Sociology and study programmes in the subject at the University of Heidelberg are assigned to the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences.

While the Max Weber Institute offers students the opportunity to acquire the theoretical and methodological fundamentals of sociology, the teaching and research profile of the institute permit individual specialization in selected fields. The aim of study is to cultivate the “sociological imagination” (Mills 1963) of students and encourage creative thinking.

The bachelor’s course in sociology was introduced in the winter semester 2006/2007 and is a consecutive full-time course with a standard period of study of 6 semesters. Admission to this course for majors at the Bergheim Campus is limited to 80 places. Students majoring in the subject require 180 credit points for admission, and those taking it as an unrestricted minor subject 35.

The master’s course in sociology was introduced in the winter semester 2009/2010 and is a consecutive full-time course with a standard period of study of 4 semesters. Admission to this course for majors at the Bergheim Campus is limited to 45 places. Students majoring in the subject require 120 credit points for admission, and those taking it as an unrestricted minor subject 20.