Bachelor Filosofie

Program and courses International Sociology BSc

The Bachelor's program in International Sociology focuses on the dynamics between man and society. You study social themes such as migration, cultural differences, and poverty and inequality, while connecting these themes to politics and policy. International Sociology uses a comparative perspective on the Western world.

Video: short overview of the Bachelor's program (02:58)

Program structure and content

During the program, you put into practice what you have learned in order to prepare for your career. You conduct exploratory sociological research and also do an internship. On top of that, the program in International Sociology offers the possibility to study abroad without study delay.  

You can also join Study Association Versot. They organize formal and informal activities for their members.

The first-year content

During the first year, you lay the foundation for your further 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.

You will take the following courses in block 1:

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Social Problems
  • Academic Skills Sociology 1
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 2:

  • Political Science
  • MAW-INT: Introduction to Research Methodology
  • Academic Skills Sociology 2
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 3:

  • Sociological Themes
  • Introduction to Psychology for International Students
  • MAW-INT: Introduction to Statistics
  • Academic Skills Sociology 3
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 4:

  • Contemporary Sociological Theories
  • Social Problems in Research
  • Economics for International Students
  • MAW-INT: Introduction to Statistics
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)
The second-year content

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 self-chosen sociological research project in the field of your specialization.

You can read more about specific courses further down this page.

The third-year content

The third year offers even more opportunity to personalize your studies according to your interests, ambitions and talents. You have the opportunity to shape your own program by choosing minors, which further deepen your knowledge of sociology. 

Additionally, you will do an internship* that allows you to practice your skills. You can also go on exchange and gain international experience.

To conclude your studies, you will write a Bachelor's thesis. Both your internship and Bachelor’s thesis will be in the field of your specialization.

*The internship is not mandatory for students who go on exchange. 

You will choose one of the following options in the first semester (block 1 and 2):

  • Sociological minor
  • Minor in another discipline
  • Exchange semester
  • Internship (may be spread over the whole year)

You will take the following courses in block 3:

  • Bachelor's Thesis in your specialization

You will take the following courses in block 4:

  • Bachelor's Thesis in your specialization
  • Social Philosophy for Sociology
Study abroad: going on exchange

We encourage all students to gain international experience. A popular and very exiting option is to go abroad on exchange. As an exchange student, you study at one of the many international partner universities of Tilburg University, typically for one semester.

The Study Abroad & Exchange Office of Tilburg University will be available to help you research the opportunities within your study program and a dedicated Study Abroad & Exchange Coordinator will be advising you before, during and after your exchange.

Most students will be eligible for a grant or scholarship to financially support them during their exchange experience. Additional grants for students with special needs or a difficult financial situation are also available.

More on studying abroad

You will find a detailed description of the courses and required literature in our course catalog.

Go to the course descriptions

Please note: programs are subject to change. We advise you to look up the current program in OSIRIS Student at the start of the year.

Specializations within International Sociology

Depending on your ambitions and interests, in your second year you make a choice of two specializations: 'Culture in comparative perspective' or 'Social risks in a changing world'. These specializations are unique and you can only take them at Tilburg University.

Culture in comparative perspective

This major addresses culture in an international and comparative context. You investigate why world-views differ, their embeddedness in social networks and structures, and the role of social media in cultivating these views. Another aspect of this major is examining the consequences of cultural differences.

You will take the following courses in block 1:

  • Cultural Sociology
  • MAW-INT: Qualitative Research Methods
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 2:

  • Sociological and Historical Perspectives on Identities
  • MAW-INT: Causal Analysis Techniques
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 3:

  • Sociological Research Project: Culture
  • Media, Globalization and Popular Culture
  • MAW-INT: Construction and Analysis of Questionnaires
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 4:

  • Sociological Research Project: Culture
  • Media, Globalization and Popular Culture
  • Families in Context: How do families define us?
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)
Social risks in a changing world

This major focuses on the social risks that we are faced with as society (i.e. basic needs and poverty). Because of globalization, these social risks are even more pressing. Investigating the transformation of social risks through the lens of economic, social and political globalization is at the core of this major. 

You will take the following courses in block 1: 

  • Globalization and Social Risks
  • MAW-INT: Qualitative Research Methods
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 2:

  • Global Migration
  • MAW-INT: Causal Analysis Techniques
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 3:

  • Sociological Research Project: Social Risks
  • Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing
  • MAW-INT: Construction and Analysis of Questionnaires
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

You will take the following courses in block 4:

  • Sociological Research Project: Social Risks
  • Sociology of Work
  • Program for Academic Study Success (PASS)

Please note: programs are subject to change. We advise you to look up the current program in OSIRIS Student at the start of the year.

Do you want to know more about this Bachelor’s program?

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Why International Sociology in Tilburg?

  • This flexible program offers you the chance to choose one of two specializations in which Tilburg excels: ‘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 during and after your studies. This program offers a comparative, international perspective on the Western world.
  • 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 to discuss your study progress, interests, ambitions and career opportunities.
  • In this program, you will pay a lot of attention to your personal and professional growth, preparing for your career. You will have the opportunity to do an internship in the third year, and through PASS, the program also pays attention to professional skills. Watch a short video about our Program for Academic Study Success (PASS) (2:21 min).

Interested in the Bachelor's program in International Sociology?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application

Application and admission