Apáczai Csere János Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences

The development and the existence of modern societies generates several, sometimes contradictory, processes. Technological progress is making our daily lives easier and at the same time triggers irreversible changes in the natural world around us. These changes also affect the daily lives of the individuals and communities that make up societies, influencing people's relationships and opportunities in life. The aim of the programme is to provide an appropriate and useful theoretical and methodological background for the study of these processes. With a degree in sociology, one can fulfill a wide range of occupations. Some examples of the fields covered are: human resource management, social policy, minority policy, education, health, urban management, urban development, regional and territorial development, socio-cultural sphere, media, marketing and public opinion research, human ecology and environment, advocacy, research management. Potential employers include both public and market sector companies, municipalities, NGOs.

Structure of studies

The total number of credits needed to complete the programme is 180 credits. The courses of the programme are divided into three categories: compulsory courses (158 credits), thesis (10 credits) and elective courses (12 credits). 1 credit equals one ECTS credit, and 1 credit is defined as 25 student working hours.

Language requirements

TOEFL 513 / IELTS 5.5 /oral examination, TOEFL IBT test score of 66 or any standardised international English language exam corresponding with Hungarian B2 at the Bachelors level and C1 at Masters level. If there is no standardised English exam, the University relies on an online interview. Applicants not complying with language requirements must enrol in a preparatory language programme. After having completed the language course and passed the requisite final examination, if there are no professional reservations on the part of the Faculty, admission to the selected Bachelor's programme is automatic.

Academic requirements

Completed and signed application form, copy of your passport, notarized copy of secondary/high school graduation results, notarized copy of the Transcript of Records, notarized copy of your language certificate, recent photograph, Curriculum Vitae (resumé) in English, Motivational Letter in English, Academic Reference letter in English (Issued by your former academic institution/teacher)

Programme educational objectives:

The Sociology BSc programme at Széchenyi István University is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for successful careers in the field of sociology. Our programme educational objectives (PEOs) are as follows:

PEO#1: Graduates have acquired the basic theoretical knowledge needed to identify the main social problems and their basic structural interrelationships

PEO#2: Students have the practical and methodological skills needed to explore, analyse and understand the main social problems and their basic structural interrelationships 

PEO#3: Graduates with their acquired sociological knowledge, can help to implement a knowledge- based information society, improve the quality of life, improve the conditions for equal opportunities, enhance social democracy and strengthen social integration

PEO#4: Prepared to continue their studies at Master's level

Student Outcomes:

The student outcomes (SOs) of our programme represent the skills, knowledge and behaviours that our curriculum aims to impart to our students. The Sociology BSc programme defines seven SOs (1) to (7) to guide student development as follows:

1. Knowledge of the main concepts of social science, the subsystems, structure and stratification of society, social norms and values, social action and interaction, social processes.2. The knowledge of major historical, theoretical and practical aspects of sociology, that leads to a deeper understanding of social contexts than common thinking.
3. It provides a practical analysis of the sociological research process.
4. Knowledge of the basic principles of social research methodology, the main research methods, basic data analysis procedures, databases and data sources.
5. Skills how to collect and process sociologically relevant information, using modern information technology at a basic level.
6. Skills of how one can contribute to the selection and application of research methods appropriate to the research problem.
7. Openness to social change, receptiveness to adapting anti-prejudice approaches,
commitment to reducing social inequalities.

Job opportunities:

A degree in sociology can lead to a wide range of jobs. Some examples of relevant fields are: human resource management, social policy, minority policy, education, health, urban management, urban development, regional and territorial development, socio-cultural sphere, media, marketing and public opinion research, human ecology and environment, research management. Potential employers include both public and market sector companies, employers, municipalities, NGOs. The diploma obtained is recognised as equivalent in the European Union.

Subject matter details:

Please find here the subject list of the program