Studying Sociology in Göttingen

Sociology is the scientific study of society. It asks how social structures affect individuals and groups and how human coexistence is possible. In particular, sociology studies modern societies. Applying a wide range of empirical methods, sociology investigates the interaction between economic, political and cultural orders, modern forms of social inequality and their ensuing conflicts.


Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology

The six-semester BA programme offers a professional qualification by giving a thorough foundation in sociological theory, combined with ambitious instruction on the methods of empirical social science and research-oriented topics for in-depth study. Students can choose between two accredited study programmes.

• Single-Subject BA: With the single-subject BA, the emphasis of the degree programme is on sociology. Besides methods and statistics courses, students take modules in classical and modern sociological theory and choose a combination of mandatory courses in the fields of work-knowledge-social structure, political sociolog / social policy or cultural sociology.


• Two-Subject BA: In the two-subject BA programme, students combine sociology with one other equally valued subject, which can be chosen from a wide range of subjects of all other faculties.

Although the language of instruction is predominantly German, we usually offer a few classes in English each semester. Moreover, students have the option of writing their exams in English in most classes.

Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology (most courses are taught in German)
Students pursuing the master?s degree will further expand their qualifications in the subject of sociology. The four-semester M.A. programme prepares students for the transition to doctoral studies and, at the same time, teaches additional professional skills. The primary goal of the master degree programme is to enable students to conduct sociological research independently. For this purpose, the programme imparts an advanced knowledge of sociological theories as well as advanced competencies in quantitative, qualitative and comparative research methods. It furthermore offers an overview of the current status of research in the most important sub-fields of sociology.

The Göttingen Institute of Sociology particularly emphasises internationally comparative research perspectives. Furthermore, by attending specialised courses offered by the Centre of Methods of the Faculty of Social Sciences or by choosing individual minor subjects, students can set their own priorities regarding the content of their studies. Through intensive research workshops and individualised supervision of the master thesis, students receive a highly focused training in drafting research questions and research designs. Thus, the master degree programme is an excellent preparation for professional activities in a research facility or working on a PhD in Sociology.

Further Information:
If you are interested in studying sociology at BA or MA level, have a look at the information available on the website of the German Sociological Association (DGS) www.studium.org/soziologie.

If you are interested in doing your PhD in Germany, please check our information platform at www.research-in-germany.org.en.

Social Sciences BA and Labour in Society MA

Studying Sociology in Göttingen