Bachelor's Degree in Sociology

General Objectives of the Course

A Bachelor's in Sociology (1st Cycle) seeks to provide a solid training for the acquisition of theoretical and methodological tools as a basis for the practice of sociology, developing skills of sociological understanding ofcontemporary world and the use of sociological knowledge in contexts of professional practice as well as scientific research. It also searchs to promote training strategies focused on learning and skills development, supported on active work methodologies and a close articulation between theory and practice, as well as a compromise between a broadband formation and a specialized training tailored to the needs and requirements of labor markets. It also seeks to encourage the relation between the curriculum of this undergraduate program and advanced training programs ( 2nd and 3rd cycles ) as well as scientific research, in order to reach the necessities of deepening and renewal of scientific and specialist professional skills in the field of sociology.

Admission Requirements

National Call for Access and Entry to Higher Education (DGES):

Entry exam:
18 Portuguese (30%)
and
One of the following subjects (20%):
04 Economy
06 Philosophy
09 Geography
11 History
19 Mathematics A

Application score: 95 points (0-200 scale)
Entry exams: 95 points (0-200 scale)

Calculation Formula:
Secondary school average: 50%
Entry exams: 50%

Other forms of access (UC-applicants):
- Change of Institution / Course Pair Schemes;
- Special Access Call for over 23-years-olds;
- Special Access Call for Holders of Other Higher Education Courses;
- Special Call for International Students.

This information does not exempt the consultation of the webpage of the Directorate General of Higher Education (DGES) and/or of the Applicants website. Please, visit the DGES and the Applicants websites

Professional Goals

Bachelor's graduates in Sociology have qualifications for exercising multiple, different functions within the scope of public administration, companies, organizations and non-governmental organizations in fields related to social politics, including local politics, social inequalities, justice, social integration, heritage management, teaching and school administration, employment, health and culture. By so doing, it is envisaged to provide students with accurate tools to work at different institutional grounds, from local administration to NGOs, including the entrepreneurial domain and the state realm, both at the central and local level.
Other possible areas of employment for sociologists refer to technical assessor, namely in the areas of monitoring social impact of policies, inter-institutional negotiation, public relations, processes of quality control, marketing and designing and co-ordination of social animation projects.

Mode of Study

Full- or part-time attendance, presence required in daytime schedule

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese language

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

As assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from the teaching process, its aim is to establish the students' competencies and knowledge, their critical sense, ability to recognize and resolve problems, as well as their written and oral presentation skills. Students may only register for exams for classes they are currently registered for under the terms of number 6 of article 4 of the University of Coimbra Pedagogical Policy. The following are examples of assessment items: Oral or written exams, written or practical work, individual and group projects that may require an oral defense, as well as class participation. Assessment for each class may include one or more of the above mentioned items. Grading is based on a scale of 0 to 20 and a grade of 10 is required to pass. Whenever the grade comprises more than one item, the final grade is calculated by taking into account the relative weight of each item according a formula published in the course outline under the terms of number 2 of article 7 of the UC Pedagogical Policy.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

The Sociology undergraduate program bridges the theory-practice gap, equipping students to analyze and navigate the complexities of modern society. An active learning environment fosters transferable skills like critical thinking and teamwork, enabling students to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and grasp the ethical considerations of sociological research.
The program is structured over six semesters, guiding students in the creation of a personalized portfolio that showcases their acquired skills and knowledge. This emphasis on practical application is further bolstered by the study plan's flexibility. Students can leverage international or national mobility opportunities, or explore other disciplines offered by the University of Coimbra, or even pursue a minor program in a related field. This culminates in a final semester dedicated to elective courses within Sociology, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations.

Course Coordinator(s)

Pedro Manuel Rodrigues da Silva Madeira e Góis
uc42866@uc.pt

ECTS Departmental Coordinator(s)

António Manuel Portugal Duarte
portugal@fe.uc.pt

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

The legal framework for the qualification is established by the decrees: Decree-Law nr 74/2006, 24th March, in its current wording

Graduation Requirements

Successfully complete 180 ECTS, distributed between 150 ECTS in compulsory units of study and 30 ECTS in optional units of study. The choice to hold the 30 optional ECTS in one of the scientific areas of the remaining FEUC´s 1st cycle of studies (Economics, Management and International Relations) allows to obtain a degree in Sociology with a minor in that scientific area.

Access to Further Studies

Bachelor's graduates in Sociology have competences for applying to a 2nd cycle studies.

Study Programme

Common core: Bachelor's Degree in Sociology
Areas of expertise: Sociology; Sociology with Minor

Academic year
2025-2026

Course Type
1st Cycle Studies

DGES Code: 9240

Qualification Awarded: Bachelor's Degree

Duration: 3 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 180.0

Applications

Call for Applications

Calendar

1st Semester: Start date: 08-09-2025
End date: 19-12-2025
2nd Semester: Start date: 09-02-2026
End date: 21-05-2026

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2020-07-31 a 2026-07-30
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior: Nº Registo: R/A-Ef 1609/2011/AL01; 2021-03-29