Branch programme/details

This interdisciplinary program aims to develop your analytical skills in social sciences. Not only will you learn about current transdisciplinary issues, but also you will become well versed in social research methodology. The program is made up of problem-oriented courses that develop an array of disciplinary perspectives, with the goal of training you to integrate them. You can continue your studies in any MA program in social sciences but you can also profile yourself already during your BA studies thanks to the wide range of elective courses we offer.

The program is based on an interdisciplinary approach to develop your analytical skills in the field of social sciences. You will explore current issues that are transdisciplinary in nature, such as coping with complexity, governance, mediatization of social relationships or the interaction between society, technology and the natural environment. The second pillar of the program is the methodology of social research, which we consider a prerequisite for developing analytical skills and for finding effective solutions to complex issues. We teach both analytical and interpretative approaches. The emphasis we put on the preparation of your bachelor thesis will contribute not only to the development of your soft skills, but will also serve as a preparation for project-oriented research. 

In the courses, we will introduce you to various disciplines, such as sociology, public policy, media studies, political science, social anthropology, economics, or environmentalism. The composition of elective courses corresponds to the large and assorted portfolio of courses offered by our faculty and allows you to profile yourself, also with a view to follow-up studies.

In addition to the application form, every applicant needs to provide the following documents:

a) A copy of a diploma to show at least completed secondary or high school studies or confirmation that ongoing secondary or high school studies will be completed in the current academic year

b) Transcript of records and academic results from previous studies

c) Structured CV

d) Letter of Interest/Motivation Letter

e) Document showing the level of English proficiency.

Ad a) Confirmation of studies may be substituted with a transcript of records, provided that these are from the same academic year as the application.

Ad b) The transcripts from at least the last two years of study should be submitted (optionally, it is possible to submit earlier years as well).

Ad c) The CV should include information about education, previous work experience, extracurricular activities, internships, volunteering, awards and other relevant achievements and skills.

Ad d) This letter should demonstrate your interest in studying the social sciences. Emphasise your motivation, explain what draws you to our programme and what you hope to gain from it, and outline how it fits into your professional journey. The recommended length is 500–600 words.

Ad e)  Applicants should provide a certificate from one of the following standardized tests:

• IELTS Academic - the minimum required overall band score of 6.5, with a band score of 6.0 or above in all four components;

• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) & TOEFL iBT Home Edition - the minimum required overall score of 83, with a minimum score of 20 in the four sections;

• Cambridge B2 First (former FCE) - minimum Cambridge English Scale Score of 175;

• Cambridge C1 Advanced (former CAE) or C2 Proficiency (former CPE) receiving a certificate;

• PTE Academic test - the minimum required score above 56;

• LanguageCert ESOL - Communicator with High Pass, Expert or Mastery;

• Duolingo English Test (DET) - the minimum required overall score of 120, with a subscore of 105 or above in all four components.

A standardized English test is not required from applicants who:

• have studied in English at the secondary school level for at least two years;

• have studied in English at the university level for at least one year in a full degree program.

When a score from an English-language test is not presented, the applicants should provide a confirmation of their use of English during their prior studies to support their claim. The confirmation should contain the information that the study program was conducted in English as a language of study. A diploma supplement or transcript containing this information can also be accepted.

All documents that are not originally in Czech, Slovak, or English must be officially translated into English, Czech or Slovak language by a certified translator. A sworn translation is not required for the application itself.  Only complete applications will be considered. Personal data will be used exclusively to organize the admission process and course enrollments.

Entrance Examination

The Assessment process is two-round and includes a written examination.

First round:

T​he admissions committee will assess applicants on the basis of the submitted documents. Firstly, the documents proving English proficiency are examined for the level required for the study. Only those applications that fulfill the requirements for English proficiency are assessed further by the admissions committee. The following criteria will be evaluated: (i) academic background (grades in previous studies, completed social sciences subjects, extra-curricular activities relevant for social sciences, previous university study): 0-30 points, (ii) Motivation letter: 0-20 points.

Based on the ranking of applicants in the first round, the Dean shortlists candidates for the second round.

Second round:

(iii) Written essay - Applicants write a short reflection (350-500 words) on one of three assigned topics focusing on current social issues. The exam takes the form of online writing with remote supervision. Assessment criteria: adherence to the topic, academic level, originality of argumentation and formal structure, including language style; in total 0-50 points.

The final ranking of applicants will be determined by a sum of awarded points (ranging between 0-100). The point limit for accepting applicants is set by the Dean with respect to the number of applicants and the capacity of the programme.

Admission to Bachelor's studies is conditioned by completed secondary education confirmed by a school-leaving certificate.

As a SOSCI graduate, you will be competent in the use of basic methods of social research, including its ethical reflection and you will be able to independently perform specific analyses of particular social problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. With such an interdisciplinary background, you can continue your studies in any master’s program in social sciences. However, you can also profile yourself already during your bachelor studies thanks to the wide range of elective courses we offer and pursue a career in basic or applied research, media and communications, public relations, government, NGOs, or private companies.