Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective
Translate important societal questions from both micro and macro perspectives into sociological research to evaluate policies and to serve as input for new policies. Focus on the analysis of issues related to social cohesion, such as populism, social contacts and solidarity.
On-campus education as of August 2021 | pleased to meet you
QS World University Ranking, 2021
Times Higher Education Ranking, 2021
National Alumni Survey, 2020 | n=6
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
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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 Program 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 Program 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: 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
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
Create your own customized brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg.
Meet us
Unfortunately, we cannot organize any on-campus events at the moment. To help you as much as possible with your study choice, we offer online alternatives.
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13:30 - 15:45
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Discover our compact and green campus during the Campus Experience and find out if Tilburg University is your future home. You can participate on Wednesday, September 22 or Wednesday, October 13, 2021.
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10:00 - 11:00
Get to know Tilburg University - Live Webinars for Master's programs
The Get to know Tilburg University Webinar is your one-hour introduction to studying in the Netherlands, the city of Tilburg, Tilburg University and our offer of international Master's programs. You can sign up for one of the sessions on September 24, or October 15, either at 10:00 or 16:00.
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09:00 - 17:00
Master's Open day
Which Master do you think is interesting? Do you want to know which Master suits you? Then visit the Master's Open day. Find out all you need to know about our Master’s programs, tracks and Pre-Masters and ask your questions to our teachers, students and study advisors.
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
- Politics, Policy and Societal Development track
- Research Master in Social and Behavioral Sciences