Department of Sociology University of Copenhagen · 2013-12-17 · Department of Sociology University of Copenhagen The MSc. Programme in Sociology Curriculum of Studies 2005 (revised

Department of Sociology University of Copenhagen

The MSc. Programme in Sociology

Curriculum of Studies 2005 (revised 2007,

2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013)

Completion of this programme entitles the student to the academic title Master of Science in Sociology, MSc. In Sociology

In Danish: cand.scient.soc

Table of Contents

1 . P r e a m l e

2 . T h e a i m s a n d c o m p e t e n c e p r o f i l e o f t h e M S c . P r o g r a m m e

2 . 1 A i m s

2 . 2 C o m p e t e n c e p r o f i l e

2 . 3 P r e s c r i b e d d u r a t i o n

2 . 4 R e q u i r e m e n t s f o r a d m i s s i o n

3 . C o n t e n t a n d a c a d e m i c p r o f i l e o f t h e M S c . p r o g r a m m e

3 . 1 T h e o v e r a l l c o n t e n t o f t h e p r o g r a m m e

3 . 2 M o d u l e s

3 . 3 T h e s p e c i f i c a c a d e m i c s e c t i o n s o f t h e p r o g r a m m e

3 . 4 E l e c t i v e c o u r s e s

3 . 5 I n t e r n s h i p

3 . 6 S t u d y i n g a b r o a d

3 . 7 T h e s i s

3 . 8 S p e c i a l i z a t i o n s

4 . E x a m i n a t i o n s

4 . 1 G e n e r a l r e g u l a t i o n s r e g a r d i n g e x a m i n a t i o n s

4 . 2 O r a l e x a m i n a t i o n s

4 . 3 W r i t t e n E x a m i n a t i o n s

4 . 4 T h e s i s

4 . 5 T y p e o f e x a m i n a t i o n w i t h i n e a c h o f t h e a c a d e m i c c a t e g o r i e s

4 . 6 C h e a t i n g a t e x a m i n a t i o n s

4 . 7 E x a m i n a t i o n c o m p l a i n t s

5 . O t h e r r e g u l a t i o n s

5 . 1 E n r o l m e n t

5 . 2 T e r m i n a t i o n o f e n r o l m e n t

5 . 3 L e a v e o f a b s e n c e

5 . 4 C h a n g e o f p r o g r a m m e a n d t r a n s f e r

5 . 5 C r e d i t t r a n s f e r

5 . 6 E x e m p t i o n

5 . 7 D i g i t a l c o m m u n i c a t i o n b e t w e e n t h e U n i v e r s i t y a n d s t u d e n t s

5 . 8 C o m p l a i n t s

5 . 9 D i p l o m a

6 . P r o g r a m m e c a t a l o g u e

6 . 1 C o u r s e s i n S o c i o l o g i c a l T h e o r y

6 . 2 S o c i o l o g i c a l T h e m a t i c c o u r s e s

6 . 3 C o u r s e s i n M e t h o d s o f S o c i a l S c i e n c e s

6 . 4 E l e c t i v e c o u r s e s

6 . 5 I n t e r n s h i p

6 . 6 T h e s i s

7 . D a t e o f C o m m e n c e m e n t

1. Preamble

This curriculum of studies has been drawn up by the Board of Study for Sociology, University of Copenhagen and approved by the Faculty of Social Science, University of Copenhagen on 1st

June 2007. The curriculum of studies is in accordance with the Ministerial Order no. 362 of 20th

May 2005 concerning bachelor and master’s programmes at universities; the Ministerial Order no. 867 of 19th August, 2004 and amended with the Order no. 231 of 22nd March 2006 on examinations at Universities and Order no. 250 of 15th March 2007 on grades and other assessments in University education.

2. The aims and competence profile of the MSc. Programme

2.1 Aims The aims of the MSc programme in sociology are to:

1. To extend the knowledge and competence the student has acquired from the bachelor programme in sociology.

2. To enable the student, independently and at a high level, to apply advanced elements of sociological theory and scientific methods to the identification, formulation and solving of complex sociological problems.

3. To improve the student’s competence in preparation for specialised employment as well as participation in scientific research.

4. To qualify the student with a view to further education including admission to the Ph.D. programme (cf. Ministerial Order on the Ph.D. programme).

2.2 Competence profile Graduates in sociology will possess theoretical and methodological competence of an interna- tional standard. This involves insight into the formation of advanced sociological theories and extensive skills in the theoretical analysis of selected social issues. This also involves methodological skills at an advanced level with a view to empirical analysis. Finally, the profile includes deep understanding of the scientific premises the different methods are based upon and of the analytical paradigms that characterise the different methods.

2.3 Prescribed duration The MSc. programme has a prescribed duration of 120 ECTS, cf. § 19 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes, corresponding to two years full time study. The programme consists of the modules: 1. Advanced Sociological Theory, 2 Advanced Methods of Social Sciences, 3 Op- tional courses, 4 Uncategorized courses and 5. Thesis. With effect from September 1’st 2013, all students must pass a minimum of 35 ECTS per academic year. Students who do not comply with the activity requirements for a period of one consecutive academic years may have their registration withdrawn. Students who have not complied with the activity requirements can have their registration withdrawn from September 1’st 2014. Before any registration is withdrawn, the student concerned will be offered guidance, for the purpose of devising an individual strategy for fulfilling these requirements. An exemption from

this rule may be granted under special circumstances. Furthermore, students must observe the general demands of study activity of the university if such are laid down.

