Sociology

How does the social world in which we live function? How are societies different from one another? What exactly are social actions? If you are interested in these questions, you have come to the right place!

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Key facts

Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree: major in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction: without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration: 6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS: 120
Teaching language: German
Tuition fee: None
Semester contribution: € 272,65
Start of studies: Winter semester
Part-time possible: Yes
Institutions: Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences; Institute of Sociology

Application & Deadlines

Programme content

‘Everything was better in the old days!’ is a saying that is used so often... But what does ‘everything’ actually mean? And was everything really ‘better’? The world and its societies are constantly changing; with them, the rules of the game, i.e. values and norms, sometimes change silently and insidiously. Sociology wants to explore the reasons and causes and asks precisely how and why.

Where one generation still held certain values, the next generation usually stands for completely different things. Example: Through ‘Fridays for Future’, pupils quickly brought the climate crisis back to the centre of social discussion all over Europe. Sociology does not only examine such phenomena that also include racism and migration, but also studies the formation of classes and strata or complex group processes.

In the first semesters, you will learn the essential theories and approaches of sociology. In addition, the focus is also on the following central questions of the subject:

Why is work becoming more and more important?
What changes are currently taking place in family structures?
Why do we want to appear young, fit and agile even in old age?
And how much involvement of the state does society actually need?

You can find answers to such questions if you enjoy the written word, have a good dose of curiosity and, of course, use suitable methods. Sociology uses empirical social research—especially statistical, qualitative (e.g. individual interviews) and quantitative methods (e.g. questionnaires).

placeholder image — Platzhalter — Sociology students show their city, their university and give an insight into their studies in Jena.

Structure

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. lectures, seminars or practical courses) are offered for the individual modules.

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP. You can combine the major subject ‘Sociology’ with all minor subjects offered at the University of Jena.

In ‘Sociology’ as a major subject, special emphasis is placed on quantitative and qualitative methods of empirical social research as well as statistical and computer skills. During the second half of your study programme, you get the opportunity to apply your knowledge—in a two-semester training research project and a (minimum) six-week internship.

How might your degree programme shape up?

The following table shows the possible structure of your course with ‘Sociology’ as your major subject:

1st semester	2nd semester	3rd semester	4th semester	5th semester	6th semester
Introduction to Sociology (10 CP)	Specific Sociologies (5 CP)	Specific Sociologies for the major subject (10 CP)^*		Sociological Internship (10 CP)	Bachelor thesis (10 CP)
Methods of Empirical Social Research I (10 CP)			Applied Research (20 CP)
Discipline-related Key Qualifications and Key Problems (10 CP)		Methods of Empirical Social Research II (5 CP)	Sociological Theory II (5 CP)
	Statistics (10 CP)
	Sociological Theory I (10 CP)

Abbreviations: CP = credit points

* At a later stage of the study programme, you can focus on a study area of your choice in Economic Sociology, Sociology of Work and Organizations, Social Policy Analysis and Inequality Research, Family, Educational and Gender Sociology, or Sustainability and Social Transformation Research.

More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German].External link

Why study in Jena?

Thinking outside the box: Jena sociology stands for a critical, theoretically and empirically sound analysis of society. In addition, the courses offered are very closely linked to the individual research projects.
Excellent supervision: In Jena, lecturers are available at (almost) any time for one-on-one discussions as well as questions.
Setting your own focus: In the modules on Specific Sociology, you have the opportunity to specialize in the various main research topicsExternal link. These include economic sociology, the sociology of work and organizations, analysis of social policy and inequality research.
High practical component: During the second half of the study programme, you will get the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge you have acquired in the first semesters to practical use and test them in a training research project.
Possibilities without borders: Experience internationality! The University attracts students and scientists from all over the world with its appealing conditions and shapes Jena's character as a future-oriented and cosmopolitan city — ideal conditions for international prospective studentsmp4, 55 mb.
Adventures abroad: If you dream of spending a semester abroad, you can easily make it come true. Our University has a worldwide network of partner universities.

A look behind the scenes

Image: Designed by bedneyimages/Freepik

Public, critical and pluralistic: This is what sociology in Jena is all about—and it is where inquiring minds are in demand!External link

What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

Students working in a group
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advisory roles in business, politics, health and social services
lecturing and consultancy
social, market and opinion research
project management
public relations, culture and media work
advertising, marketing
adult education

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

Education ‐ Culture ‐ Anthropology Master of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
History and Politics of the 20th Century Master of Arts
- Faculty of Arts
Political Communication Master of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Political Science Master of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Social Theory Master of Arts
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Sociology Master of Arts
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences

All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

taking delight in reading (scientific texts) and discussing
interest in societal processes, problems and movements
sound knowledge of mathematics
self-organization, time management and own initiative
curiosity and desire for intellectual exploration

Admission requirements

University entrance qualification

A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Language requirements

English at level B1; proof to be submitted by the time the bachelor thesis is registered.

Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international

Contacts

Academic Advisor — Dr Erik Hirsch

Room 2.79
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Student Representatives Sociology

Room 4.129
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
Please note: The Central Student Advisory Service will not be available from 21.12.2024. We will be back for you on Monday, 06.01.2025.

We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

incoming@uni-jena.de