Sociology

Sociology comprises everything from studies of close-knit social relations to the cultural and formal institutions of society. You will learn about how health is affected by organisational structures, as well as how identities and groups are shaped by religion, ethnicity, and gender.

Studies in sociology will provide you with theoretical and methodological tools to better understand society and the social contexts of which you are a part. Studies in sociology are enlightening in themselves, but they can also be a fitting complement to other social sciences, such as criminology, economics, psychology, and political science. It is even possible to combine sociology with other fields, like technology, medicine, philosophy and law.

Sociology at Stockholm University is ranked 38:th according the QS World University Rankings by subject 2026.

Sociologists work both within the private and the public sector. A sociological education will help you develop analytical skills, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. You will be able to investigate social issues, and to assess, evaluate and perform surveys on social phenomena.

Read interviews with our alumni

Courses and programmes within the subject area.

Degrees in sociology

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, sociological demography, social policy regimes, social networks and social stratification.

Research at the Department of Sociology