2.4 Requirements for admission The requirement for admission to the MSc. programme is a completed bachelor degree in Soci ology from either the University of Copenhagen or Aalborg University. According to the Admission Order students that have completed a bachelor degree in Sociology from the University of Copenhagen are directly qualified to the MSc in Sociology if they apply no later than one semester after the completion of their Bachelor’s degree. Mayor parts of the MSc. in Sociology are offered in English – subsequently applicants must have passed level B or its equivalent in English.

3. Content and academic profile of the MSc. Programme

3.1 The overall content of the programme The MSc. programme in Sociology increases the knowledge and insight the students have acquired in the bachelor programme. The MSc. programme consists of the academic categories: courses in Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic Courses, courses in Methods of Social Sciences, Elective courses and a thesis. It is possible for the student to compose his/her academic profile within certain guidelines (see below). For instance, parts of the MSc. programme (minimum 15 ECTS and maximum 30 ECTS) can be completed as an internship (cf. section 3.5). Furthermore, it is possible to specialise within one of more given specialisations within the MSc. programme. (cf. section 3.8)

The structure of the MSc. programme:

1.st

, 2n

d. a

nd

3rd

sem

este

r

Courses in Sociological Theory

minimum 10 ECTS

Sociological Thematic Courses minimum 10 ECTS

Courses in Methods of Social Sciences

minimum 10 ECTS

Elective Courses 10 ECTS

A total of 60 ECTS

Optional amongst the four academic categories: 20 ECTS

4th.

Sem

este

r

Thesis 30 ECTS

3.1.1 Constituent academic sections The constituting academic sections of the programmes (a total of 90 ECTS) are the academic categories (in all 60 ECTS): courses in Sociological Theory (minimum 10 ECTS), Sociological Thematic courses (minimum 10 ECTS), courses in Methods of Social Sciences (minimum 10 ECTS) and the academic section the thesis (30 ECTS).

3.2. Modules The division of the courses in modules is to ensure that the student can choose among different profiles of competences that point towards different employment opportunities. The modules consist of one or more academic sections with the aim of providing the student with a unified set of qualifications cf.§ 6, subsection 2 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes). The programme consists of the following modules:

• Advanced Sociological Theory

• Advanced Methods of Social Sciences

• Elective Courses

• Uncategorized Courses Thesis

3.2.1 The module Advanced Sociological Theory includes courses offered within the academic categories Sociological Theory Courses and Sociological Thematic Courses. The module has a total of minimum 20 ECTS. The aim of the module is to provide the student with a deep understanding of the formation of selected sociological theory and fields. Competences: On the foundation of the general knowledge of the main theoretical traditions acquired in the sociological bachelor programme, the students will deepen his/her theoretical competences relating to the analysis of complex sociological problems.

3.2.2 The module Advanced Methods of Social Sciences includes one or more courses in the methods of social sciences. The module has a total of minimum 10 ECTS. The aim of the module is to develop the methodological competences towards mastering of advanced methods of social sciences. Competences: On the foundation of the general knowledge of and experience with a broad spectre of methods of social sciences acquired in the bachelor programme, the student will deepen these competences by means of advanced methods of social sciences.

3.2.3 The module Elective Courses consists of one or more elective courses. The module has a total of minimum 10 ECTS. The aim of the module is to give the student the opportunity to acquire a specialised knowledge outside the sociological field with the intention of providing the student with a broader scientific foundation and with the possibility of exploring a field within which the student has particular interest. For further regulations, cf. section 6.1.4 (the programme catalogue).

3.2.4 The module Uncategorized courses totals 20 ECTS and can be redeemed by selecting courses within the modules Advanced Sociological Theory, Advanced Methods of Social Sciences or Elective courses. The aim of the module is to extend the students qualifications within the modules Advanced Sociological Theory, Advanced Methods of Social Sciences or Elective courses.

3.2.5 The module Thesis totals 30 ECTS. The aim of the module is for the student to acquire research competences. The thesis must demonstrate competences on a scientific level through the research of a well-defined sociological topic. Examination requirements are listed in section 4.4. For further regulations on academic requirements, extent, an assignment of supervisor, assessment etc., cf. section 6.5 (the programme catalogue).

3.3 The specific academic sections of the programme For further information on the academic sections with regard to academic content, examinations etc. cf. the programme catalogue section 6. 3.4 Elective courses cf. section 3.2.3, 5.5 and the programme catalogue 6.4. 3.5 Internship It is possible via an internship, cf. § 22 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes, to replace courses in Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic courses, courses in Methods of So-

cial Sciences as well as Elective Courses. The internship must be a formalised affiliation of some duration. An internship must as a minimum correspond to three months of full-time work. Six months full-time work corresponds to 30 ECTS. The internship can have a maximum total 30 ECTS.

The internship must be academically relevant and the student’s input and report must be at a satisfactory academic level. The Head of Study must approve the internship in advance. The internship is concluded by submission of a project report which is assessed passed/not passed by an internal supervisor. Internship is also regulated in section 6.5.

Further regulations on advance approval, assessment of project report and credit transfer etc. are listed in the pamphlet, which the Student Advisor has prepared. The pamphlet is available from the Student Advisor’s Office or can be downloaded from the homepage of the Department.

3.6 Studying abroad It is possible to go on a study visit to a foreign university as a part of the MSc. programme. Examinations taken at a foreign university can replace all four academic categories in the MSc. programme. Further dispositions concerning preliminary approval and transfer of study activty on a foreign university occurs from section 5.5 and can be downloaded from the homepage of the Department of Sociology.

3.7 Thesis The aim of the thesis is to demonstrate competences on a scientific level while working with a specialised topic. The thesis concludes the MSc. programme unless the Board of Study has waived this regulation cf. the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes § 19, subsection 5. For further information on the thesis, cf. section 6.5 in the programme catalogue, including approval of topic and deadlines for submission.

3.8 Specializations It is possible to specialize within one of the fields offered in the MSc. programme:

• Political Sociology

• Sociology of Organizations, Industrial Relations and Work

• Cultural Sociology

• Methodology

Students who wish to obtain a specialization during the MSc. programme must pass courses within the desired field of specialization of a total of 30 ECTS. Which courses belong to the field of specialization is specified in each semester course programme. Courses offered at other edu- cational institutions (Danish as well as abroad) are permitted. But in that case the particular course must be approved in advance, as a course within the field of specialisation, by the specialization coordinator of the field.

The thesis must be written within the field of specialisation. To graduate with specialisation gives the graduate the right to use the title ‘cand.scient.soc with a specialisation in Political Sociology’, ’cand.scient.soc with a specialisation in Sociology of Organisations, Industrial Relations and Work’ and ’cand.scient.soc with a specialisation in Cultural Sociology’ and cand.scient.soc. with a specialisation in methodology.

4. Examinations

The purpose of an examination is to assess whether and to what degree the student’s qualifications correspond to the aims, competences and academic requirements that have been laid down for the programme in the Education Order, § 2, subsection 1. The qualifications that have been acquired during the MSc. programme are tested by oral examination with synopsis, written assignments, term papers, active participation and assessment of the thesis.

Examinations are held at the termination of each course. However, examination by active participation is a continuous assessment during the course. The description of the individual academic sections includes which type of examination; moderation etc. is being used for each examination, cf. section 6 (the programme catalogue).

4.1 General regulations regarding examinations 4.1.1 Examination registration It is the responsibility of the student to register for examination within the appointed registration period. The University can lay down regulations that state that the student is automatically registered for examination when he/she registers for an academic section that includes examination. Concurrently, a deadline for deregistration is determined. Registration for an examination counts as an examination attempt unless the student deregisters in due time or the student reports sick, cf. § 27 in the Examination Order and section 4.1.2 below.

Registration for examination in an offered master course can occur no later than two examination periods after the course has been offered. It is a prerequisite that the student was registered for examination in the semester the course was offered.

4.1.2 Resit because of illness/re-examination If a student has been unable to attend an examination for which he/she is registered because of illness or if a student did not pass, the student can register for a re-examination in the same examination period or at the latest two examination periods after the course has been offered, cf. § 18, subsection 1, in the Examination Order. Students who are only missing one of those examinations that according to the curriculum of studies is placed in the examination period conclud- ing a students’ MSc. programme, must have the possibility of sitting for re-examination in the same examination period or in immediate continuation hereof, cf. § 18, subsection. 2. in the Ex-

amination Order.

Regulations on resit because of illness Students who by a doctor’s certificate can attest that they because of illness were unable to attend an examination, for which he/she was registered, can register for a re-examination. The first registered examination does not count as an examination attempt. Re-examinations are held before the 15th of August for the summer examination period and before the 15th of March for the winter examination period. New registration is required.

Regulations on re-examination Students who did not pass an examination, for which he/she was registered, can register for a re- examination. The first registered examination counts as an examination attempt. Re-examinations are being held before the 15 August for the summer examination period and before the 15 March

for the winter examination period. New registration is required.

4.1.3 Assessment An examination is passed when the student has received the grade Passed, Approved or given the grade 02 or above. Passed examinations cannot be resat cf. para. 13 in the Examination Order and para.14 in the Order on Grade Assessments. The examinations are either internal or external. Internal examinations (i.e. examinations with internal moderation) are assessed solely by Faculty Staff or by the examiner and one or more moderators appointed by the University among the Faculty Staff or staff from other universities with the same or similar programme

External examinations (i.e. examinations with external moderation) are assessed by examiner(s) and one or more moderators appointed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, cf. § 6 in the Examination Order.

All examinations are graded on the 7 scale in the MSc. programme and are weighted in accordance to the nominated ECTS point. The description of the individual academic categories in section 6 (the programme catalogue) states which type of examination; mode of moderation etc. is used for the individual examination.

4.1.4 Examination language The examination language is Danish unless it is part of the examination to demonstrate the students’ proficiency in a foreign language, cf. § 6, subsection 1, in the Examination Order. If the lectures have been conducted in a foreign language, the examination is held in this language. The University (the Board of Study) can waive this regulation, cf. § 6 , subsection 2. The University (the Board of Study) can grant an exemption for the examination to be held in another language unless the examination requires presentation in Danish, cf. § 6, subsection 3, in the Examination Order.

