Master of Arts in Social Science

• Anthropology

  Anthropology

  Orientations

  • Political anthropology of agricultural and the environment
  • Migration, international aid and development in postcolonial societies
  • Socio-anthropology of art, culture and heritage.

  Objectives

  The anthropology focus (“pillar”) trains you to analyze major contemporary issues from an empirical and ethnographic perspective. You will gain:

  • an aptitude for critical distance, long-term inquiry and reflexivity
  • close contacts with on-going research and with the activities of the Neuchâtel Ethnography Museum
  • an introduction to the discipline’s numerous applications.

  Specific to Neuchâtel

  The 120-credit pillar offers you three professionalizing specializations unique in Switzerland:

  • “Cultural professions": training in ethnographic film and exhibitions
  • "Anthropology of social and environmental action": includes an internship or a mandate with an NGOs or a government administration
  • "Intensive fieldwork": advanced training in field methods and practice.
• Human Geography

  Human Geography

  Orientations

  The general theme of this pillar is the geography of major contemporary issues. It trains you to analyze the key issues facing societies today (digitization, urbanization, migration and climate change) with a possible specialization in "Climate Change and Societies”.

  Objectives

  The "Human Geography" focus will provide you with:

  • the ability to critically analyze the geographical aspects of the major trends in the transformation of contemporary societies
  • the means to develop relevant and innovative solutions to major societal problems such as security, urbanization, migration and climate change
  • advanced skills in the qualitative and quantitative methods required for your future professional activities
  • an option to specialize in "Climate Change and Societies", with a choice of specific courses and the focus of your dissertation

  Specific to Neuchâtel

  The teaching team has a particular interest in highly topical issues, and frequently intervenes in public debate (press, audiovisual media, etc.). It is also very active in cutting-edge research.

• Migration and Citizenship

  Migration and Citizenship

  Orientations

  This focus takes an interdisciplinary approach to two key issues of modern society: the mobility of people and the socio-economic and political integration of societies. These issues are intrinsically linked to the future organization of nation-states and their interconnections with transnational phenomena involving people, economics, law and politics.

  Objectives

  The pillar enables students to refine and broaden their Bachelor's training through interdisciplinarity on the one hand and, on the other, a specialization in migration studies (theories and practices of citizenship, mobility, migration policies and transnationalism). Current issues related to debates on migration are systematically covered in seminars. The pillar also enables students to acquire in-depth skills in quantitative and/or qualitative methods, as well as versatility for future professional activities.

  Specific to Neuchâtel

  Neuchâtel is the only university in Switzerland to offer a degree course in "Migration and Citizenship". With the National Center of Competence in Research (“NCCR on the move”), the University of Neuchâtel has strengthened its research role in Switzerland, and can offer cutting-edge career possibilities.

• Psychology and Education

  Psychology and Education

  Orientations

  The "psychology and education" pillar focuses on the sociocultural psychology of development to study such objects as life trajectories, learning, reasoning, memory, imagination, interactions in training or at work, or institutional arrangements.

  Objectives

  The pillar enables you to:

  • acquire fundamental, advanced and current knowledge in the field
  • develop analytical and argumentative skills by participating in collective reflection with peers and experts
  • master the tools of research and intervention, accompanied by epistemological and ethical reflection
  • define a unique project that matches your interests for the MA thesis.

  Specific to Neuchâtel

  This pillar offers a training program in sociocultural and interdisciplinary psychology that is unique in Europe, reflecting cutting-edge research at the Institute of Psychology and Education.

• Sociology

  Sociology

  Orientations

  This pillar deepens theoretical knowledge in sociology by applying it to the major issues of the contemporary world. It deals with socio-economic transformations from different angles: economic sociology (markets, consumption, work); inequalities; sustainability; and processes of political and social contestation. A "digital societies" specialization focuses on the study of the effects of digital technologies on societies.

  Objectives

  The "sociology" pillar provides you with:

  • the ability to identify and problematize major questions and issues challenging societies today
  • mastery of a variety of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches
  • acquisition of the independent project-management skills required for positions of responsibility in various sectors of activity

  Specific to Neuchâtel

  Sociology at the University of Neuchâtel distinguished itself by its empirical orientation, its focus on economic sociology, inequalities and the digital environment, and the pedagogical engagement of its teaching staff.