Social Sciences
Bachelor’s combination programme
Key facts at a glance
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Duration
6 semesters
Language of instruction
English
ECTS credits
180
Type of programme
Bachelor’s combination programme
Programme structure (ECTS credits)
120 major +
60 minor(s)
60 minor(s)
Prerequisites
General university entrance qualification
Knowledge of English (B2)
Knowledge of English (B2)
Admission
General admission procedure
Key facts at a glance
Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Duration
6 semesters
Language of instruction
English
ECTS credits
180
Type of programme
Bachelor’s combination programme
Programme structure (ECTS credits)
120 major +
60 minor(s)
60 minor(s)
Prerequisites
General university entrance qualification
Knowledge of English (B2)
Knowledge of English (B2)
Admission
General admission procedure
Social Sciences – interdisciplinary, international and forward-looking
The Bachelor’s combination programme in Social Sciences will equip you with knowledge and insights from the fields of sociology, geography, psychology, science and technology studies, political science and media and communication studies. You will learn how to analyse the challenges facing society from various perspectives and to develop scientifically sound solutions. The programme is taught entirely in English, giving you the perfect preparation for a career in an international environment.
Profound understanding of topics that shape the future
By choosing this programme in Social Sciences at the University of Klagenfurt, you will not only learn to identify the complex interrelationships associated with the most pressing issues of our age, but you will also be able to develop solutions based on the latest scientific research.
“How do we shape a sustainable future?”, “How do we strengthen democracies in times of change?” and “How do we use new technologies responsibly?” are questions for which you will have evidence-based answers. In an era characterised by technological upheaval, climate change and political tensions, your interdisciplinary approach as a social scientist will be in greater demand than ever before as you actively contribute to shaping the transformation of society.
Specialisation that matters
In the Bachelor’s combination programme in Social Sciences, your first step is to acquire a solid grounding in social science theories and methods. You will then specialise in three areas of significant social relevance: democracy, peace and justice; the responsible use of new technologies and scientific insights; and the environment and sustainability.
During your studies, you will apply your knowledge to carry out problem-based research – in other words, you will address specific social or practical issues and conduct your own research projects as part of a team to find possible solutions.
Contact
Student Guidance Service
Programme Director
The Bachelor’s programme in Social Sciences in brief
Core topics
In Social Sciences, you first acquire a solid grounding in social science theories and methods. You then go on to specialise in three areas of significant social relevance:
- Democracy, peace & justice: You will explore the dynamics of power relations, conflicts and social justice, and gain a solid theoretical and methodological understanding of how to strengthen democratic processes and find peaceful solutions in a polarised world.
- Science, technology & responsible innovation: You will examine how technological progress is transforming our lives and learn how to explain what it means to design innovations responsibly.
- Environment, space & sustainability: You will analyse the relationship between people and the environment and, within the framework of research projects, develop innovative strategies for sustainable spatial and environmental development.
Combination programme
The Bachelor’s programme in Social Sciences is a Bachelor’s combination programme. This means you can tailor the programme to reflect your personal interests, career goals and preferences by strategically combining your major (120 ECTS credits) with either one minor worth 60 ECTS credits or two minors, each worth 30 ECTS credits. This amounts to a total of 180 ECTS credits, as with any Bachelor’s programme.
The major (120 ECTS credits) combines interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, geography, psychology, science and technology studies, political science, and media and communication studies. You will explore current social challenges and issues and delve deeper into topics such as social justice, peace and democracy, scientific and technological change, and the environment and sustainable development.
When it comes to minors (60 ECTS credits in total), it is up to you to decide where you would like to focus your studies. You choose your minor(s) after completing the introductory and orientation period (STEOP).
Career prospects
Your Bachelor’s programme in Social Sciences opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths:
- International organisations & NGOs (e.g., development cooperation, human rights, peacekeeping)
- Public sector & policy consultancy (e.g., think tanks, government departments, strategic planning)
- Market and opinion research (e.g., data analysis, trend research, digital social research)
- Sustainability & innovation management (e.g., CSR departments, shaping technological transformation)
- Media & communication (e.g., PR, science journalism, digital media analysis)
- Science & research
Studying abroad
The world is yours to explore – even while you’re a student. By spending time abroad (e.g., through Erasmus+), you will gain intercultural skills, forge international connections and develop a new perspective on the world.
We strongly encourage all students to spend part of their degree programme studying abroad for a semester at one of the university’s over 250 partner universities worldwide. There’s no need to worry about the financial side of things – we offer plenty of scholarships. You can find everything you need to know about studying abroad on the Study Abroad page.
For more information on international mobility during your degree programme, please refer to Section 7 of the Curriculum (PDF).
Continuing your studies
After completing the Bachelor’s programme in Social Sciences at the University of Klagenfurt, you can go on to study the following degree programmes either directly or with minimal additional conditions. The choice is yours!
EN: English-taught Master’s programme | A: Programme with a special admission procedure/entrance examination
Admission, term dates & deadlines
To start your Bachelor’s combination programme in Social Sciences in Klagenfurt, you must go through the general admission procedure.