4.1.5 Examination attempts The student has no more than three attempts to pass an examination, cf. § 13, subsection 2, in the Examination Order. The University (the Board of Study) can exceptionally waive this regulation if extraordinarily circumstances prevail and allow fourth and fifth re-examinations, cf. § 13, subsection 2.

4.1.6 Examination on special terms The University (the Board of Study) can offer examination on special terms for students with physical or psychological disabilities, for students with another native tongue than Danish and for students with comparable difficulties when the University (the Board of Study) assesses that such a student has the right to be treat on equal terms with all others students cf. § 7 in the Examina- tion Order.

4.2 Oral examinations Oral examinations are held as individual examinations with written synopses and as an oral defence in relation to the thesis, cf. section 6 (the programme catalogue). The oral examination takes place as a dialogue between the student(s) and the examiner. The moderator may participate in the dialogue. At the defence of a thesis written by a group of students, each student must be examined so that individual assessment can be made cf. § 3, subsection 3, in the Examination Order. Oral exams are assessed on the 7-scale. An oral examination with written synopsis consists of three elements: a written synopsis, an oral presentation followed by a dialogue between the student, the examiner and the moderator. The synopsis is not included in the assessment. It provides solely the basis for discussion at the oral examination.

The synopsis can be written in smaller groups (a maximum of four students) but the oral examination is held and assessed individually. The extent of a synopsis varies from course to course.

4.3 Written Examinations Written examinations take the form of either a take-home essay set by the examiner or the submission of a take-home essay on a subject chosen by the student or as active participation. A set written take-home essay is defined as an essay that answers one or more questions set by the examiner. The examination is based on the syllabus of the course i.e. the literature that is set by the examiner. A set written take-home essay is assessed on the 7 scale. A free written take-home essay is defined as an essay where the student independently defines and delimits a problem within the context of the course and on the basis of a literature list (petitum). A petitum is literature the student has chosen freely within the context of the course as it is described in the course description. Such an essay is assessed on the 7 scale.

To pass a course by active participation, the student must participate actively by, for example, making one or more oral presentation, writing one or more compulsory assignments (essays or papers) or as a discussant on the written assignments of others. The more specific aspects of each course shall be determined jointly by the head of studies and the lecturer at the beginning of the course Active participation is assessed passed/not passed by the lecturer. In a written group examination, the contribution of each member of the group must be identifiable, thus ensuring that an individual assessment takes place. The contribution of each student should be specified in the introduction to the essay. noted in the table of content. The introduction and the conclusion as well as eventual sub-conclusions and/or summaries may be written collectively. The maximum number of permitted examinees in a group is four.

The description of each academic section states which type of examination is being used. For further information, cf. section 6 (the programme catalogue) and the specific course

descriptions in the course catalogue published each semester. In the programme catalogue, the requirements within each academic section for the extent of the essays are also stated. The length of the essay must be counted as the total number of characters including spaces and must be noted on the front page of the essay. The length may not exceed the maximum number of characters permitted – if so the essay will be rejected. Citations must be clearly marked. Citation is marked by the use of citation marks and specification of source. For further reference, see the General Examination Guide where examination guidelines are described e.g. some of the types of examination are explained in detail. When papers for written examinations are handed in a signed solemn declaration must also be handed in along with the paper. The General Examination Guide can be downloaded from the homepage of the Department. It is possible to submit an integrated written examination (individually or as a group) in two or more concurrently offered courses. Integrated written examinations require advance approval from the Board of Study.

4.4 Thesis The thesis is completed with an oral examination, which takes the form of a defence, cf. section 4.2 The assigned supervisor must approve the topic of the thesis. Assignment of supervisor is undertaken by the Head of Study. The thesis must be submitted no later than six months after commenced supervision. Exceeding this deadline counts as an examination attempt. There is no set submission period for thesis.

The ability to spell and to express oneself is included in the assessment,. Though the scientific content weighs more in the overall assessment. cf. § 11, subsection 1 in the Examination Order. The University (the Board of Study) can waive this regulation for students who can substantiate specific and relevant disabilities unless the ability to spell and to express oneself is a substantial part of the aim of the examination.

The thesis must, according to the Examination Order § 11, subsection 2, be provided with an abstract in English if the thesis is written in Danish, Swedish or Norwegian. If the thesis is written in another language, the abstract can be written in either Danish or the language used. The abstract is included in the assessment on equal terms with the rest of the thesis. The thesis concludes the MSc. programme. The University (the Board of Study) may under certain circumstances waive this regulation, cf. the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes § 21, subsection 5 and § 74, subsection 1. For further information on academic requirements, extent, assignment of supervisor, assessment etc. cf. section 6.5 (in the programme catalogue).

4.5 Type of examination within each of the academic categories Please refer to section 6 (the programme catalogue) that describes how examination is being held within each of the academic categories.

4.6 Cheating at examinations Occurrences of cheating at examinations are dealt with following the rules on ”Disciplinary pro- visions towards students at the University of Copenhagen”. Cheating at examinations includes falsification, plagiarism, concealment, e.g. by the lack of specification of sources or other forms of misleading information. Helping other students cheat is embraced by the rules. Attempted cheating is treated as accomplished cheating.

Occurrences of cheating are examined by the Head of Study who in serious cases or in case of reoccurrence will report the matter to the dean.

The dean may shelve the case, decide on it with an oral or a written warning or forward the matter to the rector. The rector may expel the student from the ex-

amination or from the University for a finite period of time or indefinitely. The rector can notify the police.

