Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Social research for internal and external security [LM-88] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Social Research for internal and external security

Level of qualification

Second level

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Graduates in class L-40 - Sociology (or previous corresponding class) can have access to this degree course. Students can also gain access if they have completed a bachelor's degree, in which they have taken exams in the study areas of sociology, history, political science or law for at least 30 credits. There will be a mandatory admission test on subject areas of the course.

Profile of the programme

The learning programme provides a methodological approach to social research through expertise in the study areas of history, philosophy, political science and law, aimed at understanding the contemporary world; the different disciplines will be addressed with ongoing insights and ideas for applied research. The course provides in-depth expertise in the areas of deviance, marginality and crime; offers knowledge with and on the re-processing systems of information and through mathematical models. The course will be accompanied by support actions provided by leading experts in the security sector.

Qualification requirements and regulations

The course is divided into two years with a total 120 credits. Teaching covers the two years and is divided into semesters. Every year amounts to 54 and 66 credits for a total of 120 over the 2-year period, according to legislation in force in Master’s degree courses that award more credits over the last year for the preparation of the thesis. Please refer to the Academic Regulations in www.unipg.it / sdf

Key learning outcomes

knowledge and understanding

Graduates will gain knowledge in the context of social research and relevant disciplines; must understand the social dynamics in the fields of security. They will be able to carry out projects in the various fields of social security. They can operate in the context of research, with autonomy and originality, for the study and testing of new security models in different environments, from the home to school, from the city to the international context, from industry to tourism.

applying knowledge and understanding

Graduates will apply their knowledge acquired in the different areas of expertise. Based on the analysis of social phenomena and security systems, understanding and evaluating its problems, implementing strategies and original systems targeted for different social contexts.

making judgements

Graduates will be able to integrate their knowledge through social research and processing of the gathered data; will be able to deal with complex situations related primarily to the risks and threats in different social contexts. They will be able to make judgments, assess strategies and provide intervention in full awareness of actions undertaken with a sense of responsibility and in full compliance of users to which the interventions are intended. This is why programmes, agreed with national and international security authorities, will be added, to provide food for thought, evaluation and intervention in relation to the phenomena of risk, threat and acting out.

communication skills

Graduates will be prepared for very fair, clear and effective communication. They should display in a linear manner, without ambiguity and uncertainty, reflections, strategies and conclusions of their investigations; must be able to diffuse a "culture of security" to the most vulnerable segments such as marginality and deviance. They will be able to communicate in writing, both at scientific and popular levels, and prepare operational plans. They acquire a significant ability to use ICT.

learning skills

The graduates, in their professionalism, with the interdisciplinary knowledge they acquire, must have a strong ability to learn, in relation to the various international contexts and the continuous and rapid evolution of society, and to the continuous changes in risk scenarios in both restricted contexts and in the context of globalization. They should have a strong aptitude for understanding and responding to events in the most immediate way.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

All disciplines in the learning programme involve an oral exam; there may also be a series of ongoing tests.

Graduation requirements

The final examination consists of an original thesis, coordinated by a professor of this course, written in one of the disciplines under the rules of the course. The test will demonstrate their newly acquired skills in the field of research, the skills acquired to develop an articulated theory and in being able to support the applicability of the research conducted.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Full-time attendance is mandatory for 75% of lectures. 

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

The course prepares students for professional activities of specialized consultancy in social research, organizational analysts, public policy analysts, experts in the management of human resources. 

Access to further studies

Master’s graduates may gain access to Vocational Masters, Specialization Schools and Doctorates. 

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

General (Regulations 2013)