Education ‐ Culture ‐ Anthropology
Master of Arts- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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!
Paper people in a circle
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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).
Sociology students show their city, their university and give an insight into their studies in Jena.
Picture: Sophie BartholomeStructure
Multi-subject bachelor’s programme: major subject with 120 credit points – minor subject with 60 credit points
Graphic: Universität JenaThe 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, exercises or internships) 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 minor subject ‘Sociology’ with all major subjects offered at the University of Jena.
The study programme consists of six compulsory and three required elective modules. The latter include Sociological Theory I, Methods of Empirical Social Research II and Specific Sociologies III.
How might your degree programme shape up?
The following table shows the possible structure of your course with ‘Sociology’ as your minor subject:
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Sociology (10 CP) |
Specific Sociologies (5 CP) |
Specific Sociologies I (10 CP) |
Sociological Theory II (5 CP) |
Specific Sociologies III (5 CP) |
|
| Sociological Theory I (10 CP) |
Methods of Empirical Social Research II (5 CP) |
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| Methods of Empirical Social Research (5 CP) |
Methods of Empirical Social Research II (5 CP) |
||||
Abbreviations: CP = credit points
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.
- 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
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What can you do after your studies?
Areas of employment for graduates
Students looking at a paper during group work
Image: erstellt von lookstudio/freepik.com- 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
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
- self-organization, time management and own initiative
- curiosity and desire for intellectual exploration
Admission requirements
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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.
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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
Additional application documents for international students
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CV
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
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University entrance qualification certificate
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
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University degree certificate / previous periods of study
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
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Proof of German proficiency
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
- German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education, at least level 2 (DSH-2)
- Goethe Certificate, C2 (GDS)
- German Language Diploma, Level II of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)
- TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
- Telc German C1 University certificate (at least with the grade “satisfactory”)
- German exam as part of the assessment test at a Studienkolleg
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
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Translation of international application documents
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
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APS certificate
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
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University entrance examination
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
- Iran (university entrance examination or proof of a foundation year if the school-leaving certificate was obtained before 2019)
- Republic of Korea/South Korea (Scholastic Ability Test)
- China (GaoKao)
Contacts
Academic Advisor — Dr Erik Hirsch
Room 2.79
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
- erik.hirsch@uni-jena.de
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-45532
- Fax
- +49 3641 9-45522
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)
Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena
- Support & Help
- To Service-Desk
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-411999
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
- Further link
- More information
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.
Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Student Representatives Sociology
Room 4.129
Carl-Zeiß-Str. 3
07743 Jena
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
- Further link
- More informationExternal linkde
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
- Support & Help
- To Service-Desk
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-411200
- Mobile phone
- +49 3641 9-411111
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
- Further link
- To the advisory services
Office hours:
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
- Support & Help
- To Service-Desk
- Phone
- +49 3641 9-411111
- Link to download vCard
- vCard
- Further link
- More information
Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
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
- Link to download vCard
- vCard