This two-year, research-focused MA in Sociology is delivered within the School of Social Sciences at an internationally recognised research university. The programme prioritises rigorous empirical training and is designed for students who want a strong foundation in theory combined with advanced methods for analysing social phenomena. All instruction is provided in English.
The curriculum emphasises empirical-analytical perspectives, with particular strengths in quantitative methods and comparative research. You will receive systematic training in empirical analysis that is closely tied to sociological theory and method. The programme offers substantive concentrations including Family, Education & Work; Migration & Integration; Economy & Social Welfare State; and Social Inequality.
The degree is organised into seven modules that guide your progression from methods and theory to independent research and the master’s thesis. These modules are:
Key facts (at a glance