Social Sciences (Bachelor of Arts, B.A.)
The Social Sciences programme combines sociology and political science and provides in-depth knowledge of society and politics at both the national and international levels. The programme opens up a wide range of career perspectives - among others, in research, politics, and education.
Please choose
- Monobachelor
- Minor Field
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
Combining the two sub-disciplines of the Social Sciences (Sociology and Political Science) provides students with an extensive overview of the social contexts and political power structures in Germany, Europe and the world. This highlights not only the theoretical foundations of Social Sciences, but the elective and in-depth course components as well, which give students the opportunity to examine sub-fields in the Social Sciences more closely (Urban and Regional Sociology, Social Policy, Gender Studies, Family Sociology, International Politics, Democracy Research etc.), depending on their specific interests.
At HU, comprehensive training in social-science methodology provides students with a tool kit for working analytically, the value of which should not be underestimated. In the basic modules as well as in the advanced modules and in the final thesis, great importance is attached to "learning by research". Students can work on their own questions theoretically and empirically at an early stage in closely accompanied research processes.
Mandatory modules (110 CP)
Module 01: Introduction to the Study, 5 CP
Module 02: Theoretical basics, 15 CP
Module 03: Fundamentals of quantitative methods, 10 CP
Module 04: Fundamentals of qualitative methods, 10 CP
Module 05: Statistics, 10 CP
Module 06: Advanced quantitative methods of analysis, 10 CP
Module 07: Social structure, inequality and demography, 10 CP
Module 08: International and Comparative Politics, 10 CP
Module 09: Internship, 15 CP
Module 23: Final module, 15 CP
Mandatory elective modules I - Study profile (30 CP)
There are three thematic specialisations to select from:
A) Sociological and Political Theories
B) Social and political inequality
C) Democracy and international governance
Two of the modules 10-15 must be selected. They can belong to different or the same topic.
Module 10: Specialisation I - Sociological and Political Theory, 15 CP
Module 11: Specialisation II, - Sociological and Political Theory, 15 CP
Module 12: Specialisation I - Social and political inequality, 15 CP
Module 13: Specialisation II - Social and political inequality, 15 CP
Module 14: Specialisation I - Democracy and international governance, 15 CP
Module 15: Specialisation II - Democracy and international governance, 15 CP
Mandatory elective modules II - Free choice within the subject Social Sciences (10 CP)
One of the two modules must be selected:
Module 17: Free choice in sociological topics (10 LP)
Module 18: Free choice in political science topics (10 LP)
General elective modules (30 CP)
Students are free to choose general elective modules totalling 30 CP from the module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions provided for this purpose
Special features
Choosing a subject should primarily take the course content into account. The Department of Social Sciences at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is an excellent choice. Many universities only offer courses in Political Science or Sociology, although it makes sense to study these two subjects in combination.
Being educated by renowned professors has as further advantage, particularly in Berlin. The department’s location in Berlin-Mitte, close to the seat of the German government, key media companies, the headquarters of many associations and cultural institutions, affords an opportunity for varied extra-curricular learning and networking. The Department of Social Sciences is a vibrant department in one of Europe’s most historical yet contemporary cities.
Important prerequisites for studying social sciences are a high level of general knowledge, a keen interest in social issues and current political discourses as well as in the political system of the Federal Republic of Germany. For a successful completion of the course of studies, the willingness to read even long and demanding texts in German and English and to work with statistical methods and computer programs is required.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
The study programme qualifies for a professional career in science, as well as in other professional areas such as political consultancy, human resources management, development cooperation and educational work.
Course Advisory Service and recognition of credits
Dr. rer. pol. Henrik Lebuhn
Contact information for the faculty
Department of Social Sciences
Institutsgebäude, Universitätsstraße 3b, 10117 Berlin