The Undergraduate Sociology Programme in France at Sciences Po

Sciences Po is an international research university, both selective and open to the world. It was ranked 1st in France for social sciences and 2nd globally for Politics and International Studies (QS Rankings, 2024).

At Sciences Po in Paris, the Bachelor’s programme in Humanities and Social Sciences (equivalent to a UK Undergraduate degree) incorporates sociology as one of its core disciplines. This post-secondary programme, offered across our seven campuses, combines the study of sociology with complementary fields such as economics, law, political science, history, and the humanities.

Rather than a traditional single-subject degree in sociology, our curriculum adopts a multidisciplinary and comparative approach. This unique framework equips students with the tools to understand contemporary issues through an in-depth analysis of social dynamics and societal structures.

Over three years, students develop a strong foundation in key sociological theories and thinkers, preparing them for specialised Master’s programmes and a wide range of career opportunities.
 

Sociology in the Sciences Po Undergraduate programme

Sociology is a central discipline in the Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, providing students with a structured approach to understanding contemporary social, political, and cultural issues. As part of this Undergraduate programme, students develop a strong foundation in sociological theories and research methods, preparing them for further study or professional opportunities in various fields.

This three-year degree offers a multidisciplinary perspective, combining sociology with insights from political science, economics, law, and history. Courses explore a range of themes, including corporate and labour sociology, urban sociology, and social inequalities. Students are introduced to key methodological approaches, allowing them to analyse social dynamics critically and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.

The programme emphasises the development of analytical and critical thinking skills. By the end of their Undergraduate studies, students will be able to conduct independent research, interpret sociological data, and engage with current debates on public policy and social change.

Some of the sociology courses available during the first two years of the bachelor’s degree include:

• Introduction to sociology
• Key sociological issues: a gender perspective
• Sociology of religions
• Global sociological debates

Discover more about sociology as a core subject in Sciences Po’s Undergraduate programme in France.

Enhancing sociology studies in the Sciences Po Undergraduate studies

In the second and third years of the Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts in France, students can deepen their knowledge of sociology through multidisciplinary majors. The Economies and Societies, Political Humanities, and Politics and Government majors incorporate key sociological perspectives, allowing students to explore social structures, transformations, and contemporary issues.

The Economies and Societies major examines sociology in relation to economic and social change. Students explore the connections between social phenomena and economic developments, gaining insight into how economic processes shape and are shaped by society.

The Political Humanities major integrates sociological perspectives into the study of political thought and contemporary debates. Through engagement with sociological theories and texts, students develop a critical understanding of social concepts along with their historical and political significance.

In the Politics and Government major, sociology contributes to the analysis of political institutions and governance. Students examine how political systems evolve within broader social contexts, enhancing their understanding of political and social structures at both national and international levels.

Courses within these majors cover a range of topics, including social policy analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and contemporary sociological theories. Students also have opportunities to engage in research projects, internships, and other practical experiences that support the application of sociological knowledge in professional settings.

These majors enable students to explore sociology within an interdisciplinary framework, equipping them with analytical and critical thinking skills relevant to further Undergraduate studies, postgraduate education, or a variety of career paths in France.

Find out more about the majors available in the Sciences Po Undergraduate programme.

Sociology in the Sciences Po Bachelor’s programme in France: A global perspective through geographical minors

The Sciences Po Bachelor of Arts integrates sociology into a global framework through its geographical minors, available across its campuses in Paris and other regions of France. These complementary study areas enable students to explore social structures and societal transformations within specific regional contexts, broadening their academic perspective.

Geographical minors provide an opportunity to examine social, political, and economic dynamics in various parts of the world. By applying sociological theories and methods to different cultural and geopolitical settings, students develop a comparative understanding of global social phenomena.

Each Sciences Po campus offers a distinct geographical focus:

• Dijon Campus: European Union, Central and Eastern Europe
• Le Havre Campus: Asia-Pacific
• Menton Campus: Mediterranean and Middle East
• Nancy Campus: European Union, Franco-German partnership
• Poitiers Campus: Latin America and the Caribbean
• Reims Campus: North America and Africa

Courses within these minors address a range of topics, allowing students to situate sociological concepts within specific regional frameworks. This approach encourages critical engagement with global social issues and fosters a deeper comparative perspective.

