About us
Understanding society.
The Department of Sociology at the University of Vienna investigates societal change, the emergence of social relationships and structures, and their significance for our coexistence. With academic curiosity and analytical precision, we shed light on social developments, take a critical look at what is taken for granted, and analyse social inequalities, conflicts and opportunities.
Building knowledge.
We combine theoretical reflection with empirical research, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, methods, and research approaches — from interpretative and qualitative social research to quantitative, comparative, and longitudinal analysis. This generates evidence-based knowledge that extends far beyond the seminar room.
Shaping the future.
Through our research and teaching, we encourage curiosity and the development of independent and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to challenge established assumptions about the key issues of our time using scientific methods.
As part of the University of Vienna, we uphold the values of academic excellence, openness, diversity and responsible research. We work across disciplinary boundaries, have an international network of contacts, and engage in dialogue with other disciplines, politics, professional practice and the general public to bring sociological knowledge to the fore.
The right point of contact for your request
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Department
We look forward to hearing from you regarding any matters relating to our research, our employees or our events.
Contact:
soziologie(at)univie.ac.at
+43-1-4277-49201Rooseveltplatz 2
1090 Vienna
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Studies/Teaching
The StudiesServiceUnit and the directorate of studies is responsible for all enquiries relating to the study programme and teaching.
Contact:
spl.soziologie(at)univie.ac.at
+43-1-4277 49104
+43-1-4277 49105
or +43-1-4277 49107Rooseveltplatz 2
1090 Vienna -
PhD
The Vienna Doctoral School of Social Sciences (ViDSS) is the right place to turn to for all information regarding a PhD in Sociology.
Contact:
vds-sosci(at)univie.ac.at
+43-1-4277-49082Universitätsstraße 7 (NIG, Neues Institutsgebäude)
1010 Vienna -
Erasmus+
Our Erasmus+ coordinators will be happy to advise incoming and outgoing students within the Erasmus programme.
Contact:
erasmus.soziologie(at)univie.ac.atRooseveltplatz 2
1090 Vienna
Locations
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Main site: Rooseveltplatz
Rooseveltplatz 2
1090 Vienna
Ground floor: Student lounge | Students' representatives for Sociology (BaGru) | Sociology and Political Science Library | Paul F. Lazarsfeld Archive
1st floor: Seminar rooms 1, 2, 3
3rd floor: StudiesServiceUnit/SPL
2nd–4th floors: Staff rooms
Building opening hours:
Monday to Friday 06:00–22:00
Saturday 07:00–19:00 -
Project workspace: Pramergasse
Pramergasse 9
1090 Vienna
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date!
We send you quarterly updates from the Department, including fascinating insights into our research, project updates, job vacancies, information on events and much more.
Working Group on Sustainability (AGNIS)
The Working Group on Sustainability at the Department of Sociology (AGNIS) comprises members of the department from the fields of research, teaching and management, as well as students, and is committed to promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability within the department. AGNIS’s mission is based on the idea of opening up opportunities, implementing concrete measures and engaging in dialogue about them. Its motto is: Talk to one another — get involved — take action.
u:respect - No Room for Harassment!
Be attentive. Speak out. Take it seriously.
We support u:respect, the University of Vienna’s campaign for the prevention of gender-based violence and sexual harassment. It is aimed at all employees and students. The campaign materials provide those affected by sexual harassment with a quick overview of their rights as well as options for consulting and making complaints at the University of Vienna. Managers, teaching staff and witnesses are provided with a range of information, tutorial and awareness-raising materials to enable them to intervene in cases of harassment and prevent it from occurring.
The History of the Department of Sociology
Viennese sociology builds on a long-standing tradition of research in the humanities and social sciences. Research programmes such as the development of a phenomenological sociology by Alfred Schütz, the epistemological works of the Vienna Circle led by Otto Neurath, and empirical studies such as "The Unemployed of Marienthal” by Paul Lazarsfeld, Marie Jahoda and Hans Zeisel have had a major influence on the development of our discipline. This tradition was abruptly interrupted by National Socialism – leading social scientists were forced to leave Austria and continued their research in exile.
It was not until 1950 that a chair in sociology was established at the University of Vienna within the Faculty of Law and Political Science, and filled by August M. Knoll. In 1954, the Social Science Research Centre was founded under the direction of Leopold Rosenmayr, who was appointed to the chair of sociology in 1963.
Since 1966, it has been possible to study sociology as a standalone degree programme within the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences at the University of Vienna. In 1971, a Chair of Sociology was also established at the Faculty of Arts. Erich Bodzenta was appointed to this chair. Two years later, it was decided to launch a pilot programme in sociology, which was embedded within the humanities. In 1975, the Faculty of Philosophy was transferred to the Faculty of Basic and Integrative Sciences. Consequently, from 1973 onwards, the University of Vienna had two Departments of Sociology, each overseeing its own degree programme with different areas of specialisation.
As part of the university reform, the two departments, which had developed separately over time, were merged in 2000. This was followed in 2007 by the launch of an integrated programme of study. Since then, sociological research and teaching at the University of Vienna have once again been established under the umbrella of a single academic institution offering standardised degree programmes.
