Information for (prospective) students
What is sociology?
In sociology, we are interested in how people live together on a large scale (global society) and on a small scale (family, circle of friends). This involves questions about how people think, feel and act, and which values they consider to be particularly important. These values, as well as the rules of coexistence (social norms), have only emerged over the course of history and are relatively stable; at the same time, however, they can also change (social change). Sociologists interview and observe people, researching society either from a kind of "bird's eye view" by collecting and analysing large amounts of data on general patterns and trends (quantitative social research), or by taking a closer, more detailed perspective aimed at deeper understanding and interpretation (qualitative social research).
What do we offer?
With us, you will learn how to systematically analyse society and social processes. For example, you will learn how to conduct surveys or interviews and how to interpret statistical data correctly. You will gain an insight into social theory traditions of thought and how these are used to analyse social phenomena. You will develop the skills to recognise connections between complex issues and to write your own texts on the subject.
At the University of Graz, you can complete the Bachelor's degree programme in Sociology and then go on to choose various Master's degree programmes, e.g. the Master's degree programme in Sociology, the International Joint Master's programme in Cultural Sociology (partly in English), the Master's degree programme in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies or the Master's degree programme in Computational Social Systems (in English).
What can you do with it?
Sociologists work in very different professional fields. Wherever the ability to analyse and understand complex social processes is needed. They produce studies, advise managers in various organisations or in public administration and politics. They work in the IT, media or cultural sector. They work in adult education. And much more.
