Masters in Social Science: Top Universities, Courses, Cost, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A Master’s in Social Science is a postgraduate qualification focused on the systematic study of society, behaviour and policy. It is usually offered as an MA, MSc, MRes or MPhil and spans 1–2 years full-time (longer for part-time formats). A Master’s degree in Social Science abroad typically covers disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, public policy, psychology and development studies. 

MS in Social Science equips students with advanced training in research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis and policy evaluation. Many programs integrate internships, fieldwork or dissertation projects, providing exposure to practical applications in government, NGOs and international organisations. 

 Master’s in Social Science Key Highlights 

Key Disciplines & Specializations 

A Master’s in Social Science abroad allows students to explore a wide spectrum of disciplines, blending theory with real-world applications. By choosing the right area of focus within a Master’s degree in Social Science, students can align their academic interests with career objectives in government, research, non-profits or international organisations. Most leading universities structure their programs to offer flexibility between coursework and research, enabling students to build strong expertise. 

Popular Specialisations Include: 

• Sociology and Anthropology: Study human behaviour, social structures and cultural dynamics in diverse contexts. 
• Political Science and International Relations: Gain insight into governance, diplomacy, and global policy analysis. 
• Economics and Development Studies: Focus on economic systems, growth strategies and sustainable development. 
• Public Policy and Administration: Learn to design and evaluate policies at local, national and international levels. 
• Psychology and Behavioural Sciences: Explore cognitive processes, mental health, and social behaviour. 
• Gender and Cultural Studies: Examine issues of equity, representation and social change in a globalised world. 
• Criminology and Social Justice: Understand crime, justice systems and reforms across countries. 

An MS in Social Science with any of these specialisations not only deepens subject knowledge but also develops advanced analytical, research and communication skills sought by employers worldwide. 

Top Master’s Courses in Social Science Abroad 

Universities abroad offer a wide range of courses under a Master’s in Social Science that combine rigorous academic study with applied learning. These courses are structured to equip students with specialised knowledge, advanced research skills and practical exposure needed for careers in policy, research, international organisations and academia. A Master’s program in Social Science abroad typically includes compulsory modules, elective subjects and a dissertation or project component. 

Notable Courses Offered by Leading Universities Include: 

• MA in International Development – Focuses on global poverty, sustainable development and international cooperation; popular among students aiming to work in NGOs and UN bodies. 
• MSc in Social Policy – Provides training in designing, implementing and evaluating public policies; suitable for roles in government and think tanks. 
• MA in Cultural Anthropology – Examines cultural diversity, migration and social change through fieldwork-based research. 
• MSc in Global Criminology – Analyses crime trends, justice systems and transnational security issues. 
• MA in Political Science and International Relations – Covers governance, diplomacy and comparative politics with international internships. 
• MSc in Economics and Development Studies – Focuses on economic policy, global markets and data-driven development strategies. 
• Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) – Integrates management, leadership and policy analysis for public sector careers. 

Each of these programs within an MS in Social Science framework offers opportunities to tailor specialisations, undertake internships or field research, and gain international perspectives essential for today’s social science professionals. 

 Top Universities for Master’s Program in Social Science 

Studying a Master’s in Social Science at a globally recognised university ensures access to experienced faculty, diverse student cohorts and extensive research resources. Leading institutions design their Master’s degree in Social Science programs to combine rigorous academics with international networking, internships and policy-oriented projects. Below are some of the most respected destinations for an MS in Social Science: 

Here are top ranked universities for Social Sciences 

 These universities consistently rank high for social science disciplines and offer multiple entry points, scholarship opportunities and flexible study formats, making them attractive options for students pursuing an MS in Social Science abroad. 

 Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Master’s Program in Social Science 

Getting admissions in a master’s course in social science requires both academic and application needs to meet the standards. Most evaluate the candidate on the basis of academic background, research potential and English proficiency. Some may ask for professional experience in related fields. 

Academic Qualifications 

Most applicants are required to have a recognized bachelor’s degree in Social Science or from field closely related to it (such as economics, political science, sociology, or international relations). Many universities also accept applicants from other disciplines provided they can show relevant coursework, work experience or research interest in social sciences. 

For example, Oxford accepts students with a first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours. For Indian graduates, it means at-least 60% for a professional undergraduate degree of 4 years or minimum 70% for an undergraduate degree of 3 years both from a prestigious institution. 

English Language Proficiency 

If the candidate’s first language is not English, the university will ask for proof of English proficiency. Common minimum scores include: 

• IELTS: 6.5–7.0 overall 
• TOEFL iBT: 90–100 
• PTE Academic: 62–68 

Some institutions may also accept Duolingo English Test or waive requirements if you studied in an English-speaking country. 

What Supporting Documents Universities Ask for? 

Apart from academic or English proficiency qualifications, universities ask for several other documents or test scores for admissions. They are: 

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Explaining your motivation, research interests, and career goals. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Usually two or three academic or professional referees. 
• CV/Resume: Highlighting relevant academic, research, or work experience. 
• Standardised Tests: Not mandatory for most, but a few may request GRE scores. 
• Work Experience/Internships: Helpful but not compulsory for most programs; some applied social policy or development programs may prefer applicants with field experience. 

This combination of academic credentials, English proficiency and supporting documents ensures that international students entering an MS in Social Science program are well prepared for advanced research and professional practice. 

H3: Are GRE or English tests required for social science master’s programs? 

Requirements vary by country and university. In the US, many top schools (Harvard, Chicago, Stanford) list GRE as optional but still accept strong scores as a plus for competitive programs. UK and European universities (Oxford, LSE, Amsterdam) usually do not require GRE for social science master’s. 
 

Cost of Studying a Master’s in Social Science Abroad 

The total cost of pursuing a Master’s in Social Science abroad combines tuition fees with living expenses. Tuition varies widely depending on the university’s prestige, location and program structure. Here are a general ranges of fees for each country: 

• United States: Generally falling between USD 30,000 – 90,000 per year, with some top universities even exceeding the upper limit. While some state universities may offer slightly affordable fees. 
• United Kingdom: International Student tuition typically in GBP 18,000 – 35,000 per year. A few programs at elite schools can exceed this range. 
• Canada: Most master’s program costs CAD 20,000 – 35,000 per year. While research and teaching assistantships can cost low. 
• Australia: Average for social science master’s can be AUD 25,000–40,000 per year while it can vary by cities and university. 
• Singapore: The cost for pursuing master’s course can be USD 20,000 – 35000 per year. 
• Europe: Universities may just charge semester fees of EUR 200-3,000 per year in countries like Germany and France. However this range can be exceeded for some private universities. 

 How much are average living expenses for international students? 

Living costs depend on the country and city where you study, covering accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and personal expenses. Approximate monthly ranges: 

These ranges include student housing or shared accommodation, meals, local transport, and basic utilities. Some universities offer subsidised residences or meal plans, which can bring down costs further. 

Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for Master’s in Social Science Abroad 

The scholarships and funding are offered to some of the bright students and those who are in need to cover their study or sometimes living expenses. These opportunities give you the best to study abroad in very less prices. 

For Indian students studying abroad, several fully-funded or partial funded scholarships are presented: 

 Career Opportunities after a Master’s in Social Science Abroad 

Graduates of a Master’s in Social Science develop analytical, research and policy-making skills valued in government, international organisations, NGOs and private firms. Many roles combine data-driven decision-making with community or policy impact.  

Below is an overview of common professions and indicative annual salaries in major study destinations. 

These ranges are taken from all countries and presented most realistic ranges for each profession.