Sociology is dedicated to the theory and analysis of past and present societies. As a science of social relationships, it seeks to explore diverse social practices, processes and structures along with their interdependencies and transformations. It investigates how society is possible, how it functions, what problems it causes, and which of them it solves. The master's program in Basel is characterized by its tightly integrated combination of theory and applied science, enabling students to develop in-depth knowledge both of social theory and of applied quantitative and qualitative social research skills. Key topics of study include poverty and exclusion, violence, work, migration, digitalization, economic practices and discourses, education and religion.

The way in which the Master's Degree Program in Sociology is organized allows students to specialize in particular thematic areas while developing a sound methodological and theoretical knowledge base.

The module “Societal Conflicts: Inequality, Institutions, Discourse” focuses on intra-societal phenomena and problems. It examines political and economic inequalities, the emergence and transformation of institutions of various kinds (such as interaction rituals, formal organizations, nation-states, and wars), as well as ideational, analytical, and normative debates over how social structures and processes are described and modeled, ranging from educational issues to theoretical controversies within sociology.

The module “Societal Transformations: Ecology, Technology, Global Society” addresses the role of ostensibly “non-social” determinants of sociality, social formations, and social change. Key topics include human–society relations to natural environments, current and future techno-economic modes of production, and the opportunities and challenges of transnational, supranational, non-state, and technomorphic–algorithmic forms of social integration.

The module “Methods” introduces qualitative and quantitative approaches to empirical social research. Quantitative courses cover research designs and statistical methods of data analysis. Qualitative courses engage with major research traditions and include ethnographic fieldwork, document analysis, training in interview techniques and analysis, and the use of mixed-methods designs.

Research at the University of Basel’s Department of Sociology focuses on the following topics:

• nationally and internationally oriented research in inequality,
• international and transcultural research in conflict and violence,
• issues in socioeconomics and economic anthropology,
• historical sociology,
• digital transformations,
• sustainability,
• corporate governance,
• migration, transformations in the labor-oriented society, postcolonial theories and protest movements.

Over the course of the program, students acquire transferrable skills and competencies which will prepare them for a wide range of professions beyond those specifically linked to sociology. These skills include the ability to conduct independent empirical research applying appropriate methods and techniques for problem identification, analysis and solving, the ability to critically evaluate different conceptual alternatives, capacity for innovation, social skills, time management, and many others.