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Applications Open for Free Sociology Course: MEC Released Dozens of Slots Across Brazil for the Professional Master’s Degree in Sociology in a National Network
Brazil is facing a rare opportunity for public school teachers who wish to advance their academic and professional careers. The Notice 05/2025 announces the opening of the selection process for the Professional Master’s Degree in Sociology in a National Network (PROFSOCIO), recognized by the MEC and coordinated by the Federal University of Ceará (UFC).
There are 246 slots nationwide, intended for teachers seeking qualification at a graduate level stricto sensu. The free course may be the differentiator that many teachers have been waiting for to consolidate their academic trajectory.
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Continuing Education and Course Objectives
PROFSOCIO was created to strengthen the performance of Basic Education teachers in Sociology and related fields of Human and Social Applied Sciences.
More than just a simple master’s degree, the program seeks to integrate teachers into a national network of research and methodological innovation, enhancing the quality of education in the country.
With a duration of 24 months, the course requires in-person dedication at accredited hubs, which may include weekly activities from Monday to Saturday.
The total workload is 360 hours, distributed across six mandatory subjects, one elective, and seminars for the Course Completion Work (TCC).
The training is completed with the defense of a dissertation, which must align with one of the program’s research lines.
Courses and Research Lines
PROFSOCIO focuses on the area of Sociology Teaching, but unfolds into three research lines that open space for different academic projects:
- Education, School, and Society – investigation of public policies, educational inequalities, school violence, diversity, and relationships between school and community.
- Youth and Contemporary Issues – focus on current topics such as gender, religion, sexuality, digital culture, ethnoracial issues, and human rights.
- Teaching Practices and Curricular Content – focused on classroom methodologies, pedagogical mediation, content selection, and the use of new technologies in education.
These lines allow each student to develop applied research to the school routine, strategically connecting theory and practice.
Where the Slots Are
The 246 slots are distributed across 16 universities and partner institutions across the country, including: State University of Londrina (PR), Federal University of Ceará (CE), State University of Mato Grosso (MT), Federal University of Amapá (AP), and Federal University of Juiz de Fora (MG).
Each institution has the autonomy to organize the academic calendar, but all follow the same national teaching standard.
This distribution ensures reach for the program, allowing teachers from different regions to compete and pursue the master’s degree close to their workplace.
How the Selection Will Be
The selection process consists of two stages, conducted remotely and via video call:
- Evaluation of the Letter of Intent – document in which the candidate presents their academic and professional trajectory, as well as the research proposal. This stage accounts for 40% of the final score.
- Defense of the Letter of Intent – online interview before a judging panel, weighted at 60%.
Only candidates who achieve a minimum score of seven in each stage will proceed to the next step. According to the national coordination, this methodology ensures that the candidate is evaluated both on their writing and their oral defense capacity of their project.
Requirements for Application
To apply, one must be a teacher currently in the public network, permanent or temporary, with a degree recognized by the MEC.
Private school teachers may participate, but only in remaining slots limited to 30% of each institution’s total.
Additionally, it is necessary to prove classroom performance during the 2025 academic year and present a complete undergraduate diploma.
Basic documents are also required, such as identity, CPF, declaration of professional activity, and for individuals with disabilities, updated medical report.
It is important to note that the candidate must have access to a computer or device with internet, camera, and audio, as part of the selection is online.
Timeline of the Selection Process
- Applications: August 19 to October 18, 2025
- Announcement of Approved Applications: October 21, 2025
- Evaluation of Letters of Intent: October 25 to 31, 2025
- Online Defenses: November 10 to 14, 2025
- Final Result: December 1, 2025
Applications and Certificate
Applications must be made exclusively online, on the official profsocio website, until October 18, 2025. The fee is R$ 120, but the entire course is free for those who are approved. Graduates receive a Master’s degree in Sociology, valid throughout the national territory and recognized by the MEC.
According to the PROFSOCIO coordination, “this is a unique opportunity to strengthen Sociology in Basic Education, expanding the social and academic impact of teaching work.” If you are a teacher in the area, don’t miss this qualification opportunity.
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