Study programme

The Bachelor's in Sociology is a comprehensive three-year programme. You'll gain a wide-ranging understanding of sociological theories, research methods, and analysis of scientific texts. This will equip you with essential sociological skills to tackle social issues effectively.

Programme structure

Year 1
In the first year you are introduced to the discipline of Sociology, which gives you a solid basis for your further academic career.

Theory

You are introduced to 19th century founders of sociology such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim. You will read classical texts, but also contemporary studies that build on this work. Are you curious about what the classics had to say? Then take a look at this online MOOC.

Methodology

A good methodological basis is essential for conducting sociological research. Starting in your first year, you will become acquainted with important methodological approaches and learn to apply them in practice, like:

Interviews

Observations of everyday life

Surveys

Statistical analysis

Text analysis

Sociological Craft

In the first year we also focus on important skills that you, as a sociologist, need to master. You will learn to read scientific texts, interpret them and translate them into new contexts. In addition, you learn to argue, formulate research questions, make critical comments and write essays.
Year 2
In the second year of the programme you will deepen the knowledge you acquired in the first year. You will learn more about the (policy) applications of sociological theories, about contemporary debates and how theories are developed. You will also improve your knowledge of research techniques for conducting sociological research. Finally, you will also broaden your knowledge in six different sociological domains:

Urban Places and Social Problems

Intersectionalities: Class, Race, Gender & Sexualities

Migration & Citizenship

Globalising Cultures

Health & Society

Education & Work
Year 3

You may complete the first semester of your third year as you wish. You can further specialise in certain areas of sociology, take electives or a minor in other programmes, see below 'Additional options'.

In the second semester, you conclude the bachelor's programme with your own research. You write your own thesis, but work together with a number of other students within a joint project. In your research, you become an expert in a particular field within your chosen (sociological) project.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Sociological Theory 1: The making of society

Period 1

6

Build a strong theoretical foundation to develop sociological thinking and reasoning. It's like learning a language to understand social life scientifically. This course explores social interactions and their influence on objective social realities, crucial for aspiring sociologists.
Sociology as Craft 1

Period 1

Period 2

3

This course provides a foundational introduction to academic skills and the sociologist's role. The course emphasizes skills like locating scientific texts, reading and analyzing these texts, and delivering its key messages to an audience. Additionally, it explores the connection between sociology as a science and personal experiences.
Sociology: Concepts, Issues and Research

Period 1

Period 2

9

Delve into pressing social issues like racism, climate change, globalization, and more, using various sociological perspectives. This introductory course introduces you to past, present, and future social issues and their interpretations. The course places a specific focus on the Netherlands but always from a global and cross-cultural perspective, benefiting from students' international experiences.
Social Research Methodology

Period 2

6

This course provides sociologists with essential knowledge about research practices. It covers the foundations, aims, and quality criteria of social science research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. You will explore key steps such as formulating research questions, data collection methods, analysis, and reporting findings. While various data collection methods are discussed, students will gain hands-on experience in survey methodology and face-to-face interviewing.
Introduction to statistics

Period 3

6

In this course, you'll move from descriptive statistics to inferential statistics, which involves using a sample to make claims about a population. The course combines theory and practice: lectures explore methods through examples, and computer sessions involve hands-on practice using SPSS. You'll analyze survey data from Methodology, writing two papers individually and in pairs, completing a research cycle from literature review to hypothesis testing using quantitative techniques.
Evolution of Humankind

Period 4

3

This course delves into the rapid change of our technology, institutions, and culture after a long period of slow evolution. Exploring the connections between culture and genetics, as well as the impact of interactions within society, the course addresses questions about cooperation, inequality, wars, and more through evolutionary and complexity theories.
Sociological Theory 2: Power, Culture, Identity

Period 4

6

This course will introduce you to classic sociologists' work and it's influence on modern sociological research. The course is one of four that builds a strong theoretical foundation for developing sociological thinking.
Sociology as Craft 2

Period 4

Period 5

6

This course is designed to help first-year students acquire and practice the necessary skills to write their first academic paper, known as the "First Year Paper." You will learn how to find, analyze, and incorporate scholarly readings into your own writing, as well as develop skills in paraphrasing, avoiding plagiarism, and time management. Additionally, you will practice formulating research questions, creating annotated bibliographies, and translating academic content into your own work.
Philosophy of social science

