Sociology is an empirical research discipline that provides theoretical explanations for social relationships across various levels, ranging from intimate relationships and small groups to large-scale organizations and entire societies. It strives for analyses based on empirical data rather than value judgments.
In Leipzig, we practice and teach sociology as an empirical social science, characterized by its independent theoretical tradition and a wide range of research fields. Employing systematic procedures and methods, it delves into how social structures and processes influence human action, and how these actions, in interaction with other actors, shape, sustain, or alter social structures and processes. Sociological research aims to uncover the social conditions of human action and interaction, as well as their often unforeseen or unintended social consequences.
Sociologists describe and interpret patterns and regularities of social action at both the micro and macro levels, examining individual actors as well as larger collectives. Taking a theory-based approach, they formulate hypotheses and test them using empirical data and appropriate methodologies. Sociology provides scientific insights into social distributions and relationships, institutions, organizations, social change, and social dynamics. As a cumulative empirical science, sociology maintains close connections with neighboring disciplines. Both the Bachelor's and Master's programs in sociology at Leipzig University emphasize empirical research. Prospective students should be highly analytical and comfortable with elementary mathematical techniques. The curriculum includes courses on empirical methods of social research, statistics, and tools and techniques from computational social science.
Comprising seven working groups, our institute covers a broad spectrum of research and teaching areas. This broad range offers students the opportunity to specialize in various fields, including the analysis of social structures and institutions in national and transnational contexts, sociology of education and health, social network analysis, diffusion research, environmental sociology, , and cultural sociology.
Currently, there are approximately 100 Bachelor's students and 15 Master's students per year.
B.A. SOCIOLOGY
Our Bachelor’s program equips students with the skills to identify relevant social issues and research questions, analyze them using appropriate theoretical approaches and empirical methodologies, and draw practical conclusions. In the program, students gain a solid foundation in sociological theories and models, learn essential methods of empirical social research, develop fundamental statistical knowledge, and explore social structures of contemporary societies alongside selected specialized sociologies. Through a 1-year practical research seminar, students will apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge, critically engaging with scientific research outcomes. The course culminates in an independent empirical research project, providing students with hands-on experience in empirical social research methods, statistical analysis tools, and the interpretation of their findings.
M.A. SOCIOLOGY
The sociology Master's program is strongly research-oriented, emphasizing the use of formal methods in theory formation and statistics. Core study areas include analyses of social distributions and relationships, institutions and organizations, as well as social change and dynamics. Students participate in a practical research seminar where they conduct their own empirical projects in preparation for their Master's thesis.
The Bachelor's program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in the Master's program. The program includes elective courses and key qualification areas that foster connections to other disciplines and fields of practice, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange. The Bachelor's program also prepares for professional practice in industry and administration. Specifically, students will develop the ability to apply core sociological theories and research methods across various professional domains, including market and social research, consulting, administration, human resources, media, and culture.
The primary objective of the Master's program is to prepare students with advanced academic qualifications for careers in research, teaching, and other research-related activities. Additionally, our graduates build careers in market and social research, business associations and corporations, human resources, media, and culture.