Program Overview

Introduction to the Sociology Program

The Sociology program at the University of Jena is designed to explore the social world and its complexities. Students will delve into the reasons and causes of social phenomena, examining the rules of the game, values, and norms that shape societies. The program aims to provide a critical, theoretically, and empirically sound analysis of society.

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: € 305,05
• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Part-time possible: Yes
• Institutions: Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Sociology

Programme Content

The program explores the social world, examining how societies differ, the reasons behind social actions, and the changes in values and norms over time. Students will learn essential theories and approaches in sociology, focusing on central questions such as the importance of work, changes in family structures, the desire to appear young and fit, and the role of the state in society. The program utilizes empirical social research, including statistical, qualitative, and quantitative methods.

Structure

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification, with a standard period of study of six semesters. The program consists of various forms of courses, including lectures, seminars, and practical courses. A multi-subject bachelor's programme includes a major subject with 120 credit points and a minor subject with 60 credit points. Students can combine the major subject 'Sociology' with all minor subjects offered at the University of Jena.

Possible Structure of the Course

The following table illustrates the possible structure of the course with 'Sociology' as the 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) | | Methods of Empirical Social Research II (5 CP) | Sociological Theory II (5 CP) |
Discipline-related Key Qualifications and Key Problems (10 CP) | | Statistics (10 CP) | |
| Sociological Theory I (10 CP) | | |

Why Study in Jena?

• Thinking outside the box: Jena sociology stands for a critical, theoretically, and empirically sound analysis of society.
• Excellent supervision: Lecturers are available for one-on-one discussions and questions.
• Setting your own focus: Students can specialize in various main research topics, including economic sociology, sociology of work and organizations, and social policy analysis.
• High practical component: The program offers a training research project and a minimum six-week internship.
• Possibilities without borders: The University attracts students and scientists from all over the world, providing an international environment.

Areas of Employment for Graduates

• 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 and marketing
• Adult education

Postgraduate Master's Programs

The University offers various master's programs, including:

• Education – Culture – Anthropology Master of Arts
• History and Politics of the 20th Century Master of Arts
• Political Communication Master of Arts
• Political Science Master of Arts
• Social Theory Master of Arts
• Sociology Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

• University entrance qualification
• Language requirements: English at level B1
• Additional requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur

What Are We Looking for in Prospective Students?

• 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