4.7 Examination complaints Students wishing to appeal examination results or other forms of assessment must submit their case to the Faculty of Social Sciences Secretariat personally. The appeal must be in writing and be substantiated according the guidelines stipulated in the executive order on examinations, §37. It must be submitted, at the latest, two weeks after the assessment has been announced, according to the executive order on examinations, §38. According to The Danish Ministerial Order on University Examinations, student can appeal on the grounds of

1. Legal issues 2. Examination basis (questions, assignments, etc.) 3. The sequence of the examination, 4. The assessment.

If the appeal is rejected students can, according to § 34, 3, submit their appeal to the Faculty of Social Sciences Secretariat. Appeals must be submitted in writing, and the reasons for the appeal must be specified. Appeals must be submitted within two weeks of the student being informed of 16 the decision by the assessors, according to the executive order on examinations, §36. When appeal the exam and the appeal to the Board of Appeals, the assessment of the examination can both increased and decreased. Students cannot complaint about the new assessment. Read more on the rules of examination appeals in The Danish Ministerial Order on University Examinations, part 7

5. Other regulations

5.1 Enrolment After admission the student is registered on the appropriate level of study on the MSc. programme, cf. § 31 in the Admittance Order. Students cannot be enrolled in more than one full time study, cf. § 32, subsection 1, in the Admittance Order. The rule does not apply to students who are enrolled in a module with the aim of transferring the credit to another programme and for guest students. The University (the dean) can waive this rule if extraordinary circumstances prevail, cf. § 31, subsection 2, in the Admittance Order.

Thus, it is generally not possible to be enrolled in the MSc. programme before the student has graduated in the bachelor programme. Prolonging of studies, studying abroad and shortage of financial aid is not considered extraordinary circumstances that can justify the granting of an exemption for double enrolment.

5.2 Termination of enrolment Enrolment is terminated according to the Danish Ministerial Order on master degree admission, §17:

• when students have completed the programme • when students have failed to comply with the department's study-activity requirements, or

any activity requirements centrally determined by the University of Copenhagen. (For further information, see point 2.3. on activity requirements.)

• when students have exhausted their allotted examination attempts, according to the executive order on examinations §13, section 2

• when students withdraw from the programme • when students are permanently expelled from the University, according to the University

Act, § 14, section 7. Students whose enrolment at the University has terminated due to the fact that they have exhausted their allotted examination attempts or have failed to comply with the department's study-activity requirements can apply for re-enrolment. According to the Danish Ministerial Order on master degree admission, §18, section 2, permission to re-enrol is only granted if the University based on an actual professional assessment finds that the student’s capacity to complete the program have noticeably improved. Students who have themselves terminated their enrolment may re-enrol under certain conditions, according to the Danish Ministerial Order on master degree admission, §16. Students who are re-enrolled/enrolled in a new program, cannot retake already passed examinations, unless they are outdated as a result of rules for the program, according to the Danish Ministerial Order on master degree admission 18, section 4. The Board of studies evaluates if the student’s courses are outdated. 5.3 Leave of absence The student can obtain leave of absence on the grounds of the regulations set by the University, cf. the Admittance Order § 38, subsection 1. Students on leave cannot participate in lectures. The student is not allowed to take examinations during the semester that they are on leave, cf. § 38, subsection 2. Students on leave cannot be elected to or be a member of the Board of the University, the Board of Study or the Academic Council, cf. § 35, subsection 3. The leave of absence can be discontinued but as mentioned above, the student cannot participate in lectures or sit examinations in the semester, he/she is or has been on leave. Leave of absence on the MSc. programme cannot be granted until the student has passed examinations corresponding to a study effort of minimum 30 ECTS, cf. the Admittance order § 39, subsection 1. The University (the Faculty) may waive this regulation if extraordinary circumstances prevail, cf. § 39, subsection 4. However, leave of absence must be granted if maternity/paternity leave, adoption or summoning to military service states the reason for the application, cf. § 39, subsection 2. Students who by contract with the military are available for UN-duty etc. follow the regulations in Law on Change of Law of Military Personnel, Law on Home Guard, Law on SU, Law on Military Service etc., cf. § 39, subsection 3. 5.4 Change of programme and transfer

Change to another master programme at the same university or at another university is only possible via a new admittance application, cf. § 40, subsection 1 in the Admittance Order. If the stu-dent has passed study elements corresponding to the first year of the programme, the student wish to enrol in, the student should not apply for admittance but for enrolment, cf. § 40, subsection 2 in the Admittance Order. Enrolment depends on vacancy on the desired level of study in the programme. The University can draw lots if there are more applicants than vacancies. Transfer to this MSc. programme requires that the student is enrolled in another sociological MSc. Programme and that there is a vacancy on the desired level of study in this programme. Transfers to other programmes take place in accordance to the rules of the receiving university. The University can draw lots if there are more applicants than vacancy, cf. § 41, subsection 2 in the Admittance Order.

5.5 Credit transfer Passed examination at the sociological MSc. programme at Aalborg University can replace academic categories in this programme, cf. § 27 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes. The Board of Studies may in each individual case aprove that passeed courses from programmes at the same level can replace elements of the programme of the MSc in Sociology, cf. § 28 the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes. The University (the Board of Study) can furthermore approve that passed examinations from another Danish or foreign MSc. programme replace academic categories in this programme, cf. § 28 subsection 1 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes. Decisions are solely made on the basis of a scientific assessment, cf. § 28, subsection 3 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes.

