Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences is a program offered by the University of Bern, focusing on social sciences, including politics, sociology, and communication and media studies.

Program Description

The program deals with relevant social issues, such as the functioning of democratic political systems, the explanation of voting behavior in Switzerland, cooperation among individuals in groups, organizations, and societies, and the impact of media on public attitudes. Students explore these topics through an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from politics, sociology, and communication and media studies.

Program Structure

The Bachelor's program in Social Sciences consists of 180 ECTS points and can be completed in 6 semesters. The program offers two variants: a major with 150 ECTS points and a major with 120 ECTS points. Both variants include an introductory study, a main study, and one or more minors or free electives.

Major in Social Sciences

The major in Social Sciences comprises 150 or 120 ECTS points and includes:

• An introductory study
• A main study
• A minor or free electives

Minor in Social Sciences

The minor in Social Sciences is offered in 60, 30, or 15 ECTS points, with or without a focus on politics, sociology, or communication and media studies.

Combination Possibilities

The Bachelor's program in Social Sciences can be combined with other minors offered by the University of Bern, except for minors in the same field of study.

Free Electives

Free electives are courses that are not part of the chosen major or minor program. Students can choose from a variety of courses offered by the University of Bern, excluding courses from the departments of their major or minor.

Degree Requirements

To complete the Bachelor's program in Social Sciences, students must:

• Successfully complete the introductory study
• Earn all required credits from the main study and minor (or free electives)
• Complete a Bachelor's thesis
• Achieve a Bachelor's grade of 4 or higher

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor's program in Social Sciences can pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Politics and administration
• Media and communication
• Private sector (PR, market and opinion research, public relations)
• Non-profit organizations

Master's Programs

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences qualifies students for admission to consecutive Master's programs in:

• Sociology
• Swiss Politics and Comparative Politics
• Political Science
• Public Management and Policy

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor's program in Social Sciences requires:

• A Swiss maturity certificate or equivalent
• No specific prior knowledge is required

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction for the Bachelor's program in Social Sciences is German.

Duration of Study

The standard duration of the Bachelor's program in Social Sciences is 6 semesters.

ECTS Points

The Bachelor's program in Social Sciences comprises 180 ECTS points.