n a residence permit (permission to
live and study in the Netherlands)
Citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzer-
land are exempt from these require-
ments. For all other students, the
international offces at the graduate
schools will submit the visa
application on your behalf. For details
on the documents required and an
explanation of the procedure, see:
www.uva.nl/visa
Housing
As in many major European cities,
the demand for reasonably priced
housing in Amsterdam is high. To
assist frst-year international students
in fnding appropriate accommodation,
the UvA has a number of agreements
with housing corporations through-
out the city. However, space is
limited. After you have been admitted
to the UvA, you can also apply for
student housing through the facultys
international offces. Refer to:
www.uva.nl/housing
Insurance
Every resident of the Netherlands
is required to have health insurance,
including international students.
You can:
n apply for private student insurance
n apply for basic Dutch health
insurance (basisverzekering)
n obtain a European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU
citizens
Learn more about health insurance
in the Netherlands at:
www.uva.nl/insurance
General Admission
Academic level (admissions)
For admission to a Masters
programme, students need at least
an adequate Bachelors degree or an
equivalent degree in a feld relevant
to the desired Masters degree.
The Research Masters and some
English-taught programmes have
additional admission requirements.
For details on admission requirements
and application procedures, please
check our website:
www.gsss.uva.nl
Tuition
Would you like to know more about
the tuition fee for your programme?
Visit our website:
www.gsss.uva.nl
Living expenses
During your stay in Amsterdam, you
can expect to spend between 950 and
1,400 per month on living expenses.
This includes rent, but not tuition fees.
Costs are roughly as follows:
n Visa/Residence permit (if not EU
national): 320, one-time fee
n accommodation: 375 - 600 per
month
n general living expenses: 400 -
500 per month
n insurance: 40 - 100 per month
n books: 50 - 100 per month
n public transport: 70 - 100 per
month
Working in the
Netherlands
Students from outside the EU/EEA
must have a work permit to work in
the Netherlands during their period
of study. There are two types of
work permits:
n full-time (seasonal) work permit
for the months of June, July and
August
n part-time work permit for
throughout the year, but no more
than 10 hours per week
Please be aware that you cannot have
both types of permits. Also, keep in
mind that suitable part-time or
temporary jobs can be hard to fnd,
especially if you dont speak Dutch.
It is strongly advised that you do not
rely on fnding such employment to
cover your expenses.
After graduating from a Dutch
university, non-EU students may
choose to extend their stay for one
year in order to look for work.
For more information about
working in the Netherlands, see:
www.uva.nl/work
Practical matters
Services and facilities
International Student Network
Amsterdam
The International Student Network
Amsterdam (ISN-A) aims to help
meet the social and cultural needs of
international students studying at the
UvA. It organises a variety of
activities including movie nights,
weekly gatherings, cultural
excursions, an introductory
programme and mentoring services.
Service & Information Centre
The Service & Information Centre
(SIC) is the general information
centre of the UvA. It assists students
with matters such as housing, visas,
bank accounts, studying and student
ID cards. The SIC also provides
information centre about studying
abroad.
University libraries
The UvAs library facilities consist of
the University Library and seven
faculty libraries. The UvA maintains
an extensive collection that includes
some four million titles, plus a large
collection of rare manuscripts, letters
and maps.
CREA
CREA, the cultural organisation of
the UvA and the Hogeschool van
Amsterdam, University of Applied
Sciences, organises courses and
workshops in theatre, music, dance,
literature, visual arts, radio, video,
photography and multimedia. The
CREA has its own cafe and theatre
where around 100 performances and
events are held each year.
Sport and tness
The Universum Sports Centre
(USC) of the UvA and HvA offers
ftness facilities and a wide range of
ftness classes for students, covering
everything from Aikido to swimming.
The USC also has several gyms, a
sauna, tanning beds and a sports caf.
Other services
At the UvA, state-of-the-art
computer, research and study
facilities are made available to
support academic success, while
university healthcare professionals
support the health and well-being of
our students. For a more detailed
look at all the UvA has to offer, visit:
www.uva.nl/facilities
Colophon
Edition
August 2013
For up-to-date information,
please visit our website
www.gsss.uva.nl
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/uva.gsss
Editor
Nicole Thijssens
Translation
Joshua Whetsell
Photos
Bram Belloni, Commons.wikimedia.org,
Fred van Diem, Jeroen Doomernik,
Flickr Creative Commons,
Marcel van Gaalen, Dirk Gillissen,
Anke Hendriks, Paul Keller, Bri
Lehman, Marte van Liere, Charles
McCain, Wilko Miletic, Al Hussainy
Mohamed, Morguefle, Jeroen
Oerlemans, Michael Padros, Mark
Rutgers, Maarten Schuth, Jan Slangen,
SXC, Flavio Takemoto, Nicole
Thijssens, USC, Jikke Verheij, Wilbert
van Woensel, Fred Zaal, Jos van Zetten.
Design
Crasborn Grafsch Ontwerpers bno,
Valkenburg aan de Geul | 13226
Cover: Lava
Disclaimer
This brochure has been edited
with the utmost care. No rights can
be derived from any of its contents.
Email: gsss@uva.nl
www.gsss.uva.nl
www.uva.nl/international
Left to right:
Stephanie Welvaart (The Netherlands),
Alumna in Social Problems and Social Policy
Dana Saxon (USA),
Alumna in Migration and Ethnic Studies
Lennart Funck (Germany),
Alumnus in International Development Studies

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