Social Innovations and Research

Today’s social challenges are tomorrow’s opportunities for change. The Social Innovation and Research programme offers a unique combination of social innovation design and research methodology. It enables graduates to become experts not only in analysing societal problems, but also in developing sustainable solutions, working with NGOs and international institutions. Career opportunities are endless, from social policy-making to a wide range of social projects in Lithuania and abroad.

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Programme values

In a small, modern lecture space, students engage in a discussion on business development strategies led by a lecturer. The close-knit learning environment encourages active interaction and deep topic exploration.

Valued by industry leaders

It is the first master’s degree programme in Lithuania to provide knowledge and skills in the creation and development of social innovation. The programme brings together experienced practitioners and academics from countries as diverse as Germany, Ireland and Spain. This international diversity of experts provides a global perspective.

The modern “Young-Lab” space at KTU is designed for lectures and creative discussions – recently renovated, it features innovative design tailored for contemporary academic needs. It’s where theory turns into inspiring, practical knowledge application.

Inspiring learning environment

The programme is taught in English, so you will learn in a multicultural environment with a mix of live and remote lectures. The programme provides global knowledge on theories of change, forward-looking foresight, and social innovation design. Skills are developed through a challenge-based learning, data analysis and social innovation labs.

A student team collaborates on a task – part of KTU’s advanced study programs where learning happens through cooperation and solving real-world challenges.

Real-world cases

You will gain practical skills to tackle social challenges at both national and international levels.

The skills developed using innovative didactics include practical projects (e.g. social innovation initiatives), simulations (leadership crisis management scenarios), portfolio analysis, and self-assessment tools such as reflections and diaries.

Students studying using computers – a flexible academic environment that supports remote learning and self-paced study. KTU accommodates diverse learning styles.

New Freedom to shape your path

This is one of the few KTU programmes that offer a flexible learning path based on challenges, allowing you to tailor your studies to your needs.

The flexible learning path includes a selection of ECIU micro-modules, which gives you the opportunity to delve deeper into the areas that are relevant to you and apply this knowledge to real projects.

In this study programme, you can choose the following study paths:

Challenge-based learning

enhance your knowledge by solving practical challenges and micro-modules

Career opportunities

Drive social innovation, address today’s challenges, and create solutions that transform society.
This programme equips you with in-depth knowledge of social problem analysis, solution development, and research using innovative methods and strategies. You will learn to design and implement social innovations that promote sustainability, preparing you to work in diverse organisations and tackle global challenges.

Here are some of the careers you can pursue after your studies:

Social Innovation Developer

Develops and implements new ideas and projects to address social problems and improve the quality of life in society.

Social Research Analyst

Conducts social research, analyses data and makes recommendations on social policy and innovation.

Social Responsibility Officer

Advises organisations and governments on how to integrate social responsibility into their operations, creating sustainable and beneficial innovations for communities.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – sociology

Form, duration – full-time studies (2 yr.)

Study type – evening-time, blended learning

Location – Kaunas,
Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

Language – English

Degree awarded – master of social sciences

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 4606 €, price per credit – 76,77 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Ethics, Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Organisation	6	On-campus learning
Social Challenges in the 21st Century	6	Distance learning
Social Research Methods	6	Blended learning
Theories of Change	6	Blended learning

Challenge-based pathway (Select 6 cr.)

Optional Micro-modules	3	Distance learning
Social Innovation Laboratory 1	3	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Emerging Technologies and their Governance	6	On-campus learning
Future Foresight	6	Blended learning
Social Innovation Design	6	Blended learning
Social Research Laboratory	6	Blended learning

Challenge-based pathway (Select 6 cr.)

Optional Micro-modules	3	Distance learning
Social Innovation Laboratory 2	3	Blended learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Data Analysis Laboratory	6	Blended learning
Research Project	6	Distance learning
Social Innovation Impact	6	Blended learning
Social Project Management and Communication	6	Blended learning

Challenge-based pathway (Select 6 cr.)

On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Distance learning

Good to know

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Blended - learning on the university premises and online.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate:	All study fields.
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your bachelor's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply to the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine.

Score structure

◼	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
◼	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

Additional points

science activities (scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences, participation in exhibitions, work in student science society or science group etc.) or art activities (publication or realization of artwork, participation in art exhibitions, contests of architecture)	≤ 2
at least 1 year of work experience in the field of study programme	0,5
graduated from academic talent development program in higher education institution (for example "GIFTed talent academy")	0,5
partial studies in the higher education institution abroad with ≥24 ECTS completed	0,5
bachelor's or master's (if integrated study programme is completed) degree diploma with honours	0,5

admission procedure

Testimonials

Portrait photo of a young woman with wavy, light-colored hair, wearing a burgundy blazer and a patterned silk scarf. She looks at the camera with a gentle smile. The background is light gray and neutral.

KTU has an up-to-date approach to social innovation and research, providing students with practical skills and the opportunity to work on real projects. Students in this programme acquire strong analytical, problem-solving and research design skills. They stand out for their interdisciplinary approach, their ability to work with data, to develop social innovations and to apply research findings in practice.

Aistė Dimskytė

Acting Head of the Project Management Department, European Social Fund Agency

Portrait photo of a bald man wearing a dark blazer and blue checkered shirt. He is looking directly at the camera and smiling. The background is neutral grey.

The quality of KTU’s research training is internationally renowned. Masters students at KTU develop critical thinking skills that help them to work in a wide range of sectors, including commercial enterprises, the public sector and non-profit organisations. Time spent researching topics, debating and discussing findings gives students an invaluable perspective on problem solving and teamwork.

John Healy

CEO, Genio – Scaling Social Innovations to Solve Complex Problems

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

Why study sociology in Kaunas?

Studying sociology in Kaunas is a rewarding experience, offering research opportunities, challenging learning methods and a dynamic social environment. The city encourages international cooperation, and academic programmes provide access to various fields of research.