Sociology – Master of Arts
The Graduate study programme Sociology requires a first university degree, e.g. Bachelor of Sociology.
If you are interested in understanding the complexities of society and social phenomena, then studying sociology at the University of Konstanz could be the perfect fit for you. This Master's degree builds upon the foundational knowledge gained in a Bachelor's degree in sociology, and offers a research-oriented program that is focused on current questions and pressing issues.
The program emphasizes small seminar groups and personalized attention, allowing you to engage deeply with topics such as media and communication, politics and protest, and social theory. By taking an international comparative perspective, you will develop a nuanced understanding of the role of mass media and digital communication in shaping the public sphere and personal self-presentation, of political mobilization and social movements, and of sociological perspectives on culture, communication and social networks.
One of the unique features of this program is its interdisciplinary approach, with joint modules in history, media studies, and political and administrative science that promote collaboration and exchange across disciplinary boundaries. Unlike other MA programs at Konstanz and elsewhere, the MA in Sociology also offers a broad range of advanced research methods, including qualitative, quantitative and computational approaches. Through an intensive project seminar and a six-month thesis, you will be directly involved in ongoing sociological research and encouraged to reflect on societal developments. Participation in sociological research colloquia also provides opportunities to engage in sociological debates and contribute to the development of the discipline. Overall, the sociology program at the University of Konstanz provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand and critically analyze major trends and developments in contemporary society.
Overview
| Degree | Master of Arts |
|---|---|
| Programme start | Winter semester & Summer semester |
| Period of study | 4 semesters |
| Application period | 9.5. - 15.7. | 29.11. - 15.1. |
| Admission restrictions | no |
| ECTS | 120 |
| ⌀ Number of students | 15 |
Why study Sociology in the University of Konstanz?
- broad spectrum of themes and issues with the chance to form your own specialist areas
- reliable and ambitious programme of core courses in sociological theory and methods which is open to stimulating suggestions and proposals from the students
- joint modules with anthropology to promote interdisciplinary exchanges
- research-oriented approach
- excellent supervision and staff-student ratios
- ideal foundation for a subsequent doctoral programme, for instance at the Konstanz Graduate School of Decision Sciences.
Content
Prospects and opportunities
Career prospects
As a MA graduate in sociology, a whole range of career opportunities are open to you. Typical career fields are e.g.:
- academia and research
- political consulting, political parties
- companies (e.g. human resources, PR, quality management, project and change management, marketing)
- market and public opinion research
- advisory positions and journalism
- organisations, agencies and associations;
- ministries, federal institutions, NGO and NPO, international organisations
- university management and public administration and authorities
- cultural, media and educational institutions
For a career in Academia or in the field of reasearch, you can directly continue with doctoral studies in Sociology and acquire a doctorate (Dr. rer. soc.). Sociology is significantly involved in the Graduate School of Decision Sciences (GSDS).
You can find out more about career entry in the interview series #dreamjob - Starting a career. Alumni of the University of Konstanz report on their very personal career entry.
Programme structure
Programme start
Winter semester & Summer semester
Academic structure
You can find an exemplary structure of the study programme in this table (in German).
Please check the Exam regulations (partly in German) for more information about the programme structure.
Internship and study abroad
Internships
An internship outside the university is not mandatory, but always highly recommended. The department's Internship Office or our Career Service will help you to ind a suitable placement.
Study abroad
We highly recommend a study abroad stay. The university promotes study abroad via Erasmus+ and numerous other exchange programmes.
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.
Requirements
What interests and skills should I have?
- An interest in societal contexts and issues
- A committed and structured approach to work
- Good English skills
Language skills
German language skills
International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates recognized as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills.
Language(s) of instruction
The language usually used in class and during examinations is German. Courses may be taught in English. Course work and academic performance assessments in these courses can be completed also in English.
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a subject relevant for the study programme (social sciences or the humanities)
- letter of motivation (two DIN A4 pages or more) stating why you choose the Master's Programme in Sociology, your expectations and aims for the study programme.
- International applicants need documentation of their German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent.
For details, please see the admission regulations.
Fees
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.
Application and application documents
This study programme has no admission restrictions.
An application is possible during the following period: 9.5. - 15.7. (winter semester) and 29.11. - 15.1. (summer semester). 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.
Application documents
- documentation of your academic degree including details on course work and performance. If you have not received your degree certificate by the end of the application deadline, please attach documentation of all your examination results so far
- letter of motivation
- curriculum vitae
- current certificate of enrolment or proof of deregistration (Exmatrikulationsbescheinigung), (if you have studied at a German university, please indicate your 'Fachsemester’ and ‘Hochschulsemester’)
Important note: Please note the information provided under the tab "Admission requirements".
International students:
- If your 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.
- documentation of German language skills, level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4, or a language test recognised as equivalent
- Applicants from China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original) issued by the German Embassy of your home country