A thesis submitted in another programme cannot be transferred as Thesis, cf. § 28, subsection 2 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes unless it is submitted in a programme with identical aims of this MSc. programme in Sociology, cf. § 41 in the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes, and if the thesis is scientifically assessed to correspond to a thesis in the MSc. programme in Sociology.

Courses in Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic courses and courses in Methods of Social Sciences can only be replaced by credit transfer of study effort at master level from sociological programmes (Danish as well as foreign) or by internship. Elective courses can be replaced by credit transfer of study effort at master level from other programmes (Danish as well as foreign) provided the course can be perceived from a sociological perspective. Decisions regarding rejected credit transfers can be appealed to the Credit Appeals Board, cf. order no. 102 of 20 February 2008, the executive order on credit transfer board). However, appeals about rejections of final credit for programme elements taken abroad are not dealt with by the credit appeals board, but are directed to the Qualifications Board. For questions about the possibilities for appeals please contact the student advisors. For further information on procedure regarding credit transfer to the MSc. programme, refer to the homepage of the Department or contact the Student Advisor’s Office.

Up to one third of the total ECTS of the MSc. programme can be examinations passed without assessment on a graded scale, cf. § 10, subsection 2 in the Examination Order. Examinations

transferred by credit from other higher education institutions (Danish as well as foreign) and not assessed on the 7 scale are however not included in this third, cf. § 35 in the Examination Order. This implies that it is possible for the student to obtain up to 40 ECTS assessed without grading

by internship (maximum 30 ECTS) and courses from the Department.

5.6 Exemption Regulations in the curriculum of study set by the University may be waived if extraordinary circumstances prevail.

5.7 Digital communication between the university and students The University may decide that communication between the University and students must be fully or partially digital. Read more in executive order no. 1239 of 4 November 2010 on digital communications for universities. Established rules regarding digital communications will be communicated to students. 5.8 Complaints 5.8.1 Complaints regarding decisions on legal questions concerning student matters made by the Board of Study can be lodged with the dean. Complaints regarding decisions on legal questions concerning student matters made by the dean can be lodged with the rector. The internal means of complaint must be exhausted before lodging a complaint to the Ministry.

5.8.2 Legal questions regarding decisions on student matters made by the University can be brought before the Minister under rules laid down by him/her; cf. § 34 in the University Law. Regulations are laid down in § 76 of the Ministerial Order of the Study Programmes, in § 40 of the Admittance Order and § 29 in the Examination Order.

5.9 Diploma The University (the Faculty) issues a diploma for the completed MSc. programme, cf. § 29 in the Examination Order. The diploma states the result of the assessment of the individual examination, the weighting of the examinations and the obtained grade point average.

The diploma is issued in Danish and English. As an appendix to the diploma the University issues an English ’Diploma Supplement’ where the academic field, content, level and aim of the programme is described. The Diploma Supplement also includes information on the University and the programmes position in the Danish education system. Students who leave the programme without graduation have a right of documentation for passed modules including statement of ECTS. If the Board of Studies approves the transfer of credits for a course completed at a Danish or foreign institution of higher education, the assessment is transferred as Passed/Approved. If the course in question has been assessed according to the 7-point scale at both institutions, the assessment is transferred with grades. The institutions involved can agree otherwise, according to the executive order on examinations, §30.

6. Programme catalogue

The MSc. programme consists of the academic categories: courses in Sociological Theory, Socio- logical Thematic courses, courses in Methods of Social Sciences, Elective courses and a thesis.

The department of Sociology offers every semester courses within each academic category (see the course catalogue on the homepage of the department). The courses within each academic category vary from semester to semester. More specifically, the content of the academic categories and the thesis is:

6.1 Courses in Sociological Theory Courses within the academic category Courses in Sociological Theory contain advanced lectures on selected sociological theories. The aim of the courses is to give the students a deep understanding of sociological theory. This includes primarily an analytical approach to the relation between theory, method and empirical data in a number of sociological theories.

Thus, courses in Sociological Theory are a presentation of selected sociological theories in a scientific, methodological or practical perspective. A scientific perspective includes for example a discussion of the analytical foundation of a specified sociological theory. A methodological perspective includes for example reflections on different models of explanation, interpretation and validation in Sociology and a discussion of which kind of data or combinations of data the testing

of different sociological theories demand. A practical perspective includes an illustration of whether a specified sociological theory has any consequences for the social order and social change and to what extend practice is a part of the given sociological theory. More specifically, the student should:

• formulate a specific and precise research statement based on the theoretical problems from the course

• convincingly structure and discus the research statement

• use relevant literature on theory, concepts and analyzes

• independently and critically discus and proces the used literature

• develop theoretical considerations in a scientific theoretical, methodological or practical context

During the MSc. programme, examination(s) in courses of Sociological Theory equivalent to a study effort of minimum 10 ECTS must be passed while during the MSc. programme, examinations in courses of Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic courses and courses in Methods in Social Sciences equivalent to a study effort of minimum 60 ECTS must be passed.

