Sociology is at the heart of the social sciences, and addresses all aspects of human coexistence. For instance, it asks what norms and values guide our behavior, analyzes the phenomenon of social change, investigates how social integration or gender relations operate, and grapples with issues such as identity, migration, digitalization and globalization. This vast spectrum of subject matter has led to the emergence of diverse sub-disciplines within sociology, such as political sociology, cultural sociology, developmental sociology, media sociology, and so on. In Basel, we attach great importance to providing a well-rounded education in sociological theories and methods. Besides engaging with the discussion on the manifold forms of social relations, practices, processes and structures, the bachelor’s program focuses on the questions of how society is possible at all, how it functions, and what problems it generates. Core thematic areas include social inequality, conflict and cooperation, globality, sustainability, identity, and knowledge and culture.

Focal areas of teaching and research

The Bachelor's Degree Program in Sociology encompasses sociological theory, and the critical and reflective analysis of all forms of society. Students will benefit from a nuanced education in theory (cultural theory, social philosophy, anthropology and political theory), which is closely intertwined with more practically oriented training in qualitative and quantitative empirical social research methods. The main focus of the program consists of two thematically organized modules:

The Politics, Development and Social Inequality module bridges the fields of political and developmental sociology. This combination enables in-depth analysis of diverse phenomena in the area of social inequality at the regional, national and international level. The main themes covered in this study option include social inequality, work, conflict and cooperation, and globality and identity.

The module Economy, Knowledge and Culture focuses on the sociocultural creation and shaping of economic practices, structures and knowledge forms. It offers an introduction to foundational theories, questions and topics relating to economy, knowledge and culture, combining cultural and socioeconomic perspectives.

The individual disciplines are brought together by integrated courses addressing overarching themes. To enable students to develop a research-based learning approach early on, particular emphasis is placed on interactive forms of study. This is achieved by means of small tutor-led groups and project-oriented tasks.

Program structure

A bachelor’s is the first degree a person can earn. It requires a total of 180 credit points (CP). The Bachelor's Degree Program in Sociology is one of two subjects studied, each worth 75 CP. Free electives (30 CP) are also included. One ECTS credit point equates to approximately 30 hours of work.

Bachelor of Arts (180 CP)
Sociology
75 CP
Degree subject of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
or extra-faculty
75 CP
Free electives
30 CP
Two degree subjects

Combination of subjects

Students can choose a subject offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or a subject from another faculty as their second bachelor’s degree subject

Students are free to choose any free elective. These courses allow students to deepen their knowledge of their degree subjects, gain an insight into other degree subjects offered by the University of Basel, or acquire language skills.

Bachelor’s admission requirements

The Student Administration Office at the University of Basel is responsible for admitting students to bachelor’s programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. This is based on the admission regulations of the President’s Office:

  • with Swiss educational qualifications, 
  • foreign educational qualifications, or
  • as a visiting student (not working toward a degree at the University of Basel)

Holders of a Swiss federal Maturität certificate will be admitted to all bachelor’s degree programs.

If you have any further questions, please consult the information provided here.

Registration dates

Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.

Information events

The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the <link de fakultaet aktuelles external-link-new-window internen link im aktuellen>events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.

Bachelor’s examination & degree

Deadlines and dates Bachelor studies (see information sheets under documents and information sheets)

Students can register for the Bachelor's examination if they have achieved 60 CP in the subject to be examined or 120 CP in the degree program and have completed the seminar papers that count towards the degree in the subject to be examined or in the degree program. Proof is provided by presenting the module assignment.

It is now also possible to examine only one subject per session. This means that the two Bachelor's examinations can be divided into two sessions (note: only for subjects - it is not possible to separate the two examinations for degree programs).

Please consider: As a resolution the upcoming Bachelor exams will be taken online in the open book format until further notice. For detailed information please read the information sheet Registration Bachelor Examination as well as the information sheet Procedure Bachelor Examination carefully.

 FS 2022SS 2023FS 2023
Registration forms (degree subject / program) available fromexpired23.01.2328.08.23
Registration periodexpired06.03. - 24.03.2325.09. - 13.10.23
Examination09.12. & 16.12.2215.05. & 22.05.2308.12. & 15.12.23
Notification of grades20.01.2330.06.2319.01.24
Degree application forms available no later than06.01.2303.07.2305.01.24
Examination inspection and application for graduation23.01. - 10.02.2331.07. - 18.08.2322.01. - 09.02.24
Graduation ceremony22.04.2314.10.2320.04.24

Subject to subsequent changes.

Continuing on to a master’s degree

  • Master of Arts in Sociology

Academic advice

Teaching committee