Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective
Winter intake start date
2027-02-01
Winter intake deadline
2026-11-25
Translate important societal questions from both micro and macro perspectives into sociological problems related to politics, social cohesion, and inequality. In the Master's track Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective you study issues such as populism, social movements, and the welfare state. You will also evaluate social policies and use research as input for new policies. This Master's is a track of the MSc Sociology.
This Master's program is socially, research and policy oriented. You address social questions related to issues such as populism, class difference, and globalization. You do this academically by doing research, but also practically, by translating these issues into policy, and investigating the effect of policy on behavior.
- Taught in small, interactive workgroups with excellent individual thesis supervision.
- The Extended Master's program adds one semester to the total program to provide you with a half-year traineeship position to enhance your skills and gain relevant work experience.
- With a Double Degree program, you have the opportunity to earn a degree from both Tilburg University and one of our partner universities:
- Double degree in Sociology and Social Research (with the University of Trento - Trento, Italy)
- Double degree in Sociology and Population Studies (with the Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona, Spain)
- Double degree in Sociology (with the University of Bamberg - Bamberg, Germany)
Related tracks
- The Politics, Policy and Societal Development track gives you a different perspective on sustainable development based on the theories and methods pertinent to the Global Management of Social Issues discipline. This specialization addresses societal issues and sustainable development from a sociological perspective.
- The Health, Wellbeing and Society track combines scientific insights from sociology and health sciences. With a strong collaboration with healthcare organizations, you will learn to become a specialist in the field of healthcare policy, societal resilience, and health and wellbeing.
Typical courses:
- Social Movements: Social Media, Democracy and Change
- Social Policy and Social Risks
- The Social Structure of Western Societies
- Politics and Society in Comparative Perspective
- ECTS transcript – If you are still completing your Bachelor’s degree, upload an ECTS transcript showing the subjects you have studied, your grades, and the number of credits awarded. Your Bachelor’s diploma must be uploaded later, as soon as you receive it.
- Bachelor’s diploma – If you have already graduated, upload your Bachelor’s diploma. A separate ECTS transcript is not required.
Note: Your Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a related field as the Master’s programme you are applying for. The university will check whether you have completed enough relevant subjects and ECTS credits.
Important! View the full requirements on the university’s official website. Requirements may vary depending where you completed your bachelor education.
Applicants have to prove their English language skills either by an internationally recognized language test or upon previous studies. Usually English language skills can be proved by the following documents:
- TOEFL iBT*
- IELTS Academic
- A Cambridge English qualification
- Higher education degree completed in English
- Secondary education completed in English in a country or school qualification accepted by the university
- An English subject and grade on your secondary school leaving certificate that meet the university’s requirements
- Other
Important: Accepted methods and minimum results depend on study programme and the country where you completed your education. Check the official requirements for your chosen study programme.
*Use the Kastu promo code LTU1000102 when registering for TOEFL iBT and receive a 5% discount.
Range of careers
Sociologists may be employed as researchers, policy officers, advisors or management team members. Jobs in communication, media, research and education are also suitable for sociologists. Some graduates work as organizational or human resources policy advisors in the public or private sector. The work may be in the field of labor and employment, culture, welfare, recreation, entertainment or health care.
The range of careers open to our Sociology graduates include:
General policy officer, secretary or board member for national, provincial, municipal or private institutes working on issues related to employment, welfare, culture, education, recreation or health care.
Adviser on organizational or personnel policy for the government, the education sector or the business sector.
Jobs in journalism and the media within the field of verbal and written communication, and jobs in the information sector.
Researcher for the government, the education sector or the business sector
Teacher in secondary or tertiary education.
