Sociology of Inequality – Master of Arts

Sociology of Inequality is a consecutive Master's programme in English that builds on a three-year Bachelor's programme in the social sciences, for example in sociology, political and administrative science.

The programme focuses mainly on the following thematic fields that are of core relevance to inequality in contemporary societies: migration and social integration, gender inequalities in organizations and the labour market, inequality in the education system and at work, political participation and social movements. After a basic introduction to theories of inequality and quantitative methods for inequality research, students will participate in several thematic seminars. A key part of the study programme is an intense, six-month project seminar in which students obtain hands-on research experience. A final thesis allows students to apply their training to their own individual research project. We place particular emphasis on providing students with the required methodical skills and thus enabling them to collect and analyse (quantitative) empirical data. Having some first knowledge on general social theory and basic training in empirical research methods, obtained during a BA, will allow students to fully benefit from the programme. In their third semester students will pursue an internship (outside the university at a company, an organization or research institution) to expand their range of experience as well as increase opportunities on the labour market. Alternatively, this can be substituted by an international exchange, studying for one semester in one of our partner programmes.

Degree
  • Master of Arts
Start of study
  • Winter semester
Standard period of study
  • 4 Semester
Application period
  • 15.03. - 15.04. (15.04. visa / approx. 01.05.-15.06. no visa )
Admission restriction
  • Yes
Mandatory minor
  • No
ECTS Credits
  • 120
Ø Number of new students
  • 15

Why study Sociology of Inequality in Konstanz?

  • research-oriented approach to a topic that is particularly relevant today
  • close connections to top-level research in the Cluster of Excellence "Politics of Inequality"
  • outstanding student-staff ratio
  • learning atmosphere characterized by good discussions and many colloquia that encourages an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas
  • strong methodology basis that is taught in a comprehensible way and is essential for your future career
  • ideal preparation for potential doctoral research directly after the degree, e.g. at the Konstanz Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS)
  • compulsory internship for optimum career opportunities, either in research or in practical professional work

Study content

Prospects

Career prospects

After successfully completing the Master's Programme Sociology of Inequality, students will have a whole range of career options.

Typical work areas include:

  • science and research at universities and research institutions
  • businesses, e.g. in human resources, knowledge management, quality assurance, project management, marketing, public relations
  • NGOs and NPOs, international organizations
  • journalism
  • political parties, foundations, associations, trade associations and trade unions as well as economic and labour organizations
  • agencies, authorities, ministries, public administration, municipalities, state institutions (e.g. the German Bundestag)
  • cultural, media and educational institutions

Further career prospects are available at our interview series #dreamjob - starting your career, where alumni of the University of Konstanz share their insights into starting a career.

Doctoral Research
The Master's programme offers the best follow-up opportunities to a career in science. Graduates can pursue a doctoral research in sociology (Dr. rer. soc.) to work in research and teaching. Due to its thematic orientation, the Master's programme is the optimal preparation for a doctorate at the Konstanz Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS) in the field of "Inequality".
A doctorate is also possible outside the GSBS. In many cases, the prerequisite for a doctorate is an above-average degree. The targeted departments, faculties and graduate schools provide information on the specific conditions for application.

Study structure

Start of study

Winter semester

Study structure

The following illustration is an example of how students might structure the programme. The programme structure provides an overview of the ECTS credits for each semester.

These documents will support you in planning your studies:

Opportunities for additional training

At the University of Konstanz, you have a broad range of opportunities and training options that complement your study programme, for example orientation programmes to support new students, learning guidance, language courses, a data and information literacy programme as well as options promoting career-oriented skills and social commitment.

Skills for successful studies Career-oriented skills and social commitment Get ready for your career start

Internships and stays abroad

Internship

An internship semester outside the University is a compulsory part of the degree programme. It is usually done during the 3rd semester. 
The Departmental Internship Office maintains contacts with renowned national and international organisations in the university and non-university sector and supports you in your search for a suitable internship and with questions about internships in Germany or abroad. 

Stay abroad

The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes. An internship abroad is the perfect way to include a stay abroad in your MA Sociology of Inequality.

Impressions from students and lecturers

Hear from students and lecturers
In our interview series, students talk about their subject, teachers explain the department's research and tell you what topics they cover in seminars and lectures.

Get an impression
Discover online lectures and websites with more information about your prospective subject.

