Transforming Societies, Social Science Research, Master of Social Sciences (2 yrs)

About this programme

Transforming Societies offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding contemporary societal challenges in a rapidly changing world. The programme focuses on the relationships between citizens, institutions, and environmental and public policies and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse and guide societal transformations toward socially just and environmentally sustainable futures. The programme builds on Tampere University’s long tradition of critical and impactful social research and combines conceptual understanding with practical engagement. You will gain expertise in contemporary social theory, policy analysis, and advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods. The curriculum also includes challenge-based collaboration and urban labs carried out in cooperation with public, private, and third-sector organisations, providing valuable opportunities to connect academic knowledge with real-world societal issues. Finland and Tampere provide an inspiring context for studying societal issues, offering a distinctive perspective through the Nordic welfare model while encouraging critical reflection on the sustainability challenges facing contemporary societies. Students also benefit from opportunities for international exchange, internships, and a broad selection of elective studies across the university. Master’s Programme in Social Science Research focuses on the contemporary issues and problems of governance, conflicts and policy in the globalizing world. The programme consists of the following academically independent specialisations with distinct study profiles: Transforming Societies Comparative Social Policy and Welfare