Period 5

3

In this course, you'll delve into philosophical and social science perspectives on the sciences, drawing from various interdisciplinary sources. Over 6 weeks, you'll explore themes like truth in a 'post-truth' era, the nature of scientific thinking, ontology and epistemology, contextual understanding of science, and more.
Sociology of institutions

Period 5

6

This course aims to analyze the existence and origins of the institutional crisis. Exploring the impact of events like the cultural shifts of '1968', the rise of neoliberalism, and the current era of populism and post-truth, you will examine how these have affected organizations and institutions worldwide, including in the Netherlands. The course begins by delving into the theoretical aspects of institutions, their functions, reproduction, and emergence across diverse cultural contexts.
Amsterdam Research Project

Period 6

6

This intensive course focuses on two key qualitative research methods: observing and interviewing. The main goal is to plan and conduct a basic research project through assignments, culminating in presenting your findings at a student conference. Seminars and lectures support your learning in this course.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Education & Work

Period 1

6

This course aims to provide insights into dealing with emerging educational and work-related inequalities. You will investigate what the implications of education's growing importance mean for levels of inequality of opportunity in terms of social class, migration background and gender. Addressing challenges at family, organizational, urban, and societal levels, the course draws from sociology, economics, political science, and more, introducing you to key theories and debates.
Intersectionalities: Race, Gender, and Sexualities

Period 1

6

"Intersectionalities" offers tools to analyse power dynamics that shape societies and individuals through lenses of race, gender, and sexuality. Engage with classic and contemporary texts, building critical reading and reasoning skills. Rooted in sociological imagination, social construction, and the intertwined nature of power relations, the course fosters a deep exploration of how race, gender, and sexuality intersect to influence biographies, society, and interactions.
Migration & Citizenship

Period 2

6

This course explores migration and its effects, providing tools to analyze the process. It covers migration theories, citizenship, and integration, including political, structural, social, and cultural dimensions. The course equips you with knowledge and skills to navigate migration and citizenship research, fostering an understanding of theories and applications in the field.
Urban Places and Social Problems

Period 2

6

The course delves into classic and modern sociological perspectives on urbanism's impact on identities, lifestyles, and social dynamics. By studying texts, including the Chicago School of Sociology and contemporary writings, and conducting investigations in Amsterdam, you will gain insights into the relationship between urban spaces and sociological phenomena.
Advanced Statistics

Period 3

6

During this course you will study the theory of multiple regression analyses and focus on performing and interpreting statistical analyses (with the help of statistical software).
Health and Society

Period 4

6

This course explores the connection between societal factors and population health. It examines how living conditions affect health and mortality, leading to policies for improvement. You will learn about measuring health, social and biological determinants of health, differences across socioeconomic groups, gender, and topics like the obesity epidemic's impact on population health.
Sociological Theory 3: Society, Social Action and Inequality

Period 4

6

This course delves into sociological and related theories explaining inequalities in various domains, such as education, labor markets, organizations, and households. Theoretical perspectives covered include structural-functionalism, conflict theory, rational action theory, network theory, cultural sociology, and neo-institutionalism, each offering distinct viewpoints on social action and society."
Globalising cultures

Period 5

6

This course critically examines the process of globalization, its origins, and effects, with a particular focus on its impact on culture. The course addresses whether globalization results in a unified global culture or leads to fragmentation and conflict. The impact of globalization on identities and communities is also explored. The course utilizes theoretical literature and case studies to delve into these questions.
Sociological Theory 4: Culture and Structure

Period 5

6

In this course, we delve into sociological theory's debates and focus on the 'culture' versus 'structure' contrast. We study contemporary theorists to grasp their views on the interplay between culture and structure. Exploring related debates in sociological theory, we examine how conceptual contrasts, like constructivist vs. realist and interpretative vs. positivistic, can aid in formulating theories and research questions.
Qualitative analysis

Period 6

6

This course familiarizes you with a variety of analytic approaches to qualitative research by focusing on readings from researchers across the social sciences. You will be expected to apply this knowledge to each step of the analytic process, including transcribing and organizing data, excerpting, coding, writing memos, and drafting research results. You conclude the course by writing an original qualitative essay.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC

Free-choice electives: Free electives

Period 1

Period 2

Period 3

30

The elective space is essentially open for your choice, both within and outside the Bachelor's program in Sociology. Outside the program, options include a semester abroad, a minor within or outside the university, or a combination of elective courses.
Mixed Methods