Prerequisites
You must also meet the following conditions, which also apply to all other programmes:
- General university entrance qualification (e.g. Matura)
- Knowledge of English B2 (CEFR)
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your language proficiency to be admitted to the Bachelor’s programme.
Registration period for the general admission procedure
Admission pathways vary depending on your prior qualifications. All information concerning deadlines, supporting documentation, and the exact step-by-step process can be found on the pages below:
Admission based on prior education in Austria or Germany (Matura / Abitur)
You must complete your admission to the Bachelor’s programme within the general admission period applicable to Bachelor’s degree programmes.
| General admission period for Bachelor’s programmes | |
| Winter semester 2026/27 | 06.07.2026 – 05.09.2026 |
| Summer semester 2027 | 08.01.2027 – 05.02.2027 |
Admission based on international prior education: EU and EEA citizens
First, you submit an application for admission to the Bachelor’s programme. You can do this at any time.
Once you have received your admission letter, you can officially enrol during the general admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes.
| General admission period for Bachelor’s programmes | |
| Winter semester 2026/27 | 06.07.2026 – 05.09.2026 |
| Summer semester 2027 | 08.01.2027 – 05.02.2027 |
Admission based on international prior education: Non-EU and non-EEA citizens
First, you submit your application for admission to the Bachelor’s programme before the deadline, unless you completed your prior education in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.
Application deadlines for admission to a Bachelor’s degree programme
- Winter semester: 1 April to 30 June
- Summer semester: 1 November to 30 November
Once you have received your admission letter, you can officially enrol during the general admission period for Bachelor’s degree programmes.
| General admission period for Bachelor’s programmes | |
| Winter semester 2026/27 | 06.07.2026 – 05.09.2026 |
| Summer semester 2027 | 08.01.2027 – 05.02.2027 |
Admission for individuals already enrolled at the University of Klagenfurt
You must complete your admission to the Bachelor’s programme within the general admission period applicable to Bachelor’s degree programmes.
| General admission period for Bachelor’s programmes | |
| Winter semester 2026/27 | 06.07.2026 – 05.09.2026 |
| Summer semester 2027 | 08.01.2027 – 05.02.2027 |
Discover 8 more great reasons to study at the University of Klagenfurt!
This is the structure of your Bachelor’s combination programme
Programme structure: a tabular overview
| Subject | Designation | ECTS credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required subjects |
Introduction to social sciences | 10 |
| Theoretical foundations I & II | 34 | |
| Methodological foundations I & II | 24 | |
| Thematic specialisation I: Democracy, peace & justice | 14 | |
| Thematic specialisation II: Science, technology & responsible innovation | 14 | |
| Thematic specialisation III: Environment, space & sustainability | 14 | |
| Bachelor’s thesis and thesis writing lab | 10 | |
| Minors | Choose
|
60 |
| Total | 180 |
Introductory and orientation period (STEOP)
The introductory and orientation period (STEOP) is designed to give you an overview of the key content and structure of the programme, and provides you with a sound basis for making an informed assessment of your choice of programme.
The STEOP courses are held in the first semester of the study programme. They comprise the following courses, totalling 10 ECTS credits:
- Introduction to the study programme (2 ECTS credits)
- Introduction to scientific work (4 ECTS credits)
- Global challenges – why we need social sciences (4 ECTS credits)
Before completing the STEOP in full, students may take additional courses amounting to 22 ECTS credits.
You choose your minor(s) after completing the STEOP.
Recommended course of study
The recommended course of study outlined below shows you an exemplary list of the courses you should attend in the first two semesters in order to create a good knowledge base and take the necessary examinations if you want to complete your studies within the minimum period of study. Certain courses are only offered once per academic year, but examinations can be taken on specific dates throughout the year.
In the appendix to your curriculum (PDF), you will find a detailed version of the non-binding recommended course of study that goes beyond the first two semesters.
1st semester (Starting in the winter semester)
| Designation | Subject | ECTS credits | Course title | Type of course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEOP (Introductory and orientation period) | Required subject 1.1 | 2 | Introduction to the study programme | VO/VI* |
| Required subject 1.2 | 4 | Introduction to scientific work | VI*/KS* | |
| Required subject 1.3 | 4 | Global challenges – why we need social sciences | VO/VI* | |
| Theoretical foundations I | Required subject 2.1 | 4 | Theories of society & social change | VO/VI* |
| Required subject 2.2 | 4 | State, law and society | VO/VI* | |
| Required subject 2.3 | 4 | Individuals, groups & society | VO/VI* | |
| Methodological foundations I | Required subject 3.1 | 4 | Qualitative methods | VI*/PS*/KS* |
| Required subject 3.2 | 4 | Quantitative methods | VI*/PS*/KS* | |
| Total: | 30 |
*Compulsory attendance
| Designation | Subject | ECTS credits | Course title | Type of course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theoretical foundations I | Required subject 2.4 | 6 | Contemporary debates in the social sciences | PS*/VI* |
| Methodological foundations I | Required subject 3.3 | 4 | Moderation & communication | VI*/PS*/KS* |
| Theoretical foundations II | Required subject 4.1 | 4 | Technology & society | VO/VI*/PS* |
| Required subject 4.2 | 4 | Space & society | VO/VI*/PS* | |
| Required subject 4.3 | 4 | Economy & society | VO/VI*/PS* | |
| Required subject 4.4 | 4 | Culture, gender & society | VO/VI*/PS* | |
| Total: | 26 |
*Compulsory attendance
Programme documents & links
Curriculum (PDF)
German version, legally binding
Curriculum (PDF)
English version, translation for information purposes, not legally binding
Core topics of the Bachelor’s combination programme
Choose from these minors:
By selecting your minor(s) – after completing the STEOP – from the fields of culture, languages, technology, business, law or society, you can tailor your Bachelor’s programme to suit your personal interests and career goals.
