Master's Programme in Sociology

Our Master´s Programme in Sociology gives you the ability to do independent analyses of social issues using sociological theories and sociological methods.
Många studenter som står eller sitter vid ett fönster. Foto: Kristian Pohl/Stockholms universitetit

Photo: Kristian Pohl/Stockholms universitet

Sociology is the science about human social behaviour and relations between people and societies. Frequent sociological issues deal with processes and patterns of the interaction of groups and individuals, forms of organization of social groups, relations between groups, influence of groups on the behaviour of individuals and differencies among people in terms of power resources and life chances.

This is a two-year programme leading to a Master´s degree in Sociology. The objective of the Master´s Programme in Sociology is to provide students with the ability to do independent analyses of social issues using sociological theories and sociological methods. Teachers at the programme are researchers that are highly active in the international research community, in several of Stockholm University's leading research areas.

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

The language of instruction is English. The programme starts once a year, in the autumn.

The objective of the Master´s Programme in Sociology is to provide students with the ability to do independent analyses of social issues using sociological theories and sociological methods.

The programme consists of compulsory courses 45 credits, elective courses 45 credits, and a Master´s thesis 30 credits. The compulsory part is made up of courses in sociological theory and in empirical analysis. The elective courses are chosen from the wide range of master level courses offered by the Department of Sociology. Upon agreement, courses from other departments can be included in the programme. The compulsory courses provide a thorough knowledge of general Sociology and the elective courses allow for a high level of flexibility and specialization within the programme.

Year 1

Year 2





Read our step-by-step guide on how to apply

Master’s programmes at Department of Sociology will only have one admission round for all applicants. The application period is October 16, 2025 to January 15, 2026. This means that if you want to apply to one of our Master´s programmes starting autumn 2026, the application deadline is January 15, 2026.

When applying to our master's programmes, it is required that you also submit a motivation letter including your research ideas. You must use the webform in the link below to create your motivation letter.

Webform to create your motivation letter.

Once completed you will receive an e-mail with a pdf to upload with your application at www.universityadmissions.se / www.antagning.se . If you do not upload your motivation letter, it will not be assessed. The last day to upload the motivation letter is 2 February 2026. A new motivation letter must be submitted each semester you apply for.

Any questions related to this can be directed to master@sociology.su.se

Selection process

Additional eligibility criteria

In ranking the applicants for programmes at the Department of Sociology the following components are used to assess the merits of applicants:

  • Grades of academic courses (1-50)
  • Motivation letter  (1-50)
  • Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme in question (1-100)







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.

This program also provides you with a good foundation for applying for a PhD position after graduation.

Read interviews with our alumni

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