Bachelor Filosofie

International Sociology BSc

3 years English Starts end of August

Focus on the dynamics between humans and society in International Sociology. You study social themes such as migration, cultural differences, poverty, and inequality while connecting these themes to politics and policy. Depending on your ambitions and interests, you choose a specialization; Culture in Comparative Perspective or Social Risks in a Changing World in your second year. This Bachelor's program uses a comparative perspective on the Western world.

67%
international students

in the program

Top 175
in Social Sciences worldwide

Times Higher Education, 2024

#94
in the world in Social Sciences & Management

QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023

Short overview of International Sociology

  • This flexible program offers you the chance to self-direct your education by choosing one of two specializations: Culture in Comparative Perspective or Social Risks in a Changing World.
  • If you choose International Sociology in Tilburg, you not only pick a quality academic program, but you also learn how to put your knowledge into practice. You will learn how to deal with current and relevant issues and how to work on these issues.
  • In this small-scale, international program you will quickly get to know your fellow students and easily contact lecturers. One of the lecturers will become your personal study mentor, whom you will meet regularly throughout your studies.
Program and courses

Program content

International Sociology uses a comparative perspective on the Western world. This means that your personal background and experiences are of great value in our international classroom. During the program, you put into practice what you have learned in order to prepare for your career. You will be able to personalize your study in 4 ways: with a specialization, internship, study abroad, or minor.

  • In the first year, you lay the foundation for your studies in International Sociology. Besides introductory courses in sociology, you follow introductory courses in other disciplines that have common ground with sociology: political science, psychology, and economics. You also learn more about academic skills and research methods.
  • After choosing a specialization (Culture in Comparative Perspective or Social Risks in a Changing World) in the second year, you follow courses related to either culture or social risks. In addition, you take several classes in the field of methods and research, and you dive into the philosophy of science. At the end of the second year, you participate in a sociological research project in the field of your specialization.  
  • The third year offers even more opportunities to personalize your studies. You have the opportunity to tailor your program by choosing minor courses and electives, which further deepen your knowledge of sociology. This is also the perfect time to study abroad without study delay or do an internship. To conclude your studies, you will write your Bachelor's thesis in the field of your specialization. 

Typical courses are:

  • Introduction to Sociology
    This course gives an introduction to Sociology based on its most important questions about social inequality, social cohesion, and rationalization.
  • Social problems
    In this course, you discuss and approach social problems in a scientific way.
  • Sociological Themes
    This course covers the most important sociological theories and approaches, as well as contemporary tendencies that belong to a specific theme.

More on the program and courses

After your Bachelor's

Careers and subsequent Master’s programs

After obtaining your Bachelor's degree in International Sociology, you can choose to do a Master's program. After you have completed a Master's program, you will have favorable career prospects as a sociology teacher or journalist.

Alumni found work at the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport, Aarhus Universitythe Dutch Labor Inspectorate, newspaper NRC, Research agency IPSOS, ING,  Philips, and Ahold N.V..

Discover what you can do after your Bachelor’s

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

Beyond your Bachelor's: Extracurricular Activities

  • Join a student/study association. Versot aims to make student life challenging (symposia, conferences) and fun (drinks, parties, study trips). The international student association, I*ESN organizes events for international students.
  • Join Faculty Association IDEA.
  • Challenge yourself by joining one of our advanced programs such as the Outreaching Honors Program and Excellence Program TSB 
  • Broaden your horizons by studying abroad for a semester. The experience of a lifetime! 
Application and admission

Please follow the national application and admission procedure (in Dutch) if you are applying based on a Dutch vwo or hbo-p diploma, regardless of your nationality. A general description of the national application procedure is also available in English.

Admission requirements

  • To be eligible for admission to a research university such as Tilburg University, you must have a high school diploma equal to the highest level of secondary education in the Netherlands (the Dutch vwo diploma).
  • As this Bachelor’s program is taught entirely in English, you must prove your English language proficiency
  • A good knowledge of mathematics is important for being successful in this Bachelor’s program. In order to be admitted, you must therefore prove that you have sufficient knowledge of mathematics.

You can find more detailed information about the admission requirements on this program's 'Application and admission' page.

Go to application and admission

Tuition fees and monthly cost of living

Tuition fees

When you wish to study at Tilburg University, you must pay a tuition fee.

  • Tuition fees cover the cost of lectures and facilities provided by the university, such as the extensive university library, Wi-Fi on campus, and symposia and other meetings.
  • Tuition fees at Tilburg University are always for one full academic year.

More information on the tuition fees and rates

Estimated monthly costs of living

Besides the tuition fees, you will have living costs and other expenses. You will find life in Tilburg relatively inexpensive compared to life in other Dutch university cities, such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. The approximate cost of living is between € 925 and € 1.125 per month.

(Furnished) accommodation Starting from € 550 per month
Foods & Drinks € 200 per month
Books & Readers € 65 per month
Insurance € 100 per month
Sport membership + € 139.95 per year

The Bachelor's program in less than 3 minutes

Do you want more information on this Bachelor's program?

  • Martina

    Martina

    Bachelor's student

    "Sociology provided me with  tools to understand the world,  gateways to expand my curiosity, and a framework to connect with society."

    Ask me a question

  • Bachelor student International Sociology Cǎtǎlin

    Cǎtǎlin

    Bachelor's student

    "At the International Sociology program, I learn about the world around me. The more I understand different cultures and their global connections, the more I can make a positive impact on the world we share."

  • Bachelor student International Sociology Honoka

    Honoka

    Bachelor's student

    "Studying Sociology at Tilburg University is an adventure with the development of my knowledge about society and of myself. It's international environment also gives me wider perspectives on society. I respectively feel that it’s up to me to drive my dream here."

Study choice activities

Throughout the year you have the opportunity to meet us and learn more about Tilburg University and the programs that we offer. You can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.

All information in one e-brochure

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, and student life in Tilburg.

All information in one e-brochure

Are you and International Sociology a match? If you...

  • are interested in people and society, and social issues

  • analytical with a broad interest

Then this is the program for you!

Our Students on Instagram: #wearetilburguniversity