Master of Arts [M.A] [Sociology of Education] From Uppsala University

In the Master?s programme in Sociology of Education at Uppsala University, education ? in the broad sense of the word ? is explored as a social phenomenon. It is related to the overall social structure and to social transformations, such as processes of globalisation, individualisation, marketisation and privatisation. A focal point is the encounter between the symbolic or material assets held by pupils and school teachers or students and professors, as well as their embodied dispositions and beliefs, and the prevailing social and cultural order in the educational system.

Other important areas of study are the rise and transformation of educational systems, the history of and competition between educational institutions, the significance of education for the class structure and the relation that education upholds with cultural, economic or political fields. As a discipline Sociology of Education is based on more general traditions in social and historical sciences.

Career

In contemporary society, education assumes a key role and is also crucial for how countries cope with global competition. During the last half century, education systems have expanded dramatically and more people than ever are engaged in some kind of educational training. This expansion, along with decentralisation and deregulation in terms of governance, have made the landscape of education programmes and institutions increasingly complex, both at national and international levels. As a consequence, there is a demand for well-informed, analytically advanced knowledge of education, both within the education system itself and in organisations and knowledge-oriented companies.

The Master Programme in Sociology of Education prepares you for a professional career where such knowledge is particularly important. The programme opens the door to the PhD programme in Sociology of Education and to future positions in academia as a teacher or researcher, as well as to professions related to planning, design, organisation, administration and evaluation of education.