Sociology
Central theme: politics, policy and society in a comparative perspective. Become an expert in translating important societal questions from both micro (family, social networks, crime) and macro perspectives (welfare state, solidarity) into sociological research to evaluate policies and to serve as input for new policies. The Sociology master focuses on the analysis of such social cohesion related issues, such as populism in politics, social contacts, and solidarity.
On Campus if we can | Online because we can
National Alumni Survey 2017 | n=10
National Alumni Survey 2017 | n=10
National Alumni Survey 2017 | n=10
Program and courses
Translate 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 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) - 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 are:
- Politics and Society in Comparative Perspective
- Social Capital: Networks, Resources and Attitudes
- Social Policy and Social Risks
- The Social Structure of Western Societies
Ask us your questions
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Dirk Raijmakers
Master's student"After getting my degree, I would like to work as a researcher or a data analyst. Doing research at a university or government institution, or big data analysis at a private company."
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Remco van Wijk
Extended Master's student"I experience the subjects during the master as very deepening. You really develop skills that you will use in the labor market. Since the courses are very interesting I don't have any trouble spending my time on the study."
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Maurice Vonk
Extended Master's student"I used my gained knowledge in practice during my internship at the Inspectorate of Social Affairs and Employment, where I investigated how people who receive benefits, perceive the services from municipalities in their search for employment."
Career prospects
Sociology 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: 3,2
- 100% of our alumni does find a job within 6 months after graduation
- Employer requires a Master of Science degree: 60%
- Gross monthly income one year after graduation: €1,940
- Would choose the same program again, at the same university: 70%
- Will recommend the study to friends, family or colleagues:80%
- 90% of the graduates is (very) satisfied with the program
Source: National Alumni Survey 2017 | n=10
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?
More information
Please feel free to contact us for your personal queries. You can contact us on every page of the master's website. Or find out more by choosing one of the options below.
Personalized brochure
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Meet us
In accordance with the guidelines of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), all on-campus events until September 1 will not take place. To help you choose your Master’s program as best as we can, you can replay the sessions of our Online Master's Open day and participate in an online Q&A session for the program(s) you are interested in.
Interested in the MSc Sociology?
Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application
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
- Human Resource Studies
- Organization Studies
- Organizing for Global Social Challenges track
- People Management for Global Social Challenges track
- Politics, Policy and Societal Development track
- Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences