Master's students at their graduation ceremony

Sociology

1 year English Starts end of August and end of January

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
92%
of the graduates is (very) satisfied with their program

National Alumni Survey, 2019 | n=13

3.25
average number of months until first paid job

National Alumni Survey, 2019 | n=12

92%
would choose the same program again, at the same university

National Alumni Survey, 2019 | n=12

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:

  • 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

Ask us your questions

  • Dirk Raijmakers - master Sociology

    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."

  • Remco van Wijk - master Sociology

    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."

  • Maurice Vonk - master Sociology

    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: 3.25
  • 92% of our alumni does find a job within 6 months after graduation
  • Employer requires a Master of Science degree: 42%
  • Gross monthly income one year after graduation: €2,719,- 
  • Would choose the same program again, at the same university: 92% 
  • Would (definitely) recommend the study to friends, family or colleagues: 84%
  • 92% of the graduates is (very) satisfied with the program

Source: National Alumni Survey, 2019 | n=13

    More on your career prospects

    Students on campus enjoying the good weather

    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

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    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.

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    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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    Interested in the MSc Sociology?

    Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application

    Application and admission

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