Admissions status:
Open. The current round closes on October 15, 2025.| Course Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Degree | MA |
| Length | 3 terms (1 year) or 6 terms (2 years) |
| Department | Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology |
| US degree credits | 30 (1 year) or 60 (2 years) |
| Austrian degree ECTS credits | 60 (1 year) or 120 (2 years) |
Program Description
The Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology at CEU is an interdisciplinary research-focused degree that critically examines contemporary social issues from historical, anthropological, sociological and socioeconomic perspectives.
You will develop a strong foundation in social theory and research methodologies, learning how to analyze social phenomena, structures and processes using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. The program engages with a diverse range of topics, including migration, religion, ethnicity, culture, globalization and urban studies. Through coursework and research, you will examine how these forces interact and shape individuals, communities and societies. The two-year program provides a particularly strong emphasis on research, with one entire term dedicated to thesis research allowing you to develop advanced academic research competencies.
A key focus of the program is the dynamic relationship between local and global contexts. You will explore how cities serve as key sites for understanding global processes, examining the interplay between local dynamics and larger-scale influences. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to develop your own perspectives on the interconnectedness of social issues and contribute to a deeper understanding of the human experience.
How the MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology Works
The Master of Arts in Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology at CEU is offered as a full-time one-year or two-year program.
- The one-year program (60 ECTS, 30 credits) enables students to deepen and broaden their knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of social phenomena, structures and processes. You will attend pre-session training, which includes academic writing support, basic computer training and an orientation to CEU. You will write your thesis in the Spring term.
- The two-year program (120 ECTS, 60 credits) extends the offering of the one-year program with comprehensive training in academic research in sociology and social anthropology. The curriculum consists of two terms of coursework, one term of fieldwork and one term devoted to thesis writing, including a thesis writing workshop. You will explore various methodologies, including ethnography, interviews, discourse analysis, survey research, quantitative methods and historical methods. Students of the two-year program have the option to select the Global and Urban Studies specialization track.
The courses of this MA program (one-year and two-year) are organized into mandatory and elective courses. The mandatory courses cover the key concepts in sociology and social anthropology, guiding you through the historical premises of both disciplines and their evolution to date, as well as the logic and methods of inquiry in the social sciences. The elective courses enable you to choose topics relevant to your interests and area of expertise, offering an in-depth education in various contemporary topics that occupy anthropology and sociology practitioners and researchers at present. You may explore the impact of digitalization on social movements, ecological humanities, global capitalism or the most important transformations in the world of labor.
Students of the one-year and two-year programs conduct an independent thesis research project and submit a written thesis to complete their degree. The two-year program students in the Global and Urban Studies track should write their thesis on a subject related to the specialization.
Expanding Your Expertise with Advanced Certificates
Advanced Certificates are student-only programs that enable you to dive deep into different subject areas through highly specialized training. This unique option offers you the possibility to tailor your learning experience at CEU according to your future academic and professional career.
The following certificates are available for students of the MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology:
Who Is This Program For
The MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology at CEU is designed for individuals passionate about understanding the complexities of human society and eager to contribute to critical discussions on contemporary social issues. Whether you are interested in migration patterns, the impact of globalization or the dynamics of urban life, this program provides theoretical and methodological tools to analyze these phenomena in depth.
This degree is particularly well-suited for those who wish to pursue careers in academia, research, policy analysis or non-governmental organizations. The emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches and rigorous research methods will prepare you to address complex social challenges and contribute to positive social change.
The two-year program is recommended if you wish to pursue a deeper research agenda with a marked interest in broadly understood global and urban issues, formalized through the Urban and Global Studies specialization offered in the program. The specialization is not part of the one-year MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology.
Check If You Meet the Eligibility Criteria
To be accepted into the one-year program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree of not less than four years of full-time studies with a minimum of 240 ECTS credits or equivalent. Previous undergraduate training in sociology and/or anthropology is an advantage but not a requirement. If you hold a 3-year bachelor’s level degree, you should apply to the two-year program.
To be accepted into the two-year program, you must have earned a minimum of 180 ECTS credits (or equivalent) during your undergraduate studies. Previous undergraduate training in sociology and/or anthropology is an advantage but not a requirement.
