MASTER'S PROGRAM IN SOCIOLOGY (RESEARCH ORIENTATION)

Issued pursuant to Decision No. 1492/QD-XHNV dated March 19, 2026, by the Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

PART I: GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

1. Some information about the training program

- Program name:

+ Vietnamese name: Sociology

+ English name: Sociology

- Name of the training program:

+ Vietnamese name: Sociology

+ English name: Sociology

- Training program code:8310301

- Language of instruction:Vietnamese

- Standard training duration:2 years

- Name of the degree awarded after graduation:

+ In Vietnamese: Master's degree in Sociology

+ In English: The Degree of Master in Sociology

2. Objectives of the training program:

2.1 General Objectives

The Master's program in Sociology provides students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary foundation in social sciences and humanities, and updates them on modern sociological theories and research methods. This enhances their research capabilities, critical thinking, innovation, analysis, and problem-solving skills in sociology within a changing society and international integration context. Graduates will be able to apply interdisciplinary and specialized knowledge to evaluate practical issues from a sociological perspective, adapting their skills to their careers and personal development after graduation. They will also be capable of pursuing doctoral studies and lifelong learning.

2.2 Specific Objectives

- Specific Objective 1(O01): A supplementary training program to complete learners' interdisciplinary foundational knowledge in social sciences and humanities, systematizing in depth and breadth modern and postmodern sociological theories and new sociological research methods.

- Specific Objective 2(O02): The training program provides opportunities for learners to practice research methods in specific fields, thereby enhancing their skills in designing, implementing research, collecting, processing and analyzing data to draw valuable conclusions and recommendations to solve practical problems.

- Specific Objective 3(O03): The training program helps learners develop the qualities of a sociologist, continuously learn and improve their knowledge, and proactively and creatively apply their knowledge and skills to solve practical problems in different work environments.

3. Admission Information

3.1. Admission method:Admission is conducted according to the regulations of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-Hanoi).

3.2. Eligibility Criteria:

3.2.1. Educational requirements

Applicants must possess a university degree (or equivalent qualification or higher) in a relevant field; and have graduated with a GPA of "good" or higher, or have at least one scientific publication related to their intended field of study or research. If applicants require supplementary education, this must be completed before applying.

Diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions must undergo recognition procedures in accordance with the current regulations of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3.2.2. Foreign language requirements

Possess foreign language proficiency (in one of the following languages: English, French, Chinese, Japanese, German, Korean, Russian) meeting the requirements of the training program at level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam. Foreign language proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following diplomas or certificates:

- A university degree or higher in a foreign language; or a university degree or higher where the program is primarily conducted in a foreign language;

- A university degree or higher awarded by Vietnam National University, Hanoi, within the last two years, where the program's output meets the requirements of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

- A foreign language certificate equivalent to Level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam; or equivalent, valid for 2 years from the date of the foreign language exam to the date of registration for the master's program, issued by institutions accepted by the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The head of the training unit or the Rector of the University of Foreign Languages ​​will assess and be responsible for the authenticity of foreign language certificates issued by foreign organizations before recognizing their equivalence.

Applicants who are foreign citizens must have a Vietnamese language proficiency level of 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners, or have graduated from a university (or equivalent qualification or higher) where the training program was taught in Vietnamese; and meet the requirements for a second foreign language as stipulated by the training program (if any).

3.2.3. Other requirements

- A clean personal record, not currently serving a sentence or higher in any legal penalty, and not currently serving a criminal sentence, as confirmed by the human resources department of the workplace or the local government where the individual resides.

- I am healthy enough to study.

- Meet other conditions (if any) as required by VNU, for each admission year.

- Commitment to fulfilling financial obligations during the training process as stipulated by the training institution.

3.3. List of suitable industries

- This field is in the same group as Sociology.

- The field of study is defined in the training program standards issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

- For cases where there are no established training program standards for the corresponding field or group of disciplines, the specialized unit must have a scientific and practical basis, determined by the Scientific and Training Council of the specialized unit and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, to identify the discipline with the closest professional foundation to the training program and determine the corresponding supplementary courses (if needed); report to VNU before enrollment and be responsible for this professional evaluation.

3.4. Projected enrollment size

- According to the quotas granted annually by Vietnam National University, Hanoi (expected 10-12 students/year).

- The detailed admission plan is implemented according to the Admission Regulations, the annual postgraduate admission guidelines of VNU, and the admission scheme of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities approved by VNU (if any).

PART II: LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

Upon completing a Master's degree in Sociology, students will be able to:

1. Knowledge Output Standards

PLO 01:Analyze interdisciplinary knowledge systems in the social sciences and humanities, and fundamental knowledge of science and technology, in order to apply them to professional activities.

PLO 02:Systematizing practical and theoretical knowledge, and in-depth sociological methods for effective application in professional activities in a changing context.

2. Skill Output Standards

PLO 03:Proficiently combine qualitative and quantitative sociological research methods to design or conduct independent research that meets scientific standards and evaluates issues to contribute to the sustainable development of organizations, communities, and society.

PLO 04:Communicating knowledge and research results to diverse audiences through clear and understandable spoken and written forms, meeting the requirements of digital transformation and international integration.

PLO5:Achieving a foreign language proficiency level equivalent to level 4 of the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam (B2 CEFR) is essential for applying language skills in researching professional documents, writing scientific reports, and presenting and discussing specialized issues.

3. Output standards regarding autonomy and responsibility.

PLO 06:To provide expert assessments, recommendations, and advice in professional or career activities that apply sociological knowledge.

PLO 07:Adapting to different work environments through proactive learning and continuous skill improvement, the ability to work independently and mentor others, and the ability to evaluate and improve work quality based on acquired sociological and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

4. Job positions that students can take on after graduation.

Master's degree holders in sociology are trained to address complex and diverse social issues. Job positions that master's degree holders in sociology can pursue include:

- Consultants for NGOs, governments, and businesses: advising on social issues and helping clients make effective decisions;

- Data analysts in organizations and businesses: Masters in sociology are capable of searching, collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data on social issues, helping organizations and businesses make effective decisions;

- Policy consultant: Graduates with a Master's degree in Sociology can work as policy consultants for NGOs, governments, and businesses.

- Researchers at research centers, non-governmental organizations, or universities: conduct research projects, collect and analyze data to make policy recommendations;

- University lecturers teaching subjects related to sociology;

- In addition, master's degree holders in sociology possess sufficient knowledge and skills to take on various positions in government agencies, businesses, or social organizations.

5. Opportunities for further learning and professional development after graduation.

After graduating with a Master's degree in Sociology, students are well-equipped to continue their studies and research to obtain a PhD in Sociology, participate in sociology-related training courses to enhance their knowledge and professional skills, engage in research activities, and write and publish scientific papers. Master's graduates in Sociology have many opportunities for career development through their studies, research, and participation in other social activities.

PART III: TRAINING PROGRAM CONTENT

Note:One credit is equivalent to 50 hours of student-standard learning, including time spent observing lectures, guided learning, self-study, research, experiences, and participating in tests and assessments; for classroom teaching activities, one credit requires a minimum of 15 hours of lectures or 30 hours of practical work, experiments, and discussions, with one classroom hour counted as 50 minutes.

(1): Theory

(2): Practice, Experiment, Discussion

(3): Internship, Research, Self-study with assessment