Examination: Free written take-home-essay. Can be written individually or in groups (a maximum of four students per group). The free written take-home-essay must in courses weighing 10 ECTS have an extent of maximum 15 pages of 2400 characters. If answered in a group, the extent is added 7½ pages of 2400 characters per additional student. The maximum extend of free written take-home-essays in courses weighing another amount of ECTS is regulated proportionally hereby. Petitum for the free written take-home-essay can be freely composed by the student within the context of the course description. Assessment is on the 7 scale with external moderation. Courses in Sociological Theory belong to the module Advanced Methods in Social Sciences.

6.2 Sociological Thematic courses Courses within the academic category Sociological Thematic courses contain lectures on the sociological perspective in a number of selected societal fields.

The aim of the lectures is to further develop the students competences in bringing sociological perspectives on social phenomena. Thus, Sociological Thematic courses include a presentation of how societal institutions, sectors and problems are perceived in a sociological perspective e.g. organisations, family, education, work, media and social problems. There is special emphasis on how the sociological perspective differs from e.g. the political, the juridical or the economic perspective. Nærmere bestemt skal den studerende kunne: More specifically, the student should:

• formulate a specific and precise research statement based on the problems/societal fields from the course

• convincingly structure and discus the research statement

• use relevant literature on theory, concepts and analyzes

• independently and critically discus and proces the used literature

• develop theoretical considerations in a scientific theoretical, methodological or practical context

During the MSc. programme, examination(s) in Sociological Thematic courses equivalent to a study effort of minimum 10 ECTS must be passed while during the MSc. programme, examinations in courses of Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic courses and courses in Methods in Social sciences equivalent to a study effort of minimum 60 ECTS must be passed. Examination: Free written take-home-essay or oral examination with synopsis. The free written take- home essay can be written individually or in groups (a maximum of four students per group). The free written take-home-essay must in courses weighing 10 ECTS have an extent of maximum 15 pages of 2400 characters. If answered in a group, the extent is added 7½ pages of 2400 characters per additional student. The maximum extend of free written take-home-essays in courses weighing another amount of ECTS is regulated proportionally hereby. Petitum for the free written take-home-essay can be freely composed by the student within the context of the course description. The synopsis for the oral examination with synopsis must not exceed three pages of 2400 characters. Assessment on the scale of 7 for both types of examination. Internal moderation for both types of examination. Sociological Thematic courses belong to the module Advanced Sociological Theory.

6.3 Courses in Methods of Social Sciences Courses within the academic category Courses in Methods of Social Sciences contain lectures on quantitative and qualitative methods as well as advanced research designs.

The aim of the lectures is to further develop the students' methodological competences and to teach them new methods in addition to the methods taught in the sociological bachelor programme. Thus, courses in Methods of Social Sciences contain a presentation of advanced quantitative and qualitative methods as well as their theoretical foundation. It is emphasised; what type of problems each method is suitable for analysis of; what procedures for collecting and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data the methods require; what analytical paradigms the methods are based on; dynamic and comparative aspects of each method. Finally, the course also includes

an introduction to the scientific evaluation discussion.

More specifically, the student should:

• put forward considerations as to what kind of problematic the particular method is adequate for.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the procedures for the collection and computation of data that the method in question claims to be relevant

• Demonstrate a knowledge of which analytical paradigm the method in question relates to

• Reflect on the method in question’s strengths and weaknesses

• Use the method in question when confronted with a given data set and to relate constructively and critically to this

During the MSc. programme, examination(s) in courses of Methods in Social Sciences equivalent to a study effort of minimum 10 ECTS must be passed while during the MSc. programme, examinations in courses of Sociological Theory, Sociological Thematic courses and courses in Methods in Social sciences equivalent to a study effort of minimum 60 ECTS must be passed.

Examination: Some courses will include written assignments that are assessed on the 7 scale by internal moderation. Other courses are passed by active participation and are assessed Passed/Not passed by the lecturer. It is stated in the course catalogue which type of examination is attached to each course. Courses in Methods of Social Sciences belong to the module Ad- vanced Methods in Social Sciences.

6.4 Elective courses The aim of Elective courses is to give the student the opportunity to acquire a specialised knowledge outside of the sociological field with the intention of providing the student with a broader scientific foundation and with the possibility of exploring a field within which the student has particular interest.

Elective courses can be courses from either the Department of Sociology, from other departments at the University of Copenhagen or from other higher education institutions; however, it is required that courses from other departments can be perceived from a sociological perspective and also that they are at the graduate level. Elective courses from other departments require advance approval. Elective courses from other departments are assessed by the examination regulations laid down by the department offering the course. For further information on procedure regarding credit transfer to the MSc. programme, refer to the homepage of the Department or contact the Student Advisor’s Office. For Elective courses offered by the Department of Sociology the type of examination is either a free written take-home-essay, an oral examination with synopsis or active participation. The free written take-home-essay can be written individually or in groups (a maximum of four students per group). The free written take-home-essay must in courses weighing 10 ECTS have an extent of maximum 15 pages of 2400 characters. If answered in a group, the extent is added 7½ pages of 2400 characters per additional student. The maximum extent of free written take-home-essays in courses weighing another amount of ECTS is regulated proportionally hereby. Petitum for the free written take-home-essay can be freely composed by the student within the context of the course description. Both the free written take-home-essay and the oral examination are assessed on the scale of 7. Internal moderation for both types of examination.

