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    Study sociology abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying sociology as an international student.

    Find sociology programs

    Explore sociology programs abroad

    See other programs in sociology

    Sociology degrees abroad

    Sociology is the study of human beings and their relationships with society. It’s a discipline that includes elements of political science, history, psychology and economics.

    As a sociology student, you’ll analyze how social structures operate in society and how they have changed over time. You’ll cover topics such as social class, gender, race, education, and the legal system to gain a comprehensive understanding of how social processes interact with human experience.

    It’s difficult to appreciate quite how diverse societies across the world are without traveling beyond your own cultural context; that’s why studying sociology abroad is a fantastic opportunity. By immersing yourself in another cultural environment, you’ll experience different social formats, customs and issues which will help you become a more insightful and critical sociologist.

    Sociology program structure

    Sociology is a global discipline that can be studied all over the world. Before you decide where to study, it’s important to bear in mind that location will determine the kinds of societal structures and processes that you’ll experience.

    Most undergraduate programs are taught over three to five years and they will cover core sociological topics to provide you with a thorough understanding of the field. You can also study a master’s in sociology over one or two years or a PhD which typically takes around five years to finish.

    It’s also possible to study sociology in combination with another subject, like history or political science. This is a great way of tailoring your degree to your interests.

    Most countries and universities around the world will allow you to dedicate nearly all of your study time to your subject or subjects of choice. But, if you want to study as an undergraduate in the US, you’ll need to complete two years of general education before focusing entirely on your major for your final two years of study.

    The majority of sociology programs are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Although assessment methods differ between programs and institutions, you’ll probably be assessed through exams, essays, presentations and reports from any fieldwork you carry out.

    Like all programs, the content and structure of sociology programs will vary between universities. But, as a general rule, you can expect to find these core areas of study at most institutions:

    • Social theories
    • Research methods
    • Evolutionary sociology
    • Political sociology
    • Feminist sociology
    • Crime and punishment
    • Ethnography
    • Social welfare
    Sociology program structure

    Sociology is a global discipline that can be studied all over the world. Before you decide where to study, it’s important to bear in mind that location will determine the kinds of societal structures and processes that you’ll experience.

    Most undergraduate programs are taught over three to five years and they will cover core sociological topics to provide you with a thorough understanding of the field. You can also study a master’s in sociology over one or two years or a PhD which typically takes around five years to finish.

    It’s also possible to study sociology in combination with another subject, like history or political science. This is a great way of tailoring your degree to your interests.

    Most countries and universities around the world will allow you to dedicate nearly all of your study time to your subject or subjects of choice. But, if you want to study as an undergraduate in the US, you’ll need to complete two years of general education before focusing entirely on your major for your final two years of study.

    The majority of sociology programs are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Although assessment methods differ between programs and institutions, you’ll probably be assessed through exams, essays, presentations and reports from any fieldwork you carry out.

    Like all programs, the content and structure of sociology programs will vary between universities. But, as a general rule, you can expect to find these core areas of study at most institutions:

    • Social theories
    • Research methods
    • Evolutionary sociology
    • Political sociology
    • Feminist sociology
    • Crime and punishment
    • Ethnography
    • Social welfare

    Best countries to study sociology

    Best universities to study sociology

    See all universities offering sociology programs

    How to study sociology abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Sociology study abroad programs

    Sociology undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in sociology

    • false

      Anthropology/Sociology - Anthropology Track - BA Florida International University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,566 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Anthropology/Sociology - Anthropology Track
    • false

      Sociology - Applied - BSc Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,929 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Sociology - Applied
    • false

      Education and Sociology - BA (Hons) Edge Hill University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      12,250 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Education and Sociology
    • false

      Criminal Justice & Sociology - BSc University of Wyoming, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,570 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, May
      Show program overview about Criminal Justice & Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - BSc/BA Eastern New Mexico University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,128 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Sociology
    See all bachelor's degrees in sociology

    Associate in sociology

    • false

      Sociology - AA College of Alameda, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, June, August
      Show program overview about Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,383 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      May, January, September
      Show program overview about Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - AA Moraine Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,408 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, August, June
      Show program overview about Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February, June, August
      Show program overview about Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - AA Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,000 CAD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Sociology
    See all associate degrees in sociology

    Pathway in sociology

    • false

      Sociology & Psychological Studies (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK

      Program type
      Undergraduate pathway
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,900 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Sociology & Psychological Studies (Foundation)
    See all undergraduate pathways in sociology

    Sociology graduate programs

    Master's in sociology

    • false

      Applied Sociology - MA William Paterson University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,454 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Applied Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - MA Texas State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,034 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Sociology
    • false

      Education and Sociology - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,300 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February, October
      Show program overview about Education and Sociology
    • false

      Public Sociology - MSc University of Northampton, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      13,750 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Public Sociology
    • false

      Sociology - MA DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,320 USD

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      September, March, January
      Show program overview about Sociology
    See all master's degrees in sociology

    Doctorate in sociology

    • false

      Education and Sociology - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,300 GBP

      Fees are displayed in the university's local currency

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Education and Sociology
    See all doctorates in sociology

    Future sociology careers

    As a sociology graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for the workplace because employers are always looking for individuals who can effectively research, analyze and communicate. Your vast skill set will be valued across many different sectors and roles, including:

    • Teacher
    • Journalist
    • Academic researcher
    • Civil servant
    • Member of Parliament
    • Counselor
    • Probation or prison officer
    • Lawyer

    Graduate jobs are often competitive so standing out from the crowd is important. Gaining some work experience in your chosen field will help strengthen your CV and prove your commitment to your career. Most universities will have a career support service that can help you to identify and apply for placements and internships.