Study requirements

Admission requirements for studying

  • Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant for the Master's Programme Sociology of Inequality, e.g. sociology, social science, political science, economics or a comparable programme (grade 2.5 "good" in the German grading system or better)
  • Adequate English language skills (active and passive) of at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages proved by one of the following language tests (or equivalent):
    • Five years of continuous English lessons in secondary education with a minimum grade of 9 points or "befriedigend" (satisfactory) or better (usually certified by the higher education entrance qualification)
    • Successful completion of four or more courses taught in English in a previous study programme
    • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), at least grade C
    • IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score 5.5 or better
    • TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 87 points (internet-based), 227 points (computer-based) or 567 points (paper-based).

You will find more information in the admission regulations.

Fees

Semester fee
All students enrolled at the University of Konstanz are charged a semester fee each semester, similar to all other German universities. Here you can find the current semester fee and its individual components.

Tuition fees for first degree studies for certain international students
Since winter semester 2017/18, the state of Baden-Württemberg has required some international students to pay tuition fees for their first degree studies. The following students are not required to pay tuition fees: citizens of a country within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), doctoral students and certain “Bildungsinländer” (e.g. non-EU citizens with a German “Abitur”). More detailed information can be found here.

Each year, the University of Konstanz grants exemptions to a limited number of particularly gifted international degree-seeking students in accordance with the university’s “Begabtenbefreiungssatzung” (statutes governing the exemption of gifted students). More detailed information can be found here.

Tuition fees for second degree studies for all students
All students are required to pay tuition fees for their second degree studies. More detailed information can be found here.

Required language skills

English language skills

Documentation of adequate English language skills (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a pre-requisite for admission to this master's programme. Any one of the following language tests (or equivalent) are accepted as proof of your English language skills:

  • Five years of continuous English lessons in secondary education with a minimum grade of 9 points or "befriedigend" (satisfactory) or better (usually certified by the higher education entrance qualification)
  • Successful completion of four or more courses taught in English in a previous study programme
  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), at least grade C
  • IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score 5.5 or better
  • TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 87 points (internet-based), 227 points (computer-based) or 567 points (paper-based).

Teaching and examination language

The language of instruction is English.

Interests and skills

  • An interest in social contexts and questions
  • An interest in social inequality both in everyday contexts as well as in politics
  • High level of commitment and well-structured way of working
  • Good English skills

Application

Application and application documents

Application documents

Please upload and submit the following documents along with your online application:

  • Documentation of the academic degree including a detailed description of your coursework and performance assessments. If you have not received your examination certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far and a provisional overall grade issued by the respective university
  • documentation of English language skills (see language skills)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proven knowledge in at least two of the three fields listed below via a Transcript of Records: seminars with a sociological content, statistics, quantitative methods of empirical social research
  • a letter of motivation that provides information about your motivation and suitability for the degree programme. Please use the template here.

Important: Please note the information provided under the tab “Admission requirements”.

International Applicants:

  • If your application documents are not available in German or English, you will need to have them translated. Please submit a German or English translation of your documents along with the original versions.
  • Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country

An application is possible during the following period: 15.03. - 15.04. (15.04. visa / approx. 01.05.-15.06. no visa )
There may be other deadlines if you are applying for admission to a higher semester (for instance, if you are changing subjects or universities). For more information please consult the university website .

Contact

Contact person

The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) can help you with general questions about finding the right study programme as well as when you are concerned or unsure about your studies. We will be happy to advise you and support you with a wide range of services .

Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
Room: D409 – 412a
Make an appointment: termin.zsb@uni-konstanz.de

Questions related to the content or organization of the study programme:
Departmental student advisory service XXX
Contact person room XXX
Phone: +49 7531 88- XXX
Email: XXX

Studying at the University of Excellence Konstanz

With your university entrance qualification in your pocket, the sky is the limit. Get a top education at the University of Konstanz, benefit from outstanding teaching and interdisciplinary exchange on our international campus. Situated on a hilltop overlooking Konstanz with a great view of Lake Constance and the Alps, our nationally and internationally renowned research university has been recognized as a University of Excellence since 2007.

Top ratings in the CHE University Ranking regularly confirm the quality of our study programmes. Take your pick from more than 100 programmes! Our courses are close to research and will perfectly equip you for the future, especially in combination with practice-oriented, socially relevant transfer projects, opportunities for going abroad and qualification programmes that you can complete alongside your studies.

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