The Social Research (English) master’s program at Marmara University is a two-year graduate degree taught fully in English. This program focuses on advanced methods in social science research — teaching students how to design, conduct, and analyse studies about society, demographics, public policy, culture, and social change. Students learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, survey design, social theory, and critical analysis. Through courses, seminars, and a final thesis, the program equips students to address real social problems, evaluate social data, and contribute to academic knowledge or public policy.
Located in Istanbul — a city with rich social diversity and complex social dynamics — the program offers a living laboratory for real social research, giving students opportunities to study population, migration, urban issues, social inequality, and cultural interactions. With English-medium instruction, students gain access to international literature, academic networks, and global research perspectives. The program is ideal for those who want to become social researchers, policy analysts, or academics investigating social issues in Turkey and beyond.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) / Master of Science (M.Sc.) — Thesis (Graduate Programme)
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, international, English)
- Admission semester: Fall semester (academic year start)
- Area of study: Social Research / Social Sciences & Demography
- Admission modus: Without admission restriction / Eligible for international students
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Social Research
- Social Theory & Contemporary Societies
- Research Methods & Design (Qualitative and Quantitative)
- Statistics for Social Research
- Academic English & Research Writing
Semester 2 – Data Collection & Social Analysis
- Survey Design & Field Research Methods
- Demography, Population & Social Change
- Sociology of Culture / Urban & Social Issues
- Elective Course I (e.g. Migration Studies, Gender & Society, Public Policy)
Semester 3 – Advanced Topics & Research Preparation
- Social Policy Analysis / Public Policy & Society
- Social Inequality, Globalization & Social Dynamics
- Data Analysis & Statistical Modeling for Social Data
- Thesis Project Planning & Literature Review
Semester 4 – Thesis & Graduation
- Master’s Thesis / Research Project in Social Research
- Thesis Defense & Presentation
- Seminar on Ethics in Social Research & Professional Practice
- Graduation & Academic / Career Planning
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program can work as social researchers, policy analysts, demographic researchers, data analysts in social sciences, social project coordinators, NGO or non-profit professionals, consultants for public institutions, research assistants in academic or think-tank institutions, or community development experts. They may also work in fields like migration studies, urban planning, social policy design, public health research, human rights organisations, or cultural and social research centers. With strong research skills and English proficiency, graduates can also pursue PhD studies or international research collaborations.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Social Research (English) master’s program at Marmara University means joining a solid academic environment where you learn how to explore, analyse and understand societies from many angles — economic, demographic, cultural, and political. You will gain valuable research skills: data collection, survey design, statistical analysis, social theory, and academic writing — preparing you to study or solve real social challenges. The English-medium instruction gives you access to global social science literature and opportunities to work with international scholars or institutions.
Moreover, studying in Istanbul gives a real-life context to social research: you can observe urban change, migration patterns, social diversity and cultural dynamics up close. That environment enriches your learning and research potential. If you care about social justice, policy making, demographic change, or want to influence society through research — this program offers a strong foundation and flexible paths in academia, public service, NGOs or consulting.
Contact Information
Marmara University – Institute of Population & Social Research
Social Research (M.A./M.Sc.) Program
Sultanahmet / Main Campus
34110 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 212 512 20 00
Fax: +90 212 526 41 93
Email: socialresearch@marmara.edu.tr
Institute of Population & Social Research – Student Affairs Office
Marmara University
Sultanahmet / Main Campus
34110 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 212 512 20 10
Fax: +90 212 512 20 11
Email: socialresearch_student@marmara.edu.tr
International Office – Marmara University
Göztepe Campus
34722 Istanbul, Türkiye
Tel: +90 216 777 11 00
Fax: +90 216 777 11 01
Email: international@marmara.edu.tr
