Comparative Social Research

The aim of our programme is to provide the theoretical and methodological tools required to shed light on differences between nations, cultures and other social groups. During seminars and lectures, our students investigate social problems and issues in today's world from a perspective of interconnectedness between the social action of individuals at different levels of collectivity, for example, at the level of society or culture.

Our programme provides in-depth insights into how individuals approach social reality, using either quantitative methodology for investigating norms and values or qualitative methodology for assessing individuals’ interpretations of their world.

The Master’s programme in Comparative Social Research features a number of advantages, including a wide network of partner institutions where students find thesis supervisors and internship opportunities. Additionally, the programme features two double degree tracks, both of which will be of interest to students considering a Master’s degree in social science:

• School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences – Paris, France
• Freie Universität – Berlin, Germany

Our 2-year study plan is focused on training students to conduct theory-orientated and methodologically rigorous empirical research. Our curriculum is divided into two main parts, one for each of the two years.

• Year 1 – required and elective coursework
• Year 2 – research internship in Russia or abroad + MA thesis writing

As holders of an MA in social science, graduates of the programme are well-equipped for international careers as social researchers. Many of our students go on to doctoral programmes at our partner universities (or at HSE). Others begin their careers as research associates at international organizations such as the World Bank, the International Labour Organization, OECD, UNESCO, and UNICEF.

Students interested in the programme should prepare a portfolio application, which includes:

• CV
• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• Research statement (max. 1 page)
• 2 recommendation letters
• Transcripts of previous educational studies
• English certificate (or interview in English)

For detailed information on submitting an application to the programme, please visit the webpage.