Period 4

6

This course explores the integration of quantitative and qualitative research methods known as Mixed Methods. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of conducting Mixed Methods research. Serving as a bridge between various related courses, the curriculum covers the process of designing, operationalizing, and connecting different research methods within the sociological toolbox.
Sociology of Public Policy

Period 5

6

This course delves into the intersection of sociology and policy processes, crucial for sociology graduates entering policy-oriented roles. Exploring the entirety of policy processes, from inception to evaluation, it covers sociological theories, contextual factors, and power dynamics that shape policy formulation and implementation. You will gain insights into how policies frame and address societal problems, empowering you to analyze, recommend, and engage effectively in policy discourse.
Bachelor Research Project

Period 4

Period 5

Period 6

18

The Bachelor's Research Project offers a comprehensive journey through the research process, guiding students from idea inception to a scientific report, their Bachelor thesis. Throughout the project, you will work in small groups, engaging in feedback exchange as a learning element.

Compulsory course

Elective

See more information in the online Course Catalogue

We delve into specific theories related to race, gender, class, and more. Read about Cheryn's experience

Additional information

Electives and Minor

There are various opportunities during the Bachelor’s programme for you to shape your programme to your liking. You can gain 30 elective study credits with courses that are part of another Bachelor’s programme at the UvA.

Or you can choose a minor lasting half a year (30 credits) taken outside your own degree programme. You could choose a minor in Communication Science or Entrepreneurship, for example.
Exchange
Honours programme

If you're ambitious, you can opt to participate in our Honours and Talent Programme (HTP). It introduces you to scientific research in an original way through a challenging package of in-depth or broadening courses. You’ll undertake the HTP alongside your regular studies. If you're up for it, then it's an opportunity not to be missed!

Time distribution and tutoring

Time distribution
The workload is 40 hours per week.

Lectures: 8 hours per week

Tutorials: 6 hours per week

Self-study: 26 hours per week (reading, researching, group projects, and writing papers and essays)

Each year consists of 2 semesters and 60 credits (1 credit equals 28 study hours).

A semester consists of three blocks.
Teaching methods
Lectures: the teacher explains the material, and you have the opportunity to ask questions.

Tutorials: you practice with the study material in smaller groups, under the guidance of a teacher.
Tutoring

A briefing by the study adviser
Mini lecture on romantic love

Frequently asked questions

Can I study this programme in Dutch?
What will I learn in this programme?

The Bachelor's degree in Sociology is a three-year full-time programme. You will learn to contribute to solutions to social problems by interviewing target groups, observing and analysing texts. With this knowledge, you will develop sociological skills. You will be well prepared for the future in topics such as; migration, inequality, sexuality, discrimination, healthcare, the labour market, education, urban problems, globalisation and for moving on to our Master's.
What is the difference between Anthropology and Sociology?

Sociologists use both qualitative and quantitative methods. So during the programme of sociology, you will also learn how to use statistical analysis software to analyze quantitative data sets for sociological research.
Anthropologists are specialised in using ethnography as a method (which is a qualitative research method).
The programmes do have content overlap. By carefully reading the course catalogue web pages of both programmes, and seeing what courses are offered within the programmes, you can find out which programme suits you best.
What's it like to study in an international classroom?

The bachelor's Sociology is offered in Dutch and in English. Please note that the curricula of the two programmes may differ.

In the English track you study together with students from all over the world (and sometimes also with Dutch students if they do the English track). If you speak the language, you can also opt for Dutch tutorial groups. Whatever language you study in, the lectures are always in English.
International classrooms broaden horizons, improve intercultural skills and also create an international network. So it prepares you well for living and working in a globalising world.
How difficult is this programme?

It is, of course, exciting to start a new programme. Perhaps also stressful. The curriculum takes into account the learning curve of students. This means that you are not immediately thrown into the deep end, but are supported in developing academic skills. For example, during the first year you have your own mentor who also guides you during the tutorial groups.
What characterises the programme of Sociology at the UvA compared to other Dutch universities?

We are the largest Sociology department in The Netherlands. In comparison to other Dutch Sociology programmes, we have the biggest and broadest programme. We teach diverse research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative). The UvA is a big university with a lot of options to specialise. The university is central in the city and has a very beautiful and large campus. Amsterdam is a great (but quite expensive) city to live in and most people in The Netherlands speak English very well.
How many fellow students should I expect in the first year?

Study programme

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