Field of studies Interdisciplinary Studies on Social Change (studies in English) - University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski), UW (Warsaw) - social - Study Bachelor's and Master's in English in Poland

1. You notice your area changing – young people moving away, newcomers arriving, work moving online. What do you do with that observation?

Look for data and research that explain the causes, and think about the consequences. I notice it, but don’t analyse it. I don’t pay attention to it.

2. The programme brings together sociology, political science, economics and anthropology. How do you feel about that?

It suits me perfectly – complex social change can’t be understood from the angle of a single discipline. I’d prefer one field, but I’m open to it. I’d rather specialise narrowly.

3. You’re asked to research how remote work has changed life in a small town. How do you go about it?

Combine methods – interviews, surveys and data analysis – and match them to the research question. Run a short online survey. Look for ready-made conclusions online.

4. Seminars, reading and debates will be in English, in a group from countries going through very different transformations. How does that sound?

Brilliant – comparing experiences from different countries is the best way to understand social change. I’ll manage, though reading lots of academic texts in English is a challenge. I’d rather study in my own language.

5. In a discussion, someone claims social media is to blame for all the problems of the younger generation. How do you respond?

Ask for evidence and point out that phenomena like this have many causes at once. Partly agree. Nod along to keep things short.

6. How do you approach social theory?

I enjoy it – it helps me make sense of what I see and ask better questions. I treat it as something to get through for the exam. I find it detached from reality.

7. A community organisation asks you to help plan a programme for local residents. Where do you start?

Talk to residents and analyse their needs, then propose activities and a way to measure their impact. Suggest something that worked elsewhere. Say no – it’s not my job.

8. How do you follow current social and political affairs?

I read a range of sources, including international ones and those with opposing views, and compare interpretations. I check one news site. I don’t follow them.

9. Where do you see yourself after graduating?

In research, at a think tank, a public institution or an international organisation, or as an expert at a civil society organisation. In any public sector job. In a job unrelated to the social sciences.

10. What motivates you most to pursue a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on Social Change?

The chance to understand how social change works and to influence it on the basis of solid evidence. An interest in current affairs. I’m not sure it’s for me

Interdisciplinary Studies on Social Change

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