Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective

Program and courses

Translate important social problems into sociological research questions from both micro (family, social networks, crime) and macro perspectives (welfare state, solidarity).  Analyze these questions with the aid of theories and advanced research methods, and evaluate and develop policy based on the results.

• Taught in small, interactive workgroups with excellent individual thesis supervision.
• The Extended Master's Program adds one semester to the total program to provide you with a half-year traineeship position. Enhance your skills and gain relevant work experience.
• With a double degree program you have the opportunity to earn a degree from both Tilburg University and one of our partner universities:
  • Double degree in Sociology and Social Research (with the University of Trento - Trento, Italy)
  • Double degree in Sociology and Population Studies (with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona, Spain)
  • Double degree in Sociology (with the University of Bamberg - Bamberg, Germany)

Available tracks:

Apart from the track Politics, Policy and Society in a Comparative Perspective, the Master's program Sociology offers two other specialized tracks:

• The Politics, Policy and Societal Development track gives you a different perspective on sustainable development based on the theories and methods pertinent to the Global Management of Social Issues discipline. This specialization addresses societal issues and sustainable development from a sociological perspective.
• The Health, Wellbeing and Society track combines scientific insights from sociology and health sciences. With a strong collaboration with healthcare organizations, you will learn to become a specialist in the field of healthcare policy, societal resilience, and health and wellbeing.

Typical courses:

• Social Movements: Social Media, Democracy and Change
• Social Policy and Social Risks
• The Social Structure of Western Societies
• Politics and Society in Comparative Perspective

More on the program and courses

Career prospects

Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective is a broad program that can lead to employment in a wide range of fields and jobs both within the Netherlands and beyond, ranging from government institutions to private companies and research agencies. Work in fields such as labor and employment, culture, welfare, recreation, education, or health care. Interested in business, marketing or journalism? The Guardian states that Sociology gives you a head-start, listing a range of specific abilities and skills.

Graduates started or work for example as:

• Policy Officer at Ministerie van Veiligheid en Justitie
• Health care research | Primary care | Data-analist | at NIVEL
• Policy advisor at the Catharina Hospital

Alumni facts

• Average number of months until first paid job: 4
• 83% of our alumni find a job within 6 months after graduation
• 67% would choose the same program again, at the same university.
• 67% would (definitely) recommend the study to friends, family or colleagues

Source: National Alumni Survey, 2020 | n=6

More on your career prospects

Application and admission

This program starts:

At the end of August and at the end of January

Best preparatory programs:

Sociology, Psychology, Social Geography, Anthropology, Culture Studies, Human Resource Studies, Organization Studies, and Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Pre-Master’s program

Open to both Research University students and students from a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo). The pre-Master's program starts at the end of August and at the end of January.

Tuition fees and scholarships

International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.

Interested in this Master's program?

Check your eligibility

Related Master’s programs

• Sociology and Social Research (Double degree with University of Trento, Italy)
• Sociology and Population Studies (Double degree with UPF Barcelona, Spain)
• Sociology: Bamberg – Tilburg (Double degree with University of Bamberg, Germany)
• Health, Wellbeing and Society track
• Politics, Policy and Societal Development track
• Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences