Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Sociology (2026–2029)

Upon completion of the study, candidates should:

Knowledge

• Have broad knowledge of key perspectives, concepts, theories, and methods within sociology
• Be familiar with how theoretical perspectives and concepts are used in studies of how social interaction shapes societal structures
• Be aware of important historical developments in sociology as a discipline
• Be familiar with descriptions of and perspectives on societal change
• Be able to describe typical characteristics of modern societies along economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions
• Be aware of global differences and similarities between societies, and how globalization affects individual lives
• Be familiar with key and recent research in sociology generally, with particular focus on welfare and equality, family and childhood, globalization and migration, participation, deviance, and crime
• Be able to explain various methods used by social researchers to collect and analyze data

Skills

• Be able to apply sociological perspectives and theories in analyses of key societal questions and development trends
• Be able to engage in professional discussions with the ability to give and receive constructive criticism
• Be able to formulate relevant issues and use different scientific methods
• Be able to use their knowledge within sociological themes to identify important social problems and development tendencies, find, assess, and refer to relevant information about them in a reflective manner
• Be able to gather data and express themselves both in writing and orally

General Competence

• Be able to explain important research ethical issues
• Have developed critical abilities, independence, and analytical skills
• Be able to convey key sociological perspectives and issues both in writing and orally
• Be able to reflect on how sociological perspectives can be used to understand changes in society and working life
• Be able to use sociological perspectives to understand consequences of changes in society
• Be able to plan and carry out a sociological project over time, either alone or as part of a group, in line with ethical principles and guidelines

Sociology is the study of society, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human actions. Sociology provides tools to understand how society functions, how social institutions influence our lives, and how the relationship between individuals and society creates social life. Since all human actions are fundamentally social and often follow patterns that are relatively independent of the individual, sociologists are concerned with everything from close relationships to global changes. Sociology addresses major societal issues, from climate disasters to financial crises, political polarization, and growing class differences, but is also concerned with relationships between individuals on a micro-level.

A sociologist possesses the knowledge needed to create inclusion, social change, or advancement within institutions and organizations. Sociologists become skilled at analyzing society and can develop and implement processes that aim for inclusion, knowledge development, and interaction between different groups in society. This competence is relevant for a wide range of employers in the private and public sectors.

The bachelor's program in sociology at UiA offers broad thematic coverage, including welfare, inequality, globalization, education, crime, family relationships, gender, religion, and minorities. Sociology provides theoretical perspectives and frameworks that enable students to understand and describe society's complexity. Research methods form a central part of the study, and the bachelor's thesis allows students to delve into a self-selected sociological issue. The bachelor's program in sociology is suitable for those interested in understanding and gaining the competence to analyze key characteristics of our modern societies and how they change.

The bachelor's program consists of a specialization in sociology of 110 ECTS credits, including the bachelor's thesis of 20 ECTS credits (all courses with the SV code in the study plan). Additionally, students must take courses in scientific methods and ex.phil., and a 40 ECTS credit elective breadth component.