The synopsis for the oral examination with synopsis must not exceed three pages of 2400 characters. Active participation is assessed passed/not passed by the lecturer. It is stated in the course catalogue which type of examination is attached to each course. During the MSc. programme, examinations in Elective courses equivalent to a study effort of minimum 10 ECTS must be passed. Elective courses belong to the module Elective courses. 6.5 Internship It is possible to participate in an internship as a part of the MSc in Sociology. The internship may count towards Sociological Theory courses, Sociological Thematic courses, courses in Methods of Social Sciences and Elective Courses. The purpose of the internship is to improve upon the students theoretical and/or methodological competencies in a practical and job-oriented situation. The work assignments of the internship must be relevant to the study of sociology and at a suitable academic level. The work assignments may be of purely theoretical or methodological character or a weighted ratio. Thus the final report must present relevant methodological and theoretical considerations related to the work, either whole or in part, taking into account that the weighing hereof is also decided by the actual character of the work assignments of the internship. Thus the final internship report may be of purely theoretical or methodological character or a weighted ratio.

The internship report must:

• apply substantial theoretical deliberation to a problem considered during the internship, including a critical analysis of the theoretical approach to the problem in question,

• describe the collective academic outcomes obtained, skills acquired and insights achieved in connection with the internship.

If the student would like all or part of the internship credit transferred as Methodology courses, the student must include in the internship report:

• an explanation of methodological considerations around one or more methods used during the internship, along with an assessment of the methods’ strengths and weaknesses.

6.6 Thesis The aim of the thesis is for the student to acquire competence of a research nature in relation to a sociological analysis of a problematic chosen by the student. The problematic chosen can be theoretical and/or empirical. Hence, while the use of empirical data is possible this is not obliga- tory. The assigned supervisor must approve the topic of the thesis.

More specifically, the student should:

• Formulate a limited and precise problem

• Describe and critically discuss how the epistemological position and choice affects the formulation of the problematic. The choice of methods and the planned analysis

• Structure the thesis and argue convincingly for how the precise problem is to be handled

• In the event that “already made” empirical data is involved you should demonstrate a critical position vis-à-vis the data you have collected

• In the event that you use your own data that you have collected, justify the design, choice of methodology and discuss the quality of the documentation you have collated and, in this connection, put forward any ethical research considerations.

• Incorporate relevant sociological theory in the analysis and put forward your own inde- pendent considerations about the theory.

• Provide reasons as to in what way new knowledge has been presented or has thrown anew light on existing knowledge and qualify this in relation to its utility, actuality and/or the development of theory or methodology

• Discuss critically and put in perspective the knowledge produced

The extent of the thesis may vary but it cannot exceed 80 pages of 2400 characters. The literature used for the thesis can be chosen freely by the student under the guidance of the supervisor. Two students can jointly write a thesis, which may not exceed 120 pages; three students can jointly write a thesis not exceeding 160 pages and four students can jointly write a thesis not exceeding 200 pages of 2400 characters. The contributions of each student must be identifiable; exempt is introduction and conclusion, which may be written collectively.

In conjunction with the writing of the thesis, the student is assigned a supervisor by the Head of Study. The assignment of supervisor is undertaken with respect to the academic competences amongst the Departmental Staff with regards to the topic of the thesis; suggestions from the student are also taken into consideration. In case of disagreement between the Head of Study and the student, the Board of Study acts as board of appeal.

For the writing of the thesis, the student is entitled to up to 30 hours of supervision (including the reading of draft pages), normally corresponding to 6 or 7 meetings with the supervisor. The student(s) may extraordinarily by application to the Board of Study be assigned up to 10 hours of supervision by an externally co-supervisor on the condition that the supervisor has af- firmed that the field of expertise of the co-supervisor is essential for the completion of the thesis.

There is no set submission period for the thesis. The thesis must be submitted six months after commenced supervision. Exceeding this deadline counts as an examination attempt.

Examination: The thesis is assessed by the supervisor and an external moderator. If a co- supervisor has been assigned, the supervisor consults him/her regarding the thesis. The thesis is the object of an oral defence, which is part of the assessment. The assessment must take place no later than 2 months after the submission. When calculating the 2 months, July is not counted, cf. § 26, subsection 3 in the Examination Order. An aggregated grade is awarded for the thesis and the oral defence. In accordance with § 24 in the Examination Order, the ability to spell and to express oneself is included in the assessment, however the academic content is weightier.

The thesis must, according to the Examination Order § 24 subsection 2, be provided with an abstract in English if the thesis is written in Danish, Swedish or Norwegian. If the thesis is written in another language, the abstract can be written in Danish or the exerted language. The abstract may not exceed one and a half page if the thesis is written by one student, while it may not exceed three pages if the thesis is written by more than one student. The abstract is included in the assessment on equal terms with the rest of the thesis. One grade on the 7 scale. External moderation.

The thesis and the associated oral defence total 30 ECTS. The thesis belongs to the module Thesis.

7. Date of Commencement

This revision of the 2005 curriculum is valid from September 1, 2013. All previous curricula for the MA programme in sociology are cancelled as from September 1, 2013. Students enrolled in previous curricula will be automatically registered under the new curriculum.

Documents

Department of Sociology University of Copenhagen · 2013-12-17 · Department of Sociology University of Copenhagen The MSc. Programme in Sociology Curriculum of Studies 2005 (revised