What is Sociology?
Studying sociology? The subject, the degree programmes, admission
Are you thinking about studying sociology in Halle? Here you can find out what the subject is about, which degree programmes we offer and what you need for the master's programme.
What is sociology?
Sociology explains how people live together: how social structures emerge from the actions of individuals, and how these structures in turn shape what people do. Max Weber described it as a science that seeks to understand social action interpretively and thereby to explain its course and its effects.
Sociology is an empirical science. It tests its claims with data, using statistical as well as interpretive methods. Its fields range from education, work and organisations to family, cities and the environment, and on to culture and the economy. Shared theories and methods hold them together.
Sociology in Halle
In Halle we combine a thorough training in theory and methods with two areas of specialisation: Education, Life Course and Higher Education and Culture, Economy and Innovation.
- Bachelor Sociology, 120 credits: the major subject in a two-subject bachelor's degree, including the bachelor's thesis. For students who want sociology as their main subject.
- Bachelor Sociology, 90 credits: the same size as the second subject. For students who want to study two subjects equally.
- Bachelor Sociology, 60 credits: the minor subject in a two-subject bachelor's degree. For students who want sociology as a complement.
- Master Sociology, 120 credits: a single-subject master's degree with a specialisation in BLH or KUWI. For students who want to specialise fully in sociology.
- Master Sociology, 45/75 credits: one of two subjects in a master's degree. For students who want to combine sociology with another subject.
Modules and study plans: Degree programmes & study plans. Application and enrolment: MLU degree programmes.
Admission to the master's programme
For the master's programme in sociology you need:
- a bachelor's degree with an average grade of 2.7 or better
- at least 60 credits in sociology, with modules in theory, social structure analysis, specialised sociologies and research methods
- at least one module in empirical research methods
If you do not yet meet all requirements, you can first attend master's modules as a guest student and have your results recognised later. The Examination Board decides on admission.