Stockholm university

Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of the origin, development, organization, and functions of human societies. This subject helps you understand how individual lives are affected by gender, social background and ethnicity.

Sergels torg. Foto: Vladimir Mucibabic/Mostphotos
Sergels torg. Foto: Vladimir Mucibabic/Mostphotos

Subject description

It comprises everything from studies of close-knit social relations to the cultural and formal institutions of society. Sociology contributes knowledge of how peoples´ working conditions and health are affected by organizational structures. The subject also studies how identities and groups are shaped by religion, ethnicity, and gender, creating social communities as well as social conflicts.

Therefore, studies in sociology provide you with theoretical and methodological tools to better understand society and the social contexts of which you are a part. Studies in sociology also enrich and are the perfect complement to other social science studies like criminology, economics, psychology, and political science. You can also combine sociology with other fields such as technology, medicine, philosophy and law.

Sociology at Stockholm University is continuously ranked as top 50 in the world according to both the QS World University Rankings by subject, read more here, and the Shanghai ranking (Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, ARWU), read more here.

Career opportunities

Sociologists have a broad labour market both within the private and the public sector. A sociological education will help you develop analytical skills in the form of theory as well as both quantitative and qualitative research methods. These skills will make you able to investigate social issues, and to assess, evaluate and perform surveys on social phenomena.

You can specialize in different areas such as labour market, organizations, migration, demography, health, gender, or family.

Read interviews with our alumni here!

Courses and programmes

We offer courses and programmes in sociology at basic, advanced and PhD level. 

  • PhD studies

    The Department of Sociology offers programmes for doctoral students in sociology. If resources permit, application openings for PhD Studies can appear at a maximum twice a year - in February with March 1 as final date and/or in September with October 1 as final date to apply. 

    All PhD positions are announced here

Degree

To obtain a bachelor´s degree in sociology you can either take single subject courses in sociology or take one of the Bachelor´s programmes listed under education.

To obtain a master's degree in sociology, you need to study 120 credits at the advanced level and include a master's thesis of 30 credits. A master's degree in sociology is achieved by completing one of the master's programmes in sociology listed under Education. Under certain conditions, it may be possible to obtain a master's degree consisting of independent courses.

The degree requirements that apply to the Master's degree in sociology are as follows:

  • Classical sociological theory 7.5 credits
  • Modern sociological theory 7.5 credits
  • Qualitative methods in the social sciences 7.5 credits
  • Quantitative methods in the social sciences 7.5 credits
  • Master's thesis in sociology 30 hp

The remaining 60 credits may consist of courses at advanced level in sociology or in any other subject.

Research

We offer a lively and collaborative research environment and a strong international research profile. The department is especially competitive in the sociological areas of gender, family sociology, political sociology, social policy regimes, social networks and social stratification.

Read more about research at the Department of Sociology