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
Best countries to study sociology
How to study sociology abroad
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Sociology study abroad programs
Sociology undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in sociology
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Criminal Justice & Sociology - BSc University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,570 USD
Fee in university's local currency 17,570 USD
- Start date
- May, September
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Criminal justice/sociology - BAAS Eastern New Mexico University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
8,128 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,128 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Human Geography with Sociology - BA (Hons) University of Suffolk, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,071 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,790 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Media Communications and Sociology - BA (Hons) Bath Spa University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,492 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,300 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Humanities: Sociology & Politics - BA (Hons) (with foundation) Institute of Technology Sligo, Ireland
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,735 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,500 EUR
- Start date
- September
Associate in sociology
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Sociology - AA Hesston College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,992 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,992 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Sociology - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,790 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,383 CAD
- Start date
- September, January, May
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Sociology (Transfer Pathway) - AA St. Charles Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
5,520 USD
Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Sociology (Direct Transfer) - AA North Seattle College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,687 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD
- Start date
- September, January, April, June
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Sociology (for Transfer) - AA Laney College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
7,950 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD
- Start date
- August, January, June
Pathway in sociology
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Sociology & Psychological Studies (Foundation) - FD Leeds Beckett University, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,858 USD
Fee in university's local currency 10,900 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
Sociology graduate programs
Master's in sociology
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Applied Sociology - MA William Paterson University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
20,454 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,454 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Education and Sociology - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,109 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,150 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
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Sociology of Politics and International Relations - MA Nizhny Novgorod State University, Russia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
4,000 USD
Fee in university's local currency 4,000 USD
- Start date
- October
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Sociology: Internet and Society - MA (with foundation) Maynooth University, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,980 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR
- Start date
- September, January, June
-
Sociology - MA Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,034 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in sociology
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Education and Sociology - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 6 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,109 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,150 GBP
- Start date
- October, February
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Sociology - PhD Maynooth University, Ireland
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,980 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Sociology - PhD Koç University, Turkey
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
0 USD
Fee in university's local currency 0 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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.
