Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective
Translate important societal questions from both micro and macro perspectives into sociological problems related to politics, social cohesion, and inequality. In the Master's track Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective you study issues such as populism, social movements, and the welfare state. You will also evaluate social policies and use research as input for new policies. This Master's is a track of the MSc Sociology.
QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023
Times Higher Education Ranking, 2024
National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=11
Program and courses
This Master's program is socially, research, and policy-oriented. You address social questions related to issues such as populism, class difference, and globalization. You will focus on the theory through research and gain practical tools by translating these issues into policy and investigating the effect of policy on behavior. You study societal issues related to politics, social cohesion, and inequality from both micro and macro perspectives.
- Taught in small, interactive workgroups with individual thesis supervision.
- The Extended Master's program adds one semester to the total program to provide you with an internship of half a year to 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)
Related 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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Joep Cleven
Master's student"During this Master’s, I learned how to approach and understand social and political issues from different perspectives. My internship helped me put this knowledge into practice."
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Romy Oomens
Master's student"The program covers topics such as populism, migration and social inequality. Because of the personal attention, you can shape the Master's with subjects that you find interesting."
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Luuk van Weert
Master's student"I chose this Master’s because I have always been curious about how society works. The versatility and depth of the program offer me good tools to study society from different angles."
Career prospects
As a graduate of the Master's track Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective, you are able to make a significant contribution to the analysis of and solutions to today's social problems. You are specialized in sociological research into social problems, and the impact of policy in areas such as labor, employment, culture, welfare, education, or healthcare. You could work as a researcher, policy officer, advisor, or in management.
Graduates work, for example, as:
- Policy Officer
- (Junior) researcher
- Lecturer
- Consultant
- Scientist
- Journalist
Alumni facts
- 70% of our alumni find a job within 6 months after graduation
- 82% would choose the same program again, at the same university
- 72% of the graduates are (very) satisfied with the program
Source: National Alumni Survey, recent graduates 2021 | n=11
Application and admission
This program starts:
At the end of August and at the end of January
Best preparatory programs:
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Pre-Master’s program
If your previous education does not entirely meet the entry requirements, you can do a pre-Master's program at Tilburg University. For this program, the pre-Master's program in Sociology is available to both Research University and Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo) students. The pre-Master's program takes half a year (30 ECTS) and 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 on this Master's program
Download the brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, housing and immigration matters, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.
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13:30 - 16:00
Campus Experience
Are you curious about life as a student at Tilburg University, or not sure which university you want to attend? Join our Campus Experience on January 31 or February 21! Discover our compact and green campus with one of our students and find out if Tilburg University is your future home.
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To be announced
Get to know Tilburg University - Orientation Webinar for Master's programs
Are you curious about the experiences of international students like you? Join our Get to know Tilburg University Webinar led by our international team and discover what it is like to study at Tilburg University! It is your one-hour introduction to studying in the Netherlands, the city of Tilburg, and our university. The next Orientation Webinar is taking place at the beginning of February 2024.
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To be announced
Application and Admission - Webinar for Master’s programs
Are you interested in a Master’s program at Tilburg University, and do you want to know more about the application procedure for international students? Take the first step towards a successful application by joining our Application and Admission Webinar for our Master’s programs. The next webinar is taking place at the beginning of February 2024.
Interested in the MSc Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective?
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