For several reasons, studying the bachelor's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim was the perfect choice for me. First of all, the combination of both Sociology and Psychology is very exciting and has opened up many interesting new perspectives for me. In addition, the University of Mannheim provides students with many opportunities to think outside the box: For example, I spent my semester abroad in Ireland and got involved in one of the more than 50 student organizations. I also gained first practical experience as a student assistant. Besides my studies, I particularly enjoyed the wide range of activities offered by university sports. My bachelor's degree now allows me to pursue a variety of specialized master's programs – from Data Science to Criminology. I have opted for the master’s program in Sociology: Social and Economic Psychology (M.Sc.).
During my bachelor's degree in Sociology, I had the opportunity to explore the various aspects of people's social coexistence from a research perspective. What particularly interested me was the interdisciplinary exchange within the subject area of Social Psychology. I also particularly enjoyed the structural comparison of different countries and cultures. Studying in Mannheim has taught me a lot that I can also benefit from during my master's degree in Liberal Arts in the USA. In addition to receiving an excellent academic education, I was also able to pursue a dual career as an active athlete and student thanks to the Spitzensport-Stipendium Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar.
The well-structured bachelor's degree in Sociology introduced me to the broad range of the subject regarding fascinating and relevant current topics such as migration, family, and educational and gender inequality. The university’s interdisciplinary approach was a benefit to my minor in Political Science as well. I fondly remember the respectful interaction and the close cooperation between teachers and students at the University of Mannheim. My training in empiricism and methods is a great basis for the academic research activities of my master's program in Gender & Queer Studies. After graduating, I would like to work as an equal opportunities commissioner for a company or public authority. My bachelor's degree in Mannheim paved the way for this. Without it, this field of work might never have occurred to me.
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (=3 years)
ECTS credits: at least 180
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: A good level of English proficiency is recommended; no proof of language proficiency is required.
If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Social Sciences
Semester fee: EUR 169 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
What causes social inequality in Germany? What are the differences between societies across Europe? Students of the bachelor’s program in Sociology learn to address and analyze current social issues and questions using scientific methods.
The bachelor's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim imparts basic knowledge in the field of Sociology. The program is divided into basic and advanced modules focusing on four areas of study: General and specific types of Sociology, a comparison of European societies, social psychology, and methods of empirical social research.
In addition to the core subject of Sociology, you can select one of the following subjects as a minor:
Why study Sociology at the University of Mannheim?
The program has an interdisciplinary approach: your minor, the career development module, and the social skills courses ensure that you are ideally prepared for the world of work. That’s why the program has repeatedly done well in national and international rankings. In particular, the high quality of the research and the first-class study environment were recognized.
Career opportunities
By selecting individual specializations during their studies, our students can position themselves in the broad field of sociology at an early stage. Our graduates are qualified for many careers:
In addition to a research career, you can also work in journalism, or in different departments of companies, parties, associations, international organizations or public administration. This includes consulting and strategy development, public relations, organizational development as well as human resources management and personnel development.
Other areas of activity include project and quality management, marketing and communication.Required interests and skills
Program structure
Degree plan
The module catalog offers an overview of the courses and their content. Please see here for an ideal degree plan and a sample course schedule for the first semester.Studying abroad
It is possible but not mandatory to spend a semester or a year abroad during your studies. The School of Social Sciences is part of a global network and maintains partnerships with renowned universities. You can spend a semester abroad on six different continents. Usually, a semester abroad does not extend the duration of your studies, since credits that you obtain abroad are normally recognized by the University of Mannheim. The International Office and the School’s exchange coordinators are happy to help you plan a semester of study abroad.Career Development Module
Students learn about the career options available to sociologists during the Career Development Module. They gain some initial work experience through a twelve-week internship during a semester break. Their experiences are then discussed during an exercise course in the following semester.Continuing Education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Further study
With a bachelor's degree in Sociology, you can apply for the following master's programs at the University of Mannheim:
Master’s program in Sociology (M.A., taught in English)
Master’s program in Political Science (M.A., taught in English)
Mannheim Master in Data Science (M.Sc. taught in English)
Mannheim Master in Social Data Science (M.Sc. taught in English)
Application and selection
At the University of Mannheim, a traditional numerus clausus (within the meaning of a minimum grade required for admission) does not exist. In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
In our selection process for the Bachelor's Program in Sociology, we take the following criteria into account:
- the grade average achieved in your university entrance qualification,
- the grades achieved in Mathematics and English,
- other achievements relevant to your application (such as experience in a federal, state or local public administration, public relations work for a political party, journalism, employment at a trade union, social organization, or church association),
- if you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent school leaving certificate), you must prove German language proficiency at C1 level.
Selection statutes
Under “Application and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.If the program of study is currently not selective, you will receive a study place if you fulfill all admission requirements and apply in due time and form.
Application
- The application deadline for our bachelor's programs for the fall semesters starts on 1 June and ends on 15 July.
Insights into university life
Sociology at the University of Mannheim: Anina shows her day-to-day life as a student and explains what she likes about her program. (with English subtitles)
What it's like to study and live in Mannheim
Our Program Ambassadors share their experiences at the University of Mannheim and are happy to help you.
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