By integrating geographical perspectives into their Undergraduate sociology studies, students gain insight into regional and international challenges. This interdisciplinary approach provides a strong foundation for careers in international organisations, policy analysis, and research, where an understanding of both local and global contexts is essential.

Find out more about the geographical minors available in Sciences Po’s Undergraduate programme.

Bachelor’s study abroad opportunities in sociology

The third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at Sciences Po in Paris and other campuses in France offers students the opportunity to specialise in sociology through a university exchange with international partner institutions. This Undergraduate programme is designed to provide a broad academic foundation while allowing students to develop a sociological perspective shaped by diverse cultural and academic contexts.

Partner universities, located in varied social and cultural settings, provide an environment conducive to exploring sociological theories and research from an international standpoint. The exchange year is an integral part of the Undergraduate studies at Sciences Po, enabling students to take specialised courses, engage in academic research, and examine social phenomena within different institutional frameworks.

During their time abroad, students can choose from a range of sociology courses, focusing on key theories and contemporary social issues. As part of their bachelor’s studies, they are encouraged to develop analytical and critical thinking skills through research seminars and academic discussions, further strengthening their expertise in sociology.

Beyond academic study, bachelor’s degree students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and society of their host country. Engaging with local scholars, visiting sociocultural sites, and experiencing different ways of life contribute to a broader perspective on societies and their dynamics.

Some of the universities where students have pursued their third year of Undergraduate studies in sociology as part of the Bachelor of Arts programme include:

• University of California, Berkeley
• London School of Economics
• Universidad de Buenos Aires
• National University of Singapore
• Freie Universität Berlin

Find out more about study abroad opportunities in the third year of the bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po in Paris and other campuses in France.

The civic learning programme of the Bachelor’s degree programme at Sciences Po in Paris and France: developing skills in sociology

The civic learning programme of the Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po in Paris and other campuses in France is an integral part of the academic curriculum, designed to support the development of sociological skills in Undergraduate students. This track offers students the opportunity to engage actively in field projects, enhancing their practical understanding of contemporary social dynamics and societal challenges.

The civic learning programme aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and real-world application. Through internships, association projects, and collaborations with non-governmental organisations, public institutions, and businesses, students are placed in the midst of current social issues. This field-based immersion allows them to observe, analyse, and contribute to the resolution of concrete sociological challenges, providing valuable practical experience alongside their bachelor’s studies.

For instance, a student enrolled in sociology may collaborate with a local community organisation to explore migration and integration dynamics or partner with a municipality on sustainable urban development initiatives. These experiences enable students to apply sociological methods, gather empirical data, and develop analytical and applied research skills within real-world contexts.

The civic learning programme also provides an opportunity for students to cultivate transferable skills such as project management, intercultural communication, and teamwork. These abilities are crucial for sociologists working in diverse and multicultural settings.

Additionally, students are encouraged to critically reflect on the ethical and social dimensions of their work, which fosters a sense of civic responsibility and commitment to public service and social justice. This ethical approach is a core aspect of the civic learning programme, preparing students for careers where they can contribute to social change.

In summary, the civic learning programme of the Bachelor’s programme at Sciences Po plays a vital role in developing sociological skills, enabling students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience. It equips them to address the complex challenges of the modern world with both rigor and ethical commitment.

Find out more about the civic learning programme, including opportunities in the legal field.

Academic specialisation in sociology through Master’s programmes at Sciences Po

Upon completing their Bachelor’s degree, many students opt to continue their academic path by enrolling in Master’s programmes at Sciences Po in Paris and other campuses in France, where sociology remains a central focus. These graduate programmes provide students with the opportunity to expand their sociological knowledge and prepare for a range of careers in areas such as academic research, teaching, consulting, public policy, and international development.