Master's thesis Contemporary Social Problems

Course goals

Conducting rigorous analysis of a social problem by applying social science theory: 

• Conducting professional policy research and producing reports 
• Formulating policy advice based on rigor policy research 
• Developing tools and skills in the field of policy research and building a network within the professional world of policy research 

 

Content

Together, the internship and labour-market orientation (course code 201600012) and the Master's thesis (201600013) form a whole and are worth a total of 30 credits. They each have a workload of 15 credits. 

Students carry out policy research (preferably of a quantitative nature) into a social or societal problem, which is related to the chosen track (or a combination of track courses) from the Master's programme in Contemporary Social Problems. This problem can be one that plays out in Dutch society in general or one that is relevant to a specific sector or organisation. A thorough problem analysis of the social or societal problem forms the start of the graduation research project, in which it is essential to apply socio-scientific knowledge. From this follows the further set-up and drafting of a Master's thesis.

The research project can take a variety of forms. Examples include:
•      a socio-scientific research project, which produces new, policy-relevant knowledge and which demonstrably clarifies a social problem;
•      a policy evaluation that looks at the impact a policy measure has or has had;
•      a literature review of a social problem which, with the help of expert interviews, results in a realistic policy design;
•      a research project looking into the functioning of organisations and institutions with a focus on the course and implementation of policy processes.

Based on the research carried out, each Master's thesis will pay attention to policy advice. In their policy advice, students will take into account social and political issues (implementational validity) and the actual implementation of the advice.

In principle, the internship and policy research will take place in combination. This can only be waived in exceptional cases. Agreement about the policy research to be undertaken will take place at the beginning of the internship and a suitable supervisor will be assigned. A project plan and a strict timetable will be discussed with the assigned supervisor.

A Master's seminar will run parallel to the policy research at which students will present their progress and results to a forum of students and lecturers. In conclusion, a presentation of the Master's thesis will take place in the form of a mini conference. Testing of the thesis will be carried out by two assessors, one of which was not involved in the supervision of the thesis.The final grade for the course is based of the assessment of the written thesis as well as an oral examination with the two assessors.