Studying at the Institute of Sociology

The Institute of Sociology is part of the Department of Social Sciences, and contributes considerably to the vibrant social science research landscape at Bremen University and beyond. In teaching and research, the main focal areas are sociological theories, social science research methods and statistics, political and comparative sociology, migration studies, developmental sociology, social networks, family, life course research, as well as education, work, and social inequality.

We offer training at the undergraduate and graduate level: BA in Sociology and MA in Sociology and Social Research. Students in the Bachelor program Sociology are exposed to a wide array of theoretical approaches and branches of sociology. Our Master’s programme Sociology and Social Research offers students thorough project-based training in advanced quantitative and qualitative methods. Further, students can choose from an extensive array of General Studies courses each term, complementing the broad range of topics and methods.

Nearly all courses offered under the two programs are open to ERASMUS students. Courses in neighbouring disciplines within the social sciences can also be attended. German is the language of instruction in most courses. However, each term several courses are offered in English, covering in total about 30 Credit Points. This enables guest students to also study in English.

You can find all available courses at the University of Bremen in the Study Program. Please select the term of your exchange – afterwards you can browse the study program by course of study. In general, you can attend courses in the field of sociology, the social sciences or other scientific disciplines. However, as you visit the University of Bremen via the Erasmus contract with the Institute of Sociology, please choose at least 15 Credit Points in the study program of the social sciences (“Fachbereich 08: Sozialwissenschaften”).

If you are particularly interested in courses in English, you can choose the option “show courses in English” at the top of each course list. Please note: For participating in courses in English at least B2 level is mandatory. Likewise, for courses in German at least B2 level is mandatory.

Here is a selection of courses offered in the social sciences during the last terms:

Introduction to Sociology in English (English)
Inequality in Education: A global perspective (English)
Current Debates in Social Inequality: Global Inequality (English)
Sociology meets Psychology: Acting Socially Sustainably in Organisations (English)
The Sociology of Markets (English)
Gender, Work and Welfare (English)
Social Theory (German)
Methods of Social Research & Social Statistics (German)
Organizational Sociology (German)
Sociology of Poverty (German)
Sociology of Migration (German)
Sociology of Gender (German)

Be welcome to visit our study program to check out which courses we offer in the current term.

Please consider: The preparation of the study program is often done during the semester break. Thus, it might be that you prepare your Learning Agreement – Before the mobility and not all courses are available at that time point. In this case, please refer to the study program of the year before – as some courses are offered yearly. As soon as you start your exchange, you can update your choice of courses with the Learning Agreement – During the mobility. For further information regarding the Learning Agreement please have a look at the section “Important documents”.

Erasmus Coordinator. All questions regarding the choice of courses, ECTS points, Learning Agreement, and Transcript of Records should be directed to the Erasmus Coordinator of the Institute of Sociology. Currently, Dr. Insa Pruisken is the primary contact person for student mobility. Prof. Dr. Thomas Kern is the primary contact person for staff mobility. Both can be contacted via: erasmus-sociologyprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

International Office. All general questions regarding studying at the University of Bremen, e.g. about the Erasmus exchange program in general or the confirmation of the Erasmus Study Period should be directed to the International Office Team. You can directly contact them by email (incomingprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de) or visit them during their office hours.
Their homepage offers a great range of information regarding the Erasmus program and your stay in Bremen in general. The International Office has also put together a list of practical information about studying in Bremen concerning topics like housing and finances in this section.
Further, you are welcome to participate in the orientation program for incoming students organized by the International Office which usually takes place two or three weeks before lectures start. During the orientation program, the Erasmus Coordinator of the Institute of Sociology offers a special office hour for incoming Erasmus students.

Additionally, you can have a look at the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Studying-in-Germany, which provides lots of information about studying and living in Germany.