BACKGROUND

The Master of Arts in Sociology-Anthropology (MA-SA) was established by the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), with the support of New Humanity Organization and academic collaboration from international universities in Italy. The program was officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) under Prakas No. 1223 dated 24 January 2004.

The program was developed in response to Cambodia’s growing need for highly qualified social researchers, educators, development practitioners, and policy analysts capable of addressing complex social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges. It combines advanced sociological and anthropological theories with rigorous research methodologies and practical field experiences.

Since its establishment, the program has contributed significantly to Cambodia’s development by producing graduates who serve in government institutions, international development agencies, universities, research centers, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

VISION

To be a leading graduate program in Sociology and Anthropology in Cambodia and the region, recognized for excellence in teaching, research, community engagement, and policy innovation that contributes to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable social development.

MISSION

The Master of Arts in Sociology-Anthropology is committed to:

1. Providing high-quality graduate education in Sociology and Anthropology grounded in academic excellence and professional ethics.
2. Developing advanced research competencies to generate evidence-based solutions to social and development challenges.
3. Preparing future leaders, educators, researchers, and development practitioners capable of contributing to public policy and social transformation.
4. Promoting interdisciplinary learning, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships with national and international institutions.
5. Advancing knowledge and scholarship that support sustainable development and social justice.

OBJECTIVES

The program aims to:

1. Strengthen students’ knowledge of advanced sociological and anthropological theories and concepts.
2. Develop competencies in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods social research.
3. Enhance critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
4. Equip students with the ability to design, implement, and evaluate development programs and social policies.
5. Foster academic writing, research publication, and professional communication skills.
6. Promote ethical leadership, social responsibility, and community engagement.
7. Produce graduates capable of addressing social inequalities, poverty, cultural change, and development challenges in Cambodia and beyond.

STRATEGY

To achieve its objectives, the program will:

1. Deliver a rigorous and research-oriented curriculum that integrates theory, methodology, and practice.
2. Promote experiential learning through fieldwork, community-based research, and participatory approaches.
3. Strengthen partnerships with universities, research institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
4. Encourage interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives on social issues and development.
5. Integrate contemporary tools for data analysis, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and policy analysis.
6. Support students through academic advising, thesis supervision, and professional mentoring.
7. Foster a culture of research, innovation, and scholarly publication.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Rural Development, Development Studies, Social Work, Education, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Geography, Environmental Studies, or other related fields in Social Sciences and Humanities.
• Applicants from other disciplines with relevant professional experience may also be considered.
• Demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency for graduate-level study.
• Successfully complete any entrance examination and/or interview required by the program.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Submit Application

Applicants shall submit:

• Completed Application Form
• Certified copy of Bachelor Degree
• Official Academic Transcript
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Recommendation Letters
• Passport-size photographs
• Copy of National ID Card or Passport

Step 2: Entrance Examination

The entrance examination may include:

• Sociology and Anthropology Knowledge
• Research Methodology
• Academic Writing
• English Language Proficiency

Step 3: Interview

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an academic interview.

Step 4: Admission and Registration

Successful applicants will receive an official admission letter and complete enrollment procedures.

DURATION OF PROGRAM

• Duration of Program:

• Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
• Total Credits: 54 Credits
• Medium of Instruction: English and Khmer

Students may choose one of the following completion options:

Option A: Thesis Track

• Coursework and research training.
• Master’s Research Thesis (12 credits).

Option B: Coursework and Field Study Track

• Coursework.
• Applied field research.
• Master Field Study Report.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Sociology-Anthropology provides advanced interdisciplinary training in sociology, anthropology, social research, development studies, and public policy. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical research skills to prepare students for professional and academic careers.

Core areas of study include:

• Advanced Social Theory.
• Quantitative Research Methods.
• Qualitative and Ethnographic Research Methods.
• Statistical Data Analysis.
• Development Theory and Practice.
• Culture and Development.
• Social Demography and Population Dynamics.
• Local Knowledge and Sustainable Development.
• Education and Development.
• Poverty and Social Inequality Analysis.
• Rural Development and Social Change.
• Rural Resource Management.
• ASEAN Economies and Societies in Transition.
• Society, Gender, and Development.
• Social Economy and Rural Development.
• Rural Social Structures in Cambodia.

The program further emphasizes academic writing, thesis development, community-based research, participatory approaches, and policy-oriented analysis to strengthen graduates’ research and professional competencies.

Thesis Track

• Master's Research Thesis

Non-Thesis Track

• Grant Proposal Writing
• Society, Gender and Development
• Social Economy and Rural Development
• Master Field Study Report

PROFESSIONAL / CAREER 

Graduates will be qualified for careers as:

Research and Academia

• University Lecturer
• Research Fellow
• Social Research Consultant
• Academic Researcher
• Policy Research Analyst

Development Sector

• Project Manager
• Program Coordinator
• Community Development Specialist
• Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
• Social Safeguards Specialist

Government and Public Sector

• Social Policy Analyst
• Planning Officer
• Rural Development Officer
• Public Administration Specialist
• Social Affairs Officer

International Organizations and NGOs

• Development Consultant
• Program Officer
• Gender Specialist
• Social Inclusion Specialist
• Human Rights Officer

Private Sector

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer
• Human Resource Development Specialist
• Market and Social Research Analyst
• Stakeholder Engagement Specialist

CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Sociology

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP)