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!
Students holding their hands together
‘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 Bartholome
major subject
Graphic: Sophie BartholomeThe 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.
More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German].External link
Students working in a group
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
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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
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)
Bachstraße 18k
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.
Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
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:
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:
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