This interdisciplinary Master's combines sociology and psychology with a particular emphasis on social and economic behaviour. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with applied methods, giving you opportunities to discuss ideas intensively and work closely with peers and lecturers in small groups. With a deliberately small intake, the programme encourages active participation and close mentoring.
You can complete the degree entirely in English and will be taught by faculty from the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology (ISS), a department recognised for its strengths in bridging sociological and psychological approaches. The ISS has been ranked as Germany’s top sociology department in the Shanghai Ranking for 2018, 2019 and 2020, reflecting its international research profile and academic reputation.
Two chairs play a central role in the programme: Professor Dr. Jens Fetchenhauer, known for work on social trust, economic lay theories and evolutionary psychology; and Professor Dr. Herwig Hölzl, whose expertise covers economic decision making, affective forecasting and cognitive judgment errors. For international students, the small cohort, research-led teaching and interdisciplinary focus provide strong preparation for careers in research, policy, consultancy or further doctoral study.
Key facts & application notes
This programme builds advanced sociological knowledge while training you to specialise in economic and social psychology. You will cover core theoretical perspectives on contemporary societies and learn how to apply sociological theory to real-world social problems. At the same time, the curriculum gives focused instruction in economic and social-psychological topics—such as how people interact strategically, how collective action and social norms form, and how organisational culture and job satisfaction develop.
The course places strong emphasis on empirical methods and hands‑on research. You will be introduced to psychometric techniques and advanced methods for analysing cross‑sectional data, and you will put those skills into practice in a research seminar that culminates in an independent project. The programme also supports an interdisciplinary profile: you can take electives from business administration, economics and other social sciences to sharpen job-market relevant skills, and you will finish by writing a Master’s thesis that demonstrates your ability to apply theory and methods to an analytic question.
Key modules
Learning outcomes
Programme requirements (concise)
Admission overview
Applicants must hold a completed bachelor’s degree (or an internationally recognized equivalent) and meet specific subject- and credit-related prerequisites. The degree must correspond to at least 180 ECTS credits, and applicants need to meet a minimum overall academic standard expressed as a German grade of 2.7 or better. If your previous studies used a different credit or grading system, you should contact the admissions office to confirm equivalence and find out which supporting documents (transcripts, course descriptions) are needed.
Subject- and method-related background is important: the program requires prior coursework both in social/behavioral disciplines and in quantitative methods. Make sure you can document the stated ECTS in the relevant subject areas; the program webpage and admissions office can provide a full list of acceptable courses and further details.
Minimum admission requirements (summary)
If you need more detail or a complete list of acceptable courses and how credits are assessed, check the program’s admissions information or contact the admissions office directly.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-oriented and applied careers that require strong empirical and analytical skills. Typical roles include social or market researcher, policy analyst, organisational consultant, user/consumer insights specialist, and positions in NGOs or international organisations that focus on social behaviour and decision-making. The programme also provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in sociology, psychology or related social sciences.
The combination of theory, quantitative methods and applied research experience aims to make graduates competitive for roles that demand data-driven analysis of social and economic behaviour, and for positions where interdisciplinary understanding of social processes and individual decision-making is an asset.
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