Applied Sociology
Source: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/undergraduate/applied-sociology Parent: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/programms/undergraduate
39.03.01 In English and Russian
Level of education Bachelor
Type of instruction Full-time
Duration 4 years
Programme description
The "Applied Sociology" programme builds on many years of experience in conducting applied sociological projects at St Petersburg University. The curriculum draws on established traditions of working with data, analytical tools and methods in applied sociological research, including: standards for data processing, coding and interpretation; theoretical and conceptual frameworks for analysing and reflecting on social reality and interpreting research findings; developed methodological practices for project work, project management, research ethics and quality control; a strong culture of scholarly debate and critical discussion of research outcomes; and longstanding partnerships with a number of academic institutions and research agencies for joint projects, experience exchange and expert peer review.
Practice-orientation of the programme is embodied in the courses of the Sociological Clinic of Applied Research, where students, under the guidance of experts in applied sociological research, conduct applied sociological studies for real clients in groups. The achieved quality standard in project implementation is ensured through the active involvement of mentors at all stages: mentors advise teams on research design, data collection and processing, facilitate communication with clients, and provide support during results presentation.
Teaching staff
- Yury Veselov — Doctor of Sociology, PhD in Economics, Professor. He is a renowned specialist in economic sociology with broad research interests (including the history of economic sociology, sociology of food and nutrition, and sociology of trust). Professor Veselov has authored monographs, textbooks, and research papers published both in Russia and abroad
- Viktoria Dudina — Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Head of the Department of Applied and Sectoral Sociology. Professor Dudina is an acknowledged expert in sociological research methodology and applied sociology. She directs research projects in digital sociology and health sociology. Her scholarly work includes publications in authoritative international research journals
- Dmitry Ivanov — Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Head of the Department of Theory and History of Sociology. He represents a new generation of Russian sociologists specialising in cutting-edge trends of societal development. He is author of original concepts of society’s virtualisation and glam-capitalism which evoked a wide response in academic community
- Vladimir Ilyin — Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Head of the Department of Sociology of Culture and Communication. Professor Ilyin is a distinguished specialist in social research methodology, sociology of culture and everyday life, study of youth in Russian metropolises, and sociology of consumption. He leads various research projects and authored numerous research papers published both in Russia and abroad
Our Advantages
- The programme offers a unique synthesis of academic traditions and practice-oriented learning through clinic based practical training. Each academic year students conduct applied sociological research for real clients under faculty supervision
- The programme provides comprehensive training in applied sociology, equipping graduates to conduct full-cycle sociological research and effectively support the implementation of its findings in managerial decision-making processes
- The programme offers a rigorous balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills across classical, modern and sectoral sociological theories, methodology, data analysis, and the organisation of applied sociological researches
- With a strong emphasis on graduates’ employability, the curriculum is designed to help students build a comprehensive portfolio of practical sociological research projects completed during their studies
- The programme facilitates integration into a professional community of practising sociologists with substantial expertise in conducting applied sociological research
- The programme offers diverse fields of study in sociology, encompassing all areas of sociological research
- The programme provides access to SPbU research facilities with modern equipment for conducting empirical sociological studies
- The programme maintains extensive partnerships with numerous employers, including leading Russian and foreign sociological research centres, research institutes, as well as government agencies and commercial enterprises
- Students of the programme undergo academic training that meets international standards for bachelor’s degree education in social sciences
- The programme provides training that fully prepares graduates for master’s degree studies at leading Russian and foreign universities
Carrer opportunities
Internship partners
- Centre for Strategic Research ‘North-West‘ Foundation
- St Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise ’St Petersburg Information and Analytical Centre‘
- Institute for Comparative Social Research
- Office of the Governor of St Petersburg
- Committee on Interethnic Relations and Implementation of Migration Policy in St Petersburg
- St Petersburg Committee on Youth Policy and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organisations
- Committee on Press and Mass Media Relations
- Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in St Petersburg
- The Interparliamentary Assembly of Member Nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States
- St Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Centre for Promotion of Employment and Career Guidance of Youth ‘VECTOR’
- State Budgetary Non-Standard Educational Institution ’Academy of Talents‘
- ’Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of St Petersburg" Non-Governmental Organisation
- Gazprom Business Service
- Sberbank of Russia
- HeadHunter
- Yandex
- Petroelektrosbyt
- Nexign
- Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- ‘St Isaac’s Cathedral’ State Memorial Museum
- Tsarskoe Selo State Museum
- Hermitage Museum
The full list of partner organisations comprises 226 commercial companies, government bodies and organisations, and non-profit structures.
Organisations where our graduates work
The programme is interdisciplinary and covers a broad scope of knowledge. This will enable graduates to carry out professional activities in the following areas.
Among the prospective jobs:
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Sociological analyst
- Data analyst
- Methodological analyst
- Research manager
- HR analyst
- UX/UI researcher
- Marketing analyst
- Specialist in organising sociological and marketing research
- Social consultant and social audit specialist