Program-Specific Requirements
In addition to meeting the general CEU admissions requirements, applicants to one-year and two-year programs must provide a 500-word research proposal. The topic should fall within the broad thematic focus of the department and the areas of interest of its faculty. If available, previous work on the subject and research experience in related fields should be mentioned. You must also include a writing sample in English (preferably a chapter from the undergraduate thesis).
What Awaits You
In addition to the mandatory and elective coursework, you have the possibility to attend extracurricular language courses in French, German or Spanish at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels at CEU to broaden your career prospects on the international job market. Please note that the language course credits are not counted towards your degree.
One-Year MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology
One-Year MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology
- Academic Writing
- Key Issues in Anthropological Theory
- Key Issues in Sociological Theory
- Logic of Social Inquiry
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Academic Writing
- Contemporary Social Theory
- Ethnographic Methods
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Thesis Writing Workshop
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
Two-Year MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology
Two-Year MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology
- Fall Term:
- Academic Writing
- Key Issues in Anthropological Theory
- Key Issues in Sociological Theory
- Logic of Social Inquiry
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Winter Term:
- Academic Writing
- Contemporary Social Theory
- Ethnographic Methods
- Introduction to Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Spring Term:
- Research Proposal Workshop
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Fall Term:
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Winter Term:
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Spring Term:
- Thesis Writing Workshop
- Courses from the list of electives
- Optional: Advanced Certificate
- Language course (not counted towards the overall credits)
- Anthropology of Religion I & II
- Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
- Common Marginalizations: Refugees and Other Subaltern Populations
- Cultures of Labor
- Fundamentals of Documentary Filmmaking
- Global Capitalism
- Infrastructure, Im/mobility and the Environment
- Migration, Governance and Inequality
- Nature's Production
- Post-Cold-War Inequalities in Central and Eastern Europe
- Social Movements in the Digital Age
- State and Society
- The Rise and Fall of Development
- The Structure and Infrastructure of Capitalism and Modernity
- Transforming Research into Graphic Form
- Urban Change and the Right to the City
- Visual/Aural Knowledge Production
This program overview is provided as an example based on previous years' curricula. It is for informational purposes only and subject to change. Course offerings, schedules and content may be updated or modified at any time without prior notice. Please refer to official sources or contact the relevant department for the most current program details.
Program Accreditation
The Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology at CEU is registered with the New York State Education Department in the United States and accredited by AQ Austria in Austria. CEU is accredited in the United States by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Find out more about accreditation at CEU.
Your Instructors
See the full list of professors that are currently teaching in the program.
After Graduation
With the Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology from CEU, you will build a strong foundation in social theory, research methodologies and critical analysis, opening a path to any career that values an understanding of human behavior, social dynamics and cultural diversity. You could find yourself conducting research, analyzing social trends, developing and implementing social policies or working to promote social justice and equality.
Your Career Prospects
The emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking and global perspectives will prepare you for careers in international development, human rights and cross-cultural communication. Whether your passion lies in research, advocacy or social impact, this degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to the world. You may consider exploring roles with the following job titles:
- Archivist
- Academic Researcher
- Community Development Worker
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Consultant
- Curator
- Data Analyst
- DEI Consultant
- Fundraiser
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Rights Advocate
- International Development Officer
- Journalist
- Market Research Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Program Coordinator
- Social Scientist
- Urban Planner
- Volunteer Program Coordinator
Continue Your Education at CEU
5 Reasons to Choose the Master of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology at CEU
- Critical understanding of social issues: This program will equip you with the theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to understand the root causes of social problems and critically evaluate potential solutions.
- Dual degree: Earn both an American and Austrian degree and expand your career and doctoral training prospects internationally.
- Become an adept social researcher: You will gain hands-on experience with research design, data collection and data analysis, preparing you for data-driven career paths in academia, research institutions or policy organizations.
- Explore diverse cultures and societies: Broaden your perspectives through the lenses of sociology and social anthropology, gaining a deeper understanding of human diversity and the interconnectedness of societies.
- Gain universal skills: Hone your ability to evaluate evidence, identify biases and construct well-reasoned arguments - valuable skills in any career that relies on effectively collaborating with diverse teams in large and small organizations.
