Sociology of Policy in Practice (MSc)

Why Sociology of Policy in Practice in Leiden University?

Three-month Policy in Practice research internship

A Policy in Practice research internship offers you the opportunity to conduct research with organisations such as a NGO, a government body or a commercial company. Your research will engage with questions that the organisation concerned would like to be answered, and as a student-researcher, you can thus benefit from the support of the organisation concerned. While these organisations can benefit from the outcomes of the research conducted by the student, the student gains valuable working experience in a professional context. 

A list of current internships available

Four reasons why you should study Sociology of Policy in Practice at Leiden University

• Know-how on how to ‘translate’ prevailing policy problems into manageable research questions. 
   
• Skill training in a broad spectrum of social scientific methods (qualitative, quantitative, ethnographic) and supervision by experienced staff members of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology.
   
• Increase your impact: by doing a three-month research internship at an organisation, you will gain insights into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face. You conduct research on a relevant issue to your internship provider whereby research outcomes can directly be implemented by the organisation.
   
• Gain relevant working experience, expand your network contacts and improve your understanding of a particular field (in which you might want to work after graduation).

Study at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Institute of Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology is housed in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences within walking distance of the Leiden Central railway station. If you travel by train, a 5-minute walk will take you from the back of the station to the Pieter de la Court building. Here you'll find:

• Lecture halls;
• Editing rooms;
• A library with 70,000 printed specialist publications and extensive digital collections;
• About 300 computer workstations for students located in several places in the building;
• The FSW cafe or restaurant to chat with your fellow students;
• The Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology study association Itiwana. 

Study at a world-class university

At Leiden University, you choose a master’s degree with impact. You study at a university with a strong international reputation and high-quality research, where academic freedom and critical thinking are at the core. Our master’s programmes offer intellectually challenging curricula with a wide range of courses and specialisations, allowing you to explore what truly interests you while preparing for a strong position in the job market. You become part of an international and diverse community, collaborating with students and academics from around the world. At the same time, you study in a personal and close-knit environment in Leiden and The Hague, where the atmosphere remains engaging and supportive. With a strong connection between education, research and societal challenges, you contribute to solutions for the issues of today and tomorrow – while shaping your own future.
More reasons to choose Leiden University

POPcorner: Support in study and student life

Tackling your study in the right way does not come easily to everyone or at every time. In the POPcorner our Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences offers a unique facility set up in close consultation with students of varying cultural and social backgrounds. Through workshops, advice and online information we offer training and information about finding your way in  academic and student life.