Objectives

Master’s Degree in Sociology for Sustainability and the Analysis of Global Processes
The Master’s Degree in Sociology for Sustainability and the Analysis of Global Processes aims to develop advanced knowledge and skills related to sustainability, understood in its multiple dimensions and firmly rooted in sociological theory. These competencies are designed to engage in dialogue with other social and natural sciences, with a particular emphasis on the development of applied capabilities.
Students will acquire expertise in the following areas:

  • the sociological interpretation of sustainability, the complexity of ecosystems, and socio-environmental risk;
  • the interplay between scientific and technological innovation and the sustainability of development models;
  • theoretical paradigms in environmental economics and sustainable development;
  • the role of statistics and data science systems in sustainability research;
  • the relationships between geopolitical processes and sustainability within the international system.

Learning Objectives
The programme provides advanced understanding of:

  • contemporary sociological theories, with specific reference to the social dimensions of sustainability;
  • the complexity of ecosystems and socio-environmental risks;
  • sociological theories relevant to the analysis of sustainability policies implemented by enterprises and multi-actor networks, including public institutions, at both global and urban scales; and sociological approaches to the study of sustainability cultures;
  • current debates and research concerning sustainability in relation to: the role of science and technology in contemporary societies; scientific controversies; the social construction of science and technology; and social learning processes in these domains;
  • sociological theories for analysing the interrelations between technological transformations, labour, and sustainability;
  • foundational disciplines within the social sciences, including environmental economics, sustainable development, statistics and data science for sustainability, historical transformations of the sustainable development paradigm, public policy and administrative practices, legal frameworks, and organizational competencies in the public sector.

Additional Learning Goals
The programme also seeks to develop:

  • advanced methodological skills for social research, including data collection and analysis, with particular focus on sustainability-related issues;
  • the ability to work independently and in leadership roles within social research institutions, educational settings, and research-action projects at both local and international levels;
  • soft skills essential for collaboration in interdisciplinary research teams and the facilitation of collaborative learning processes.

Programme Structure
The programme is structured around a common first year for all students, which provides core competencies in:

  • contemporary sociological theories of social sustainability;
  • theories of complexity and global risks;
  • methodologies and techniques of social research;
  • statistics for sustainability;
  • global historical transformations of the sustainability paradigm;
  • anthropological perspectives on sustainability;
  • public policies and governance for sustainable development, or alternatively, scientific and technological innovation and the transformation of labour in relation to sustainability.

In the second year, students choose between two distinct curricula that represent different specialisations within a unified educational framework:

  1. Italian-taught Curriculum
    Focuses on policies, practices, and cultures of sustainability at the urban scale, or alternatively, on labour relations and socio-technical systems for sustainability.
  2. English-taught Curriculum
    Concentrates on actors, policies, and strategies for socially sustainable transitions, with emphasis on the governance of sustainable development policies, digital innovations supporting sustainability, environmental economics, eco-welfare strategies, and advanced network analysis methods for designing action strategies aimed at sustainable transitions.

Teaching Methods
The teaching approach is predominantly based on integrated and multidisciplinary courses. These combine traditional lectures with applied “Laboratory Ateliers” that use student-centred learning methodologies. These ateliers incorporate case studies and involve contributions from key stakeholders and sector experts to foster hands-on learning and the development of transversal skills.
The programme’s teaching regulations define the proportion of total study hours to be allocated to personal study or individual training activities, in accordance with applicable academic standards.