Royal University of Phnom Penh: Excellence in Education
Discover Cambodia’s largest and oldest university, where education, research, and service to society come together to shape future leaders and innovators.
Global Partnerships for a Brighter Future
RUPP fosters global connections to enhance learning opportunities and cultural exchange for students and staff.
Research and Innovation
RUPP is at the forefront of innovation, driving impactful research in science, technology, and social development to address real-world challenges.
Diverse Faculties and Institutes
Explore a wide range of academic programs from Science, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities to the renowned Institute of Foreign Languages and Development Studies.

Introduction

Contact Info

Head of Department:

Mr. Thy Naroeun, MA
Mobile phone:(855) 12-926-127
Telegram: (855) 12-926-127
Email:info.dos@rupp.edu.kh
Office: #110, Campus II

Our comprehensive programs are designed to help adult learners achieve their educational and professional goals through flexible, high-quality instruction.

   The study of sociology, linking theoretical study and research to real situations, helps to prepare students with necessary knowledge, skill and attitude to work towards their social issues and social development. Theoretical study and sociological research assist the government and other social organizations in addressing and improving all aspects of social development in Cambodia. The Department of Sociology (DOS) at the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities of the Royal University of Phnom Penh conducted research on the community development, which has already contributed to the generation of action plans that clarify the role of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia and NGOs in fostering speedy community development and creating long-lasting relationships.

   DOS’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is Cambodia’s first bachelor degree course offering specialized training in sociology major. The four-year course is designed to train students for various professions within the field of sociology. Students are taught a broad range of sociology-related academic disciplines to gain solid understanding of a variety of perspectives on the society. Graduates of the DOS have the necessary resources to work in research and social development sectors of both government and non-government organizations, as well as within private sectors.

   The course prepares students to be the standard carriers of the social science profession. DOS aims to assist in the development of high-quality independent research and project management. During their degree, students will learn various skills that will help them to become productive, creative and ethical practitioners, who can foster a free, viable and socially responsible social research in Cambodia. They learn to identify, understand and explain various aspects of society such as economic, politic, family, education, public health, religion, criminal justice system, gender, minority ethnic groups, social and natural environment, labor and migration and related-issues.

About

   The DOS at the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, RUPP was instituted to aid in the rehabilitation of Cambodia’s society that has suffered two decades long of social conflict and civil war. The degree of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology was established in 1994 under the direction of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports with financial assistance from the Italian NGO, the New Humanity Organization, and technical support from the Bologna University of Italian. DOS was established to equip Cambodian students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist the government in making informed policy decisions and strategies for alleviating social problems in Cambodia.

   Over the past few decades, DOS staffs have been involved in research, capacity building, curriculum development and various trainings in conjunction with the New Humanity Organization, Italy and the Heinrich-Boll Foundation as well as other universities and NGOs, including World Vision, National University of Shishu-Kan, the Japan Institute of Labor and the Sogang University of South Korea.

Vision

   To transform the DOS into one of the leading Sociology Department in Cambodia in providing students with excellent knowledge in sociology major, social service and professional ethic.

Mission

To develop students’ competent knowledge, experience, skill, and job opportunities by:
  • Strengthen the standard of teaching and learning;
  • Improve learning outcomes through an update of curriculum, teaching materials, and field research;
  • Strengthen the capacity of staffs through various local and international learning; and
  • Work with both national and international academic partners and NGOs/Private Sectors in conducting training, research, capacity building and policy making.

Goals

   Admission to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is administered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and based on sound results in the High School Certificate of two subjects, Morals and Civics and Mathematics. Applicants shall gain at least a grade of “D” in Morals and Civics and Mathematics. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is available for both scholarship and non-scholarship applicants.

Mission

   Students are assessed by a combination of final examinations, progress tests, quiz, assignments, and class participation. In addition, students must maintain an adequate attendance rate to pass the degree. In the fourth year, students can choose either a sitting exam or writing a thesis for graduation. Those who wish to write a thesis for graduation must possess an outstanding result and must be in the top 10%.

Mission

*Note: English language, run by ELSU, runs on a variable course code system, ENG001- ENG 412 depending on students’ skill level.

