Master in Sociology and Social Research at University of Trento
Two-year English-taught LM-88 master's at the University of Trento that trains social researchers in qualitative, quantitative and historical methods, with a sociology specialisation, an internship and double degree options in year two.
Master
2 years
Trento
English
University of Trento
Sociology and Social Research is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-88) taught entirely in English by the Department of Sociology and Social Research at the University of Trento. It trains professional social researchers in qualitative and quantitative methods. Fees for non-EU students follow the admission score, so it can be tuition-free for eligible students.
Entry requirements
- A bachelor's degree of at least three years with a good final mark: 90 out of 110 for Italian degrees, or an equivalent grade from abroad.
- At least 40 ECTS in sociology and related core subjects (for example economics, statistics, law, political science, history or anthropology), with at least 12 in sociology; a background in social research methods counts in your favour.
- English at B2 level, shown by a recognised certificate, a degree taught in English, an English exam passed in your degree or citizenship of an English-speaking country.
- A Europass CV, a statement of purpose in English (2,000 to 4,000 characters), at least one reference letter, transcript with grading scale and passport.
- No written test: the committee scores your file out of 100 and may invite you to an interview if it needs more information.
About the programme
The Master's degree in Sociology and Social Research is a two-year laurea magistrale in class LM-88, worth 120 ECTS and taught completely in English by the Department of Sociology and Social Research of the University of Trento. Classes take place in the Sociology Building on Via Giuseppe Verdi in Trento city centre.
The degree prepares professional social science researchers who can analyse society and social problems, design and carry out research, and give well-founded advice in public debates. It suits graduates in sociology, economics, political science, social policy, history or psychology who want strong methods training.
What you will study
Year one is shared by all students and focuses on theory and methods, including historical and political research methods, with lab sessions in small groups. In year two you choose your sociological specialisation through electives, an internship, thesis seminars and the final dissertation. Units include:
- Qualitative Methods and Quantitative Methods, each with its own lab
- Research Design with a research design lab
- Research Methods in History and Research Methods in Political Science
- Culture and Society or Economy and Society; Cultural Analytics or Public Opinion Research
- Mobility and Social Transformation (year two)
- Electives such as Advanced Social Network Analysis, Digital Social Data, Social Demography, Social Stratification and Mobility, Economic and Labour Sociology and Sociology of Collective Action
- An internship worth 9 ECTS and a thesis worth 18 ECTS, with a thesis seminar
How the programme is taught
Teaching mixes lectures on social issues with labs and seminars where you practise ethnography, focus groups and statistical analysis. Lessons are in person only. Students can apply for double degrees with Tilburg University, Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, the University of Bamberg and the University of Graz, and the department reports that over 40% of its students spend a period abroad.
Career paths
Graduates work in the private sector in market research, human resource management, banking and insurance, communication, project management, data science and journalism. In the public sector they work in social research, policy advice and social reporting, for central and local government and statistics offices, and for international agencies, NGOs, charities and third sector bodies. The degree is also a route into PhD programmes.
Fees and scholarships
Sociology and Social Research is in fee group A of UniTrento's 2026/27 rules for non-EU students living abroad, with a yearly maximum of €6,000. Year one depends on the admission score: exemption from 90 points, otherwise €1,000, €2,000 or €4,500. Year two depends on credits earned by 10 August. Non-EU applicants scoring 90 or more may receive a UniTrento scholarship with a fee waiver, and Opera Universitaria di Trento offers income-based grants, so this degree can be tuition-free for eligible students.
How to apply from outside the EU
For 2026/27 the degree had 6 places for non-EU citizens living abroad. The committee scored academic background and references (45 points), the statement of purpose (20) and the relevance of previous studies (35), with 50 out of 100 needed to be ranked.
The 2026/27 window ran from 17 December 2025 to 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET on the UniTrento portal, with a €30 fee, and rankings came by 30 April 2026. Admitted students pay €100 to confirm, pre-enrol on Universitaly within two weeks and apply for a type D study visa. UniTrento may ask for a CIMEA statement for foreign degrees. The 2027/28 call is not out yet.
How ApplyAZ helps
If this programme fits your goals, ApplyAZ can include it in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes at Italian public universities. We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose, submit your applications and Universitaly pre-enrolment, file your DSU scholarship application and prepare your visa file, with a named person on each stage. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa. See how ApplyAZ works or check your eligibility.
Questions and answers
Is the Sociology and Social Research master taught in English?
Yes. The whole programme is taught in English and lessons are in person in Trento. Applicants need English at B2 level, shown by a certificate, an English-taught degree or an English exam passed at university.
What bachelor's degree do I need?
A bachelor's of at least three years with a good final mark and at least 40 ECTS in sociology and related subjects such as economics, statistics, law, political science, history or anthropology. At least 12 of these must be in sociology.
Is there an entrance test?
No written test. The committee scores your CV, grades, reference letter and statement of purpose out of 100, and may call you for an interview if it needs more information. You need at least 50 points to be ranked.
How many places are there for non-EU students?
The 2026/27 call offered 6 places for non-EU citizens living outside Italy, so competition is strong and a clear statement of purpose matters.
When can I apply for 2027/28?
The 2027/28 call is not published yet. As a guide, for 2026/27 non-EU applications ran from 17 December 2025 to 4 March 2026 at 12:00 CET, with a €30 application fee.
How much are the fees?
In 2026/27 non-EU students paid nothing in year one with a score of 90 or more, otherwise €1,000, €2,000 or €4,500. UniTrento merit scholarships and Opera Universitaria grants are open to eligible students.
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