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How can we respond to discriminatory algorithms? What role do social media play in political polarisation? How can artificial intelligence be harnessed in healthcare? An increasingly digital society needs social scientists who can offer solutions to the challenges posed by digitalisation.
Through its unique focus on interdisciplinary and mixed methods approaches, the Research Master Social Sciences for a Digital Society trains students to anticipate, understand, and analyse the complex challenges of the digital society, and to meet them head-on.
With this degree under your belt, you’ll be ready for any role that involves analysing problems in social data science, offering solutions for societal issues using data, and responding to issues in the digital society – whether that’s in academia, government, the non-profit sector, or the corporate world.
Do you have a background in the social sciences and/or a strong interest in social issues? Then this programme is for you.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Sociology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
How can we respond to discriminatory algorithms? What role do social media play in political polarisation? How can artificial intelligence be harnessed in healthcare? An increasingly digital society needs social scientists who can offer solutions to the challenges posed by digitalisation.
Through its unique focus on interdisciplinary and mixed methods approaches, the Research Master Social Sciences for a Digital Society trains students to anticipate, understand, and analyse the complex challenges of the digital society, and to meet them head-on.
With this degree under your belt, you’ll be ready for any role that involves analysing problems in social data science, offering solutions for societal issues using data, and responding to issues in the digital society – whether that’s in academia, government, the non-profit sector, or the corporate world.
Do you have a background in the social sciences and/or a strong interest in social issues? Then this programme is for you.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
100+
3.3+
7+
Students must meet the following admission requirements:
1. Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).
2. Programme specific requirements
The Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society is a selective programme. Selection is done by the Admission Board, based on the admission requirements and the documents in the application form. To successfully follow the Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society, you need to have sufficient knowledge of research methods at the level and load of an academic Social Sciences bachelor’s programme.
The Admission Board needs to establish that you meet all of the following admission requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in social or behavioural sciences*, equivalent to a Dutch academic (WO) bachelor and therefore must be completed at a research university
At least 12 ECTS in social science research methods
A GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 (Dutch grading system) or the international equivalent. Please be aware that a 7.5 is very high in the Dutch higher education system
* You can also apply with a degree in other fields such as mathematics, informatics, econometrics, operations research, computational linguistics, digital humanities and geography. It is important that you can demonstrate that you have a clear interest and background in social issues, as demonstrated by relevant elective courses, minors, internships or other extra-curricular activities. The Admission Board will assess if your interest and background in social issues is strong enough.
In all cases, your bachelor must be equivalent to a Dutch academic (WO) bachelor and therefore must be completed at a research university.
3. English language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
You can already submit your application form without having met the English language requirements, but if you are conditionally admitted, you still have to meet the English language requirements.
2 Years
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
2,693 EUR
International
17,480 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Start at the programme page of the degree you are interested in. Read the admission requirements and application steps carefully. Then apply through Studielink, complete your application on your VU dashboard, pay the application fee (if required), and wait for the admission decision, which is usually communicated within 4–6 weeks.
Check the specific ‘Admissions’ section on your programme’s page for required documents. General requirements include your diploma, transcripts and other supporting documents. Documents should be in English, German, Dutch, French, Italian, or Spanish; others must be translated into English.
Yes, for Master’s, you can apply without a diploma copy; if conditionally admitted, you must send a certified diploma copy before the deadline.
The International Office checks your application for completeness. If there’s missing or incorrect information, they will contact you. Otherwise, your application is reviewed and you typically receive a decision within 4–8 weeks. Check your email (including spam) regularly for updates.
Social Sciences for a Digital Society (Research Master)
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
# 101-150QS Subject Rankings
24 monthsProgramme duration
17,480 EURTuition Fee/year
SociologyMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Sociology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
How can we respond to discriminatory algorithms? What role do social media play in political polarisation? How can artificial intelligence be harnessed in healthcare? An increasingly digital society needs social scientists who can offer solutions to the challenges posed by digitalisation.
Through its unique focus on interdisciplinary and mixed methods approaches, the Research Master Social Sciences for a Digital Society trains students to anticipate, understand, and analyse the complex challenges of the digital society, and to meet them head-on.
With this degree under your belt, you’ll be ready for any role that involves analysing problems in social data science, offering solutions for societal issues using data, and responding to issues in the digital society – whether that’s in academia, government, the non-profit sector, or the corporate world.
Do you have a background in the social sciences and/or a strong interest in social issues? Then this programme is for you.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Sociology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
How can we respond to discriminatory algorithms? What role do social media play in political polarisation? How can artificial intelligence be harnessed in healthcare? An increasingly digital society needs social scientists who can offer solutions to the challenges posed by digitalisation.
Through its unique focus on interdisciplinary and mixed methods approaches, the Research Master Social Sciences for a Digital Society trains students to anticipate, understand, and analyse the complex challenges of the digital society, and to meet them head-on.
With this degree under your belt, you’ll be ready for any role that involves analysing problems in social data science, offering solutions for societal issues using data, and responding to issues in the digital society – whether that’s in academia, government, the non-profit sector, or the corporate world.
Do you have a background in the social sciences and/or a strong interest in social issues? Then this programme is for you.
Summer School
Apply to VU Amsterdam Summer School and develop your academic skills in a focused and inspiring study abroad experience.
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following admission requirements:
1. Academic requirements
Your previous education needs to be deemed equivalent to at least a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree ( wetenschappelijk onderwijs, WO ) obtained at a research university (nominal duration 3 years).
2. Programme specific requirements
The Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society is a selective programme. Selection is done by the Admission Board, based on the admission requirements and the documents in the application form. To successfully follow the Research Master in Social Sciences for a Digital Society, you need to have sufficient knowledge of research methods at the level and load of an academic Social Sciences bachelor’s programme.
The Admission Board needs to establish that you meet all of the following admission requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in social or behavioural sciences*, equivalent to a Dutch academic (WO) bachelor and therefore must be completed at a research university
At least 12 ECTS in social science research methods
A GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 (Dutch grading system) or the international equivalent. Please be aware that a 7.5 is very high in the Dutch higher education system
* You can also apply with a degree in other fields such as mathematics, informatics, econometrics, operations research, computational linguistics, digital humanities and geography. It is important that you can demonstrate that you have a clear interest and background in social issues, as demonstrated by relevant elective courses, minors, internships or other extra-curricular activities. The Admission Board will assess if your interest and background in social issues is strong enough.
In all cases, your bachelor must be equivalent to a Dutch academic (WO) bachelor and therefore must be completed at a research university.
3. English language proficiency requirements
You will have to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. You can find an overview of relevant information to demonstrate your English language proficiency on the language requirement page .
You can already submit your application form without having met the English language requirements, but if you are conditionally admitted, you still have to meet the English language requirements.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
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