Total Minimum Requirements: 132 Credits

Year I (10 Subjects=30 Credits)
Semester I
Fundamental Sociology
Introduction to Philosophy
Social Demography
Fundamental English
History of Sociology
Semester II
Culture and Civilization and History of Cambodia
Computer Skill
General Psychology
Fundamental English
Fundamental Sociology 2
Year II (12 Subjects=36 Credits)
Semester I
Advance English ​
Sociology of Religion
Statistics for Social Research
Sociology of Work
Social Moral and Citizenship
Qualitative Research Methodology
Semester II
Advance English
Social Demography
Sociological Theory I
Ethnic and Minority Groups in Cambodia
Juvenile Delinquency
Social Problems
Year III (12 Subjects=36 Credits)
Semester I
Advance English
Sociology of Administration
Sociology of Communication and Mass Media
Social Welfare Services
Quantitative Research Methodology
Sociological Theory II ​​
Semester II
Advance English
Sociology of Development
Political Sociology
Rural-Urban Sociology
Research and Social Policy
Data Processing and Analysis
Year IV (10 Subjects=30 Credits)
Semester I
Sociology of Economy
Sociology of Tourism
Research Proposal Writing Skills
Environmental Sociology
Sociology of Family
Semester II
Project Management
Sociology of Health
Sociology of Gender
Sociology of Laws
Sociology of Education
or
Thesis Writing

DOS’ Staffs

(The number in brackets indicates the year the staff member began teaching at RUPP)

Mr. Thy Naroeun (1996)

   B.A. (Philosophy), RUPP, 1994; Diplome de Professorate de L’Enseingment Secondaire du Second Cycle, Faculty of Pedagogy (Phnom Penh), 1996; Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology, RUPP, 2001; Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Development and Tourism, Torento University (Italy), 2002; Diploma in Social Work Methods, Planning, Program Development and Evaluation, National University of Singapore (Singapore), 2002; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

Mr. Mel Sophanna (1997)

   B.A. (History), RUPP, 1996; Diplome de Professorate de L’Enseingment Secondaire du Second Cycle, Faculty of Pedagogy (Phnom Penh), 1997; M.A. (Sociology), Ateneo de Manila University, (Philippines), 2004.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Long Chandavy (1999)

   B.A. (Sociology), RUPP, 1998; Dip.Ed., Faculty of Pedagogy (Phnom Penh), 1999; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Miss. Te Sothy (1988)

   B.A. (Philosophy) RUPP, 1990; Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology, RUPP, 2001; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Souk Narin (1994)

   B.A. (Sociology), Kazan University (Russia), 1991; M.A. (Social Development), Kazan University (Russia), 1993.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Kim Sovankiry (1992)

   B.A. (Philosophy), RUPP, 1993; B.A. (Social & Political Science), Alma-Ata Political Institute (USSR), 1991; Postgraduate Diploma (Sociology), RUPP, 2001; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Ms. Puch Sina (1998)

   B.A. (Geography), RUPP, 1998; Diploma of Psycho-Pedagogy in Geography, Faculty of Pedagogy (Phnom Penh), 1998; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Chen Sochhoeun (2011)

   B.A. (Sociology), RUPP, 2001; Certificate, Pedagogical Teaching, and English, 2002 National Institute of Education (NIE), Phnom Penh; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Uy Sareth (2010)

   B.A. (Sociology), RUPP, 2002; Certificate, Pedagogical Teaching, and English, 2003 National Institute of Education (NIE), Phnom Penh; M.A. (Sociology and Anthropology), RUPP, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Hourn Kalyan (2010)

   Bachelor of Business Administration in the field of Accountant, National University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Master of Sociology-Anthropology in the field of Development Studies, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh Cambodia.

 

 

 

Miss. Sophorn Povchanita (2013)

   Bachelor Degree of Law, Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) – Phnom Penh, Cambodia Bachelor Degree of Education – English, Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) – Phnom Penh, Cambodia Master Degree of Law, Transnational Law and Business University (TLBU) – Seoul, South Korea

Activities

New Activity

Date: September 4, 2025

Type: Training

Uploaded By: Staff

Activities

Example
📅 September 9, 2025 🧑‍🏫 Training 👤 Admin

Department of Sociology