Official Study Guide for Germany
Social sciences, sociology
The social sciences and sociology analyse how people live together in societies. They deal with the purpose and structure of social organisations as well as their development and change.
Overview of the academic discipline
The social sciences examine the question of how the interplay of social, economic, cultural and political conditions creates the structures that ensure that social systems function. As independent sciences, they are closely related to other disciplines such as economics, political science, philosophy, ethnology, psychology and education. Some universities offer degree programmes with a sociological focus, e.g. in economics.
Which topics are included in the curriculum?
When studying sociology, you will learn how social systems function and which factors drive social change.
- In modules such as social structures and social inequality, you will analyse classes, strata and social mobility.
- In empirical social research, you will learn how to systematically collect and analyse data.
- Organisational sociology gives you insights into the functioning of institutions.
- Cultural sociology sheds light on the interactions between culture, society and the individual.
What are the requirements?
You should have an analytical mindset and enjoy researching social phenomena. An interest in data analysis and scientific work is also helpful. Important school subjects for successful studies in this field include politics/social studies, maths and history.
What study programmes are there to choose from?
In addition to sociology and social sciences, the degree programmes in this area also include ‘Gender Studies’ and ‘Criminology’.
What job opportunities are there after graduation?
Social scientists and sociologists can work in different areas. Possible areas of employment are, for example
- in research at universities and state research institutions.
- at market and opinion research institutes, multimedia and advertising agencies,
- in teaching and instruction, e.g. in adult education and at schools and universities
- in public administration, e.g. at urban planning offices, in social work, in youth welfare, in the penal system, at federal and state ministries, in the health service
- in companies, e.g. in the areas of human resources, training and further education, statistics and market research, public relations,
- at associations and organisations in business and working life, in political parties, at church institutions and aid organisations,
- in the media sector at radio and television stations, at publishing houses.