What can you do with a Master's in Social and Cultural Science?

You can contribute to science and society, by translating urgent social problems into research questions and answering them properly.

Competences: what have you learned

You can perform high-quality, cross-cultural comparative research. You have deepened your knowledge and methodological skills on the research themes inequality, cohesion and cultural diversity. You're experienced with applying different kinds of theoretical approaches, research designs, data-collections and analyses to get the best possible answer to the right questions. You'll have the skills to prepare research papers and reports. Moreover, you'll have analytical and communication skills and in-depth understanding of social and cultural behaviour and topics such as inequality, polarisation, political power and cultural diversity.

After your studies

This programme provides an excellent basis for a (scientific) research career. Almost all of our graduates found work shortly after graduating and a large majority of our graduates gain PhD and other research positions. Besides attaining a PhD position, our graduates can also go on to have careers in relevant non-academic research and policy institutes like government ministries, Statistics Netherlands (CBS), The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) and The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) and foreign equivalents. Of course, this programme does not close other doors. Students with a Research Master’s are also highly sought after by (commercial) businesses and organisations because of their analytical and communication skills and in-depth understanding of social and cultural behaviour. Other careers, such as policymaker, data analyst, journalist, etc are certainly within reach.

Possible occupations

  • PhD researcher
  • Scientific researcher
  • Societal reseacher
  • Data analysist
  • Policy-maker
  • Higher education teacher
  • Journalist

Job positions

There are plenty of options open to graduates of the research Master’s in Social and Cultural Science, such as:

  • Scientific research career (academia)
    The programme provides an excellent basis for a scientific research career and attaining PhD positions.
  • Societal research career
    Our graduates can also go on to have careers in relevant non-academic research and policy institutes like government ministries, Statistics Netherlands (CBS), The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) and The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) and foreign equivalents.
  • Other
    Of course, this Master’s programme does not close other doors. Students with a research Master’s are also highly sought after by (commercial) businesses and organisations because of their analytical and communication skills and in-depth understanding of social and cultural behaviour. Other careers, such as policymaker, manager, journalist, etc are certainly within reach.

Radboud Career Service

You can always contact the Radboud Career Service. The Career Service offers students and young alumni guidance and support as they venture into the labour market. Career Service is available for career guidance, job application tips or if you require information about internships and job vacancies.

Keep developing, even after your Master's

Radboud University can also help you develop professionally after your Master's. Through our courses, training, and continuing education programs, you will delve into current issues and strengthen your knowledge and skills. With our education for professionals, you will continue to grow and be prepared for new challenges.