Program overview This English‑taught master’s degree takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of contemporary India, examining its economic, political, social and cultural transformations. The curriculum is built around big questions such as how India’s cultural and religious diversity shapes social development, how its democratic institutions confront persistent inequalities, and how economic change unfolds within a plural society. Teaching and research draw on perspectives from history, economics, political science, sociology and religious studies.
Structure and specialisation Research-led work at CeMIS is organised into five thematic groups: Modern Indian History; Development Economics; Indian Religions; State and Democracy in Modern India; and Society and Culture in Modern India. Students who want a sharper thematic profile can opt for a designated study focus — Anthropology of Power, Historical Sociology, or Development Economics of India — and the chosen focus is recorded on the MA certificate. The programme is suited to students who want to combine disciplinary rigour with cross‑cutting, comparative perspectives and who are interested in research or policy‑oriented careers related to South Asia.
Practical context for international applicants Courses are delivered in English, making the programme accessible to international students. The interdisciplinary setup offers opportunities to work with faculty across different fields and to prepare a focused master’s thesis grounded in one of the programme’s research strands. For application deadlines, semester structure, tuition and admission specifics, consult the programme’s official information pages.
Key details / requirements
This single-major Master’s runs over four semesters and totals 120 ECTS. All courses are taught in English to serve an international cohort. Core components include a two‑semester introductory course in Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India, a substantial Academic Writing and Research component (24 ECTS), language training in modern Indian languages (12 ECTS), and a 30‑ECTS Master’s thesis. The programme is intentionally flexible: beyond the required introductory and research-writing courses and the language modules, students choose courses from five interdisciplinary categories and can shape their own thematic or regional focus.
Students may opt to define a clear study focus; if they do, their thesis is written in that chosen area. Those who prefer a broader approach can mix courses across categories and still decide their theoretical and analytical emphasis when preparing the thesis. Up to 12 ECTS may be taken in a “Professionalisation” area to gain practical or career-oriented skills, and there is an option to spend a semester abroad as part of the degree.
Graduates will be able to conduct independent, interdisciplinary research on contemporary India, demonstrating advanced theoretical and analytical skills. The programme trains students in academic writing and research methods, prepares them to use modern Indian languages at an applied level, and supports professional skill development where desired. By completing the 30‑ECTS thesis, students will show capability in designing and executing a sustained research project within their selected thematic field.
Requirements and key facts
This master's programme expects applicants to already hold a Bachelor’s degree with a substantial amount of relevant coursework. You will also need to demonstrate English language ability, and applicants from India have an additional document requirement related to German immigration procedures. Read the programme’s application pages carefully for exact test scores, document lists, deadlines and fee information.
If you are planning a specialisation in Development Economics of India, note the additional subject-specific credit requirement below. Applicants from India should start the APS process early — the APS (Akademische Prüfstelle / applicant evaluation) can be obtained before admission and is required before a German visa is issued.
Winter Semester (International)
15 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and policy-oriented roles related to India, including positions in academia, research institutes, think tanks and NGOs that focus on South Asia. The programme’s interdisciplinary training and thematic specialisations also suit careers in international organisations, development agencies, cultural institutions, journalism and policy analysis.
Alumni can additionally pursue roles in government/public administration, consultancy and private sector organisations with India-related mandates, or continue to doctoral studies. The programme’s methodological training, language options and possibility to specialise in areas such as development economics increase employability in both specialist and advisory functions connected to India and South Asia.