Professional opportunities

Professional Functions
Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Sociology for Sustainability and the Analysis of Global Processes are qualified to coordinate or take part in applied research groups, including interdisciplinary teams, working on sustainability-related topics. In particular, they are capable of identifying and defining research problems, designing research frameworks, and applying the main methods and tools of social research in the field of sustainable development.
These professionals are equipped to design and manage action-research processes aimed at promoting and implementing sustainability strategies at enterprise, local, and global levels, with a specific focus on technological innovation, transformations in the world of work, and the reduction of gender disparities.
They are able to produce evidence-based research reports and policy recommendations, and to disseminate results through conferences, seminars, and both academic and outreach publications. Additionally, they can collect and analyse secondary data and indicators for empirical research and comparative studies on sustainable development processes at global and local scales.
Skills and Competencies
Graduates will develop strong knowledge and abilities in:

  • problem finding, problem setting, and problem solving through social research on diverse issues related to sustainable development;
  • designing effective research frameworks;
  • applying methods and tools for social research and data collection;
  • analysing and processing both secondary and original data;
  • producing scientific outputs and/or materials for public communication.

They will also acquire key transversal competencies, including:

  • teamwork skills, including leadership and coordination roles;
  • mental and operational flexibility;
  • autonomy and entrepreneurial thinking (both cognitive and organizational);
  • the ability to integrate different languages and fields of knowledge;
  • creative and change-oriented thinking;
  • active listening;
  • problem-solving capacity;
  • collaborative relationship building;
  • public speaking.

Academic and Career Opportunities
This Master’s Degree also provides a strong foundation for admission to PhD programmes in the social sciences for students interested in pursuing an academic career or further advanced studies in development and innovation.
Career Prospects
Graduates may find employment in a range of sectors, including:

  • public and/or private research centres;
  • public administrations (both national and local);
  • international organisations and the European Union;
  • private companies;
  • public enterprises;
  • public utility companies;
  • representative bodies;
  • non-profit organisations and Third Sector institutions.

In addition to professional careers, the degree prepares graduates for competitive PhD admissions in social sciences, particularly for those aiming to pursue academic or research-based careers in innovation and sustainable development.