At the pulse of today's information society
In the current era of information society and knowledge economy, public opinion polls and surveys on social, political and consumer behaviour have grown in importance. In parallel, methods and techniques of data collection as well as tools for analysis and interpretation of data have developed rapidly and have become more complex. There is a recognised need for professionals who are able to combine strong theoretical, methodological understanding with technical knowledge of survey research and who are moreover aware of the legal issues related to data processing. This Master program is the first university-level course in Switzerland to take such developments into consideration and to offer a scientifically grounded but at the same time a professionalising course. This inter-disciplinary Master’s course is the fruit of a collaboration between the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Lausanne, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Culture of the University of Lucerne and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Neuchâtel. The program teaches students the craft of survey, from its conception to data-gathering and production, data-analysis and data presentation, both for the public and private sectors. |
Constantly adapting to new challenges
The distinctive feature of the study programme is its constant adaptation to new developments in the domain of survey research. POSM teachers pay great attention to ensuring that the curricula incorporate the latest tools, practices and theoretical concepts in the field. The program is also characterized by its multilingualism and multidisciplinarity, with the emphasis on both academic and practical aspects. In addition to theoretical and methodological insight, statistical knowledge will enable students to design, implement and analyse survey data, while understanding how chosen methods and techniques can affect results. The course also develops a large number of cross-disciplinary skills such as: Analytical and synthesising skills, research experience, acquisition and transmission of knowledge, critical thinking, statistical knowledge and expertise in the process of opinion formation. This range of skills, combined with specialist knowledge acquired during their studies, prepares students for professional careers in very varied domains, such as: Partners of the MA are FORS (Swiss Centre of Expertise in the Social Sciences), the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) and vsms/asms (the Swiss association of social and market research). The KOF Swiss Economic Institute (at the ETHZ) and LUSTAT (the statistical office of the canton of Lucerne) also support the program. |
Career prospects
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