Minors totalling 60 ECTS credits
Culture
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Angewandte Kulturwissenschaft
- Alpen-Adria-Region als Kulturraum
- Ethik
- Geschichte
- Philosophie
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (Französisch, Italienisch oder Spanisch)
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (B/K/M/S, Russisch oder Slowenisch)
Economics & Management
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Business and Economics EN
- Management
- Wirtschaft und Recht
Languages
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Alpen-Adria-Region als Kulturraum
- Germanistik
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (Französisch, Italienisch oder Spanisch)
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (B/K/M/S, Russisch oder Slowenisch)
Law
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Wirtschaft und Recht
Society
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Ethik
- Geographie: Die Welt von heute begreifen und gestalten
- Philosophie
Technology
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Angewandte KI
Minors totalling 30 ECTS credits
Culture
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Ethik
- Kultur und Gesellschaft
- Kulturgeschichte
- Philosophie
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (B/K/M/S, Russisch oder Slowenisch)
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (Französisch, Italienisch oder Spanisch)
Economics & Management
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Economics EN
- Entrepreneurship und Innovation
- Management
- Sprachen und Wirtschaft im Alpen-Adria-Raum und in Europa
- Wirtschaft und Recht
Languages
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Alpen-Adria-Region – Fokus Sprachen
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (B/K/M/S, Russisch oder Slowenisch)
- Sprache, Literatur und Kultur (Französisch, Italienisch oder Spanisch)
- Sprachen und Wirtschaft im Alpen-Adria-Raum und in Europa
Law
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Einführung in die Rechtswissenschaften
- Wirtschaft und Recht
Society
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
- Friedensforschung und Friedensbildung
- Gender und Diversität
- Soziale Kompetenz, Organisation und Leadership
- Sustainability and Energy
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Digital Health EN
- Diversitätskompetenz und Chancengerechtigkeit
- Ethik
- Geographische Perspektiven auf Umwelt, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft
- Grundlagen der Psychologie
- Inklusion gestalten
- Kultur und Gesellschaft
- Personal- und Kompetenzentwicklung
- Philosophie
- Social Sciences EN
- Wirtschaftspsychologie
- Wissenschaftskommunikation und Public Engagement
Technology
Available for selection from summer semester 2026
Available from winter semester 2026/27
- Angewandte KI
- Computer Game Engineering
- Digital Health EN
- Mathematische Grundlagen
- Optimization and Decision Making DE or EN
- Statistical Learning EN
For detailed information on the language of instruction and possible combinations of individual minors, please refer to the individual minor pages.
EN = conducted in English | DE or EN = conducted in German or English
Detailed information on minors available from winter semester 2026/27 will be published as soon as possible.
As of February 2026. Subject to change.
We’re here to support you every step of the way!
- In Klagenfurt, you’ll get to know your fellow students right from the Welcome Days – and you’ll make friends in your very first week with whom you’ll share unforgettable experiences in the years to come.
- Are you the first person in your family to go to university? BeFirst mentors will help and support you in choosing a degree programme, starting your studies and with all other matters relating to your student life.
- Tutors and mentors from the tutoring and mentoring project will support you throughout your studies. They are there to answer any questions you may have about your studies, offer learning support and guide your personal development.
Would you like to know more?
Interested in the Bachelor’s combination programme in Social Science and looking for personal, no-obligation advice? Our Student Guidance Service is happy to help!
FAQ
What is a Bachelor’s combination programme?
A Bachelor’s combination programme consists of one major subject supplemented by one or two minor subjects. A Bachelor’s degree programme comprises 180 ECTS credits. In a Bachelor’s combination programme, you combine one major worth 120 ECTS credits with one minor worth 60 ECTS credits or two minors worth 30 ECTS credits each. This flexible structure opens up even more opportunities for you to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Klagenfurt after completing your Bachelor’s degree.
When can / must I choose a minor subject?
Only after successfully completing the Introductory and Orientation Period of your major subject can / must you choose one minor subject (worth 60 ECTS credits) or two minor subjects (worth 30 ECTS credits each).
Who can I contact with questions?
You can find additional information about the degree programme by reading the curriculum (PDF). If you have any other questions, the Programme Director will be happy to help (e-mail: spl-socialsciences [at] aau [dot] at).
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