Sociology
The Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts of the Comenius University Bratislava is the oldest academic sociological workplace in Slovakia, with almost a century of tradition. The Bachelor’s degree study takes 3 years. Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree study in Sociology may continue with a follow-up Master’s degree study in Sociology lasting 2 years and, upon successful completion, may apply for an internal or external doctoral degree in Sociology.
STUDY CONTENT
The Bachelor’s degree in Sociology mainly provides knowledge and skills in the field of sociology (sociological theory, history and methods of sociological research), which are complemented by basic knowledge from related scholarly disciplines (e.g. demography, economics, philosophy, logic and methodology of science, political science, social psychology and psychology, statistics) and the study of foreign languages. For better employment after their study, graduates learn to apply their knowledge in analytical, research or survey practice. Sociology is an exciting intellectual adventure for understanding the actions of individuals and the mechanisms of human society, but it also has a practical side. It can offer explanatory insights into many current social problems and contribute to the search for solutions.
The Bachelor’s thesis in Sociology is original research in its nature. A graduate demonstrates the ability to master a defined research problem, to design and conduct sociological research and to interpret its findings. The state examination takes place before an examination board and consists of a defence of the Bachelor’s thesis. Upon successful completion of the Philosophy-Sociology Bachelor’s double major, students may continue on to a single-disciplinary study in Sociology or Philosophy.
Although the language of instruction is Slovak, knowledge of English is a prerequisite for study. By using the latest publications from abroad, students gain the ability to work with professional terminology in a foreign language and have access to the latest international research results. Proficiency in modern information technology, including statistical software for data processing and analysis, is also a prerequisite. During their study, students have an opportunity to choose from study stays abroad and gain practical experience through internships in public and private institutions in Slovakia.
GRADUATES’ EMPLOYMENT
Students of the 1st degree in Sociology are prepared to deal with the investigation of social phenomena, the analysis of current social problems and the processing of results of questionnaire surveys, interviews and observations. They will acquire an ability to apply their knowledge in practice, both in public administration and in the private sector (market research, marketing, public opinion research, human resources) and in non-profit organisations in jobs focusing on working with people and solving social problems. The ability to collect, process and interpret data from sociological research and other, particularly available statistical sources, is then essential for success on the labour market. The study therefore offers not only interesting cognitive horizons, but also a wide range of employment opportunities, from advertising and research agencies, through organisations focusing on regional development, human resources management and the social field, to scientific and research institutions.
BASIC STUDY PREREQUISITES AND REQUIREMENTS
We expect applicants to the study of Sociology to have a particular interest in social phenomena and social problems, the ability to think critically and knowledge of at least one foreign language (primarily English). A profile subject in high school and a good basis for the study of sociology is history and social studies.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will be admitted to the Sociology study programme on the basis of a general aptitude test as part of the National Comparative Exam provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o. Applicants who have taken part in the national round of the Human Rights Olympiad and placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd will be admitted without having to take the general aptitude test.
For more information about the department and study, prospective students can visit the website: https://fphil.uniba.sk/katedry-a-odborne-pracoviska/katedra-sociologie/ and on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/katedrasociologieuk/