Alumni afstudeerceremonie

Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective

1 year English Starts end of August and end of January

Translate important societal questions from both micro and macro perspectives into sociological problems related to politics, social cohesion, and inequality. In the Master's track Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective you study issues such as populism, social movements, and the welfare state. You will also evaluate social policies and use research as input for new policies. This Master's is a track of the MSc Sociology.

#94
In the field of Social Sciences and Management

QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023

Top 175
In Social Sciences worldwide

Times Higher Education Ranking, 2024

82%
would choose the same program again, at the same university

National Alumni Survey, 2021 | n=11

Program and courses

This Master's program is socially, research, and policy-oriented. You address social questions related to issues such as populism, class difference, and globalization. You will focus on the theory through research and gain practical tools by translating these issues into policy and investigating the effect of policy on behavior. You study societal issues related to politics, social cohesion, and inequality from both micro and macro perspectives.

Related tracks

  • The Politics, Policy and Societal Development track gives you a different perspective on sustainable development based on the theories and methods pertinent to the Global Management of Social Issues discipline. This specialization addresses societal issues and sustainable development from a sociological perspective.
  • The Health, Wellbeing and Society track combines scientific insights from sociology and health sciences. With a strong collaboration with healthcare organizations, you will learn to become a specialist in the field of healthcare policy, societal resilience, and health and wellbeing.

Typical courses:

  • Social Movements: Social Media, Democracy and Change
  • Social Policy and Social Risks
  • The Social Structure of Western Societies
  • Politics and Society in Comparative Perspective

More on the program and courses

  • Joep Cleven

    Joep Cleven

    Master's student

    "During this Master’s, I learned how to approach and understand social and political issues from different perspectives. My internship helped me put this knowledge into practice."

  • Romy Oomens

    Romy Oomens

    Master's student

    "The program covers topics such as populism, migration and social inequality. Because of the personal attention, you can shape the Master's with subjects that you find interesting."

  • Luuk van Weert

    Luuk van Weert

    Master's student

    "I chose this Master’s because I have always been curious about how society works. The versatility and depth of the program offer me good tools to study society from different angles."

Career prospects

As a graduate of the Master's track Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective, you are able to make a significant contribution to the analysis of and solutions to today's social problems. You are specialized in sociological research into social problems, and the impact of policy in areas such as labor, employment, culture, welfare, education, or healthcare. You could work as a researcher, policy officer, advisor, or in management. 

Graduates work, for example, as:

  • Policy Officer
  • (Junior) researcher
  • Lecturer
  • Consultant
  • Scientist
  • Journalist

Alumni facts

  • 70% of our alumni find a job within 6 months after graduation
  • 82% would choose the same program again, at the same university
  • 72% of the graduates are (very) satisfied with the program

Source: National Alumni Survey, recent graduates 2021 | n=11

More on your career prospects

Students on campus enjoying the good weather

Application and admission

This program starts:

At the end of August and at the end of January

Best preparatory programs:

  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Social Geography
  • Anthropology
  • Culture Studies
  • Human Resource Studies
  • Organization and Management Studies
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences

Pre-Master’s program

If your previous education does not entirely meet the entry requirements, you can do a pre-Master's program at Tilburg University. For this program, the pre-Master's program in Sociology is available to both Research University and Dutch University of Applied Sciences (hbo) students. The pre-Master's program takes half a year (30 ECTS) and starts at the end of August and at the end of January. 

Tuition fees and scholarships

International students find all information about tuition fees and scholarships here.

Interested in this Master's program?

Check your eligibility

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More information on this Master's program

Create your own e-brochure with information on program content, admission requirements, career prospects, and student life in Tilburg. Throughout the year you can take part in various types of events: on-campus, abroad or online.

Interested in the MSc Sociology: Politics, Policy and Society in Comparative Perspective?

Check your eligibility and the deadlines for application

Related Master’s programs