Interdisciplinary transfer of social science topics
Political Science • Sociology • Social Psychology
If you are already pursuing a B.Sc. in Social Sciences and would like to find out about the specific details of your bachelor's degree programme, you will find information on the “programme structure” page.
Key Facts
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Duration:
6 semesters
Credits:
180 ECTS
Languages:
German, English
Beginning:
Winter semester
Content:
Interdisciplinary study programme - teaching social science topics in combination with a political science or sociology/social psychology focus.
International:
Studies abroad, summer school, Business English course (optional)
This programme provides you with:
Preparation for tomorrow's societal challenges: The degree programme provides you with an in-depth practice und theory-driven education, which prepares you to analyse social science issues and enables you to understand societal cause-effect contexts within the fields of economics, politics, and social psychology.
Practical experience: Through the internship that is integrated into the course of study, you gain valuable professional experience in a relevant field. The internship offers you an insight into the professional and working world of social scientists and enables you to reflect on and apply the analytical skills acquired during your studies.
You should have the following knowledge and skills:
You should have the following professional, methodological and personal strengths and inclinations for the successful completion of this Bachelor's degree:
interest in social and political issues
abstract and conceptual thinking skills
good analytical skills and a basic understanding of mathematics
good German and English language skills
independent, goal- and result-oriented working style
motivation and ability to work in a team
By taking the online math test in ILIAS, prospective students can compare their knowledge and skills to the requirements for most of the degree programmes at the WiSo-Faculty (test instructions in German).
I decided to study social sciences in Cologne because it combines a broad range of subjects and interests. You gain insights into sociology, psychology, politics, mathematics, philosophy, economics and much more. In the course of your studies, you learn to question society and yourself as an individual, as well as to classify and understand current events.
Programme overview
What is "Social Sciences"?
The social sciences basically include the fields of sociology and political science. Sociological questions deal with the social interrelations within and between communities, societies, and organisations. Political science examines, from a theoretical and empirical perspective, the order and regulation of social coexistence through generally binding decisions in (sub-)national, European and international contexts.
The study programme offers a combination of both social science and economics fundamentals. Furthermore, later semesters focus on sociology combined either with social psychology or political science. Throughout the programme, students receive a well-founded, practice and theory-driven education for the formal analysis of social science issues.
Possible questions
The B.Sc. Social Sciences programme prepares students to solve the following and other questions:
How do parliamentary and presidential democracies differ?
Social structure: What influence does the socioeconomic background of a parent have on the opportunities of their children?
How can symptoms described by the "groupthink" approach be illustrated using an example of US foreign policy?
Sociological theory: What constitutes modern societies and how do they change?
How does European economic integration change national political economies?
Social psychology: When do people trust each other?
In what ways can a company promote the sale of its products?
Methods/statistics:How do you collect meaningful survey data and how do you interpret it?
Optimal preparation for future challenges
The topics and approaches in the B.Sc. Social Sciences are diverse. Due to the subject-specific range and interdisciplinary nature of the programme, you will be trained as a generalist and likewise be able to sharpen your own subject-specific and thematic focus through your corresponding choice of courses and internships.
The Social Sciences degree programme enables you to understand politics and society and its complexities. Within the framework of the multidisciplinary degree programme, current challenges of our time, such as political decision-making, European policy, social inequalities, migration, as well as trust and social cohesion, are analysed with comprehensive methodological-analytical skills and you, as a student, are enabled to develop appropriate and responsible options for action.
International
International orientation throughout the entire course of study
Many current social issues dealt with by the social sciences are characterised by their transnational and intercultural dimensions. Foreign language skills and an international outlook on social issues are therefore extremely important for the degree programme and your future career.
Optional semester abroad
The WiSo Faculty is a member of several networks of international universities, which assists you in spending a semester abroad at one of over 140 renowned partner universities. The programme is designed that you can spend a semester abroad in your fourth or fifth semester. We will be happy to advise you and provide you with organisational support before, during and after your exchange.
An opportunity for global networking
With its balanced theoretical and practical approach, the degree programme prepares you for entry into internationally-oriented professions and enables you to work in an internationalised environment. Additionally, the WiSo Faculty has a broad alumni network of former students who work in all areas of business around the globe.
Career opportunities
In addition to social sciences, the degree programme in Cologne can also include economics, social psychology and other interdisciplinary areas. The combination of a scientific foundation and practical orientation along with the possibility for setting individual focal points in the degree programme, open up a variety of career perspectives at home and abroad. In the bachelor's degree programme, skills are acquired that prepare students for numerous professional fields. These skills are not only of great value in the private sector but also in specific occupational fields.
Graduates with a more political science profile often find career opportunities in:
political parties and organisations
foundations and non-governmental organisations
ministries
public authorities
international organisations
Graduates with a more sociological/ socio-psychological profile often find career opportunities in:
social- and market research
statistic departments
social planning
education sector
consultancy services
public relations and human resource- or organisation development
international non-profit organisations, associations and media
Apply for a master's degree after your bachelor's degree!
With a good bachelor's degree and an appropriate focus, the programme also prepares you for further academic training and a scientific career, e.g. in the Cologne M.A. Political Science, the M.Sc. Sociology - Social Research or the M.Sc. Sociology - Social and Economic Psychology.
Worldwide alumni career network
By enrolling in the programme, you become part of a large network of current and former students, our alumni. This gives you exclusive access to the practical and business world during and after your studies. Multiple event series and special coaching programmes put you in contact with companies and other potential employers.
So that you can get an idea of student life at the WiSo Faculty, WiSo -alumni from business, science and society report on their experiences during their studies as well as their professional careers and challenges.
The social science study programme provides an empirical-analytical view of current social and political challenges in Germany, Europe and the world. This gives you, as a graduate, excellent preparation for entry into professional practice or Master's programmes within and outside of sociology and political science.
Application information
We are looking forward to your application!
Application deadlines for online application
The application deadline for the first semester is usually:
15 July for the start of studies in winter semester
German-language proficiency at level DSH-2 or equivalent
English language skills B2 (CEFR) are required. These can be proven by:
University entrance qualification from Germany, EU or EEA countries: After the end of class 11 (G8) or class 12 (G9) at least 5 points in German grading system must be demonstrated (applies to German school leaving certificates).
University entrance qualification or higher education degree (e.g. bachelor's degree) totally taught in English
