Study programmes A-Z

Sociology – Master of Arts

The Graduate study programme Sociology requires a first university degree, e.g. Bachelor of Sociology. In Konstanz, the MA in Sociology stands out for a research-oriented study programme with focus on present-day issues and challenges as well as small seminar groups and personal and individual supervision.

Such key themes are often subject of international comparative studies: migration and social integration, gender inequalities in organisations and labour markets, education and labour markets, organisation and the economy, culture and social networks. In order to discuss these themes, a knowledge of general theoretical foundations and their skilful application is essential. To promote interdisciplinary exchanges, the study programme foresees joint modules with anthropology.In addition to this, we put a strong emphasis on teaching our students how to apply methodical ‘tools’ and enable them to collect and analyse empirical material. The core of the research-oriented study programme is formed by a two-semester project seminar and the final thesis. Students are specifically included in current sociological research and mentored to reflect on societal developments. Our students also take part in sociological research colloquia and are introduced to the sociological debating culture.

Overview

Degree	Master of Arts
Programme start	Winter semester & Summer semester
Period of study	4 semesters
Application period	17.5. - 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

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.

Application and application documents

This study programme has no admission restrictions.

An application is possible during the following period: 17.5. - 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