In the interdisciplinary degree programme in Social Sciences, you will acquire broad knowledge in the fields of political science, sociology and economics. In addition, you will acquire important analytical, reflective and communication skills, preparing you in the best possible way for practice.
During the six-semester programme, you can choose individual areas of specialisation depending on your interests and objectives.
First year of study
As soon as you start your studies, you will become familiar with all the facets of social sciences.
In the first year of study you will learn the basics in the following three subjects:
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sociology
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political science
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economics
While sociology focuses on the problems of social order in modern society, political science is primarily concerned with power-related decisions and how they come about. The courses in economics provide you with a basic understanding of how markets work and of macroeconomic variables such as inflation or unemployment.
Second and third year of study
Building on this basic knowledge, you will deal with specific topics in sociology and political science in the second year of study:
Sociology
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The future of work: In this compulsory module, you will deal with work and occupational structures of modern work societies. You learn to identify problems of structural change in industrial and service economies and to discuss processes of change (tertiarisation) as well as lines of conflict (rationalisation and participation).
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Social structure of modern societies: In this compulsory module, you will deal with the changes in the social structure of modern societies in the areas of education, labour, social inequality and gender as well as with aspects of migration and demographic change. You will get to know methods and findings of comparative social structure analysis and critically reflect on them.
Political science
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Statehood: In this compulsory module, you will deal with the basics of domestic politics. You will find explanations for the existence and function of states. The functioning of governance is discussed from different theoretical perspectives. Based on the comparison of modern political systems, you will look for solutions to core problems of democracy, such as the conflict between majoritarian decision-making and the protection of minorities.
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International relations and global governance: This compulsory module focuses on the role and importance of international politics in the light of globalisation. You will get to know the most important theories for explaining processes in global politics and deal with practical approaches for dealing with international problems on the basis of selected topics.
Compulsory elective modules
In addition, there are many compulsory elective module, giving you the opportunity to set a personal focus in sociology and/or political science. This allows you to prepare for your intended Master’s programme according to your own needs.
In the interdisciplinary area, you will choose modules to the extent of 18 credits from related disciplines, such as:
You complete your studies with a three-months Bachelor’s thesis.
Key skills
Important key skills are learnt throughout your studies:
