Photo credit: Anna Logue
During my bachelor’s program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim, I took advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at a Canadian university. It was a unique experience – thanks to alternative academic focal points, I got to know other critical perspectives. Another distinctive feature of the bachelor’s program in Mannheim is the opportunity to explore an additional subject area by choosing it as a minor. I settled for Media and Communication Studies, which I now study in my master’s program, too. The expertise I developed in Sociology is still very useful for me whenever I work on research projects.
Elisabeth Schmalz, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Sociology / Photo credit: Carla Neddermeier
The bachelor’s program in Sociology is very interesting and covers a wide range of subject areas, allowing students to choose their individual focuses. I have chosen Media and Communication Studies as a minor, thus focusing on my professional goals. The University of Mannheim enjoys an excellent reputation in the field of Social Sciences – a fact that has already opened up interesting career options for me. Whether it's analytical thinking, statistical survey methods, or the basics of psychology, my studies have provided me with a lot of knowledge that helps me to solve the challenges of my current marketing projects.
Vanessa Küfner, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Sociology / Photo credit: Stephan Küfner
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.
Jule Schabernack, graduate of the bachelor’s program in Sociology / Photo credit: Martin Rasche
Program facts and information
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard period of study: 6 semesters (3 years)
ECTS credits: 180
Language of instruction: German, English
Language requirements: This program requires proof of proficiency in German on C1 level,
a good level of English proficiency is recommended; no proof of language proficiency is required.Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic CalendarSchool: School of Social Sciences
Semester fee: €194.30 (further information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: €1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: €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 program consists of a core subject and the supplementary modules. Sociology as a core subject gives students a solid foundation in the field. It is divided into introductory modules and advanced modules which focus on four areas: general and specific types of Sociology, a comparison of European societies, social psychology, and methods of empirical social research.
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 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
A bachelor’s degree in Sociology gives you different career options. Our graduates work in market and opinion research, the public service, human resources, and at international organizations and associations. There are also opportunities within public relations and media. If you decide to get a master’s degree, you can pursue a career in academia.
Required interests and skills
- be capable of analytical and critical thinking,
- enjoy working with complex texts, theories, and methods,
- have a good level of English proficiency,
- find sociological questions interesting (for example: which social behavior patterns are seen on social networking sites?)
- like debating and be able to argue well,
- enjoy working with statistics.
Program structure
Module catalog
The module catalog, which is only available in German, gives you an overview of the courses and their content.Studying abroad
Asia, Australia, North and South America – the School of Social Sciences is part of a global network and maintains partnerships with renowned universities. The International Office and the School’s exchange coordinators can help you plan a semester of study abroad. We recommend that students go abroad during the fourth or fifth subject-specific semester, but it is possible to make individual arrangements. Studying abroad is optional, and is encouraged by the School. Credits that you obtain abroad are normally recognized by the University of Mannheim, which means that you do not have to extend the duration of your studies.Internships
Students learn about the career options available to sociologists through the career development module. They gain some initial work experience through an internship during a semester break. Their experiences are then discussed during an exercise course in the following semester.Sample course schedule
This is how your course schedule for the first semester could look.Further study
The following degree programs are partly or fully available in English:
Master’s program in Sociology (M.A.)
Master’s program in Political Science (M.A.)
Mannheim Master of Data Science (M.Sc.)
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 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)
- proof of proficiency in German on 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.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)
Still not sure where to head and what to study?
We offer additional information and advisory services for prospective students.
Do you have questions on our programs or life in Mannheim?
Our Program Ambassadors are happy to help you and share their experiences at the University of Mannheim.
The University of Mannheim is the most popular university in Germany
In the students' vote on the Studycheck.de platform, the University of Mannheim has reached the top position among all universities. This makes the University of Mannheim the most popular university in Germany.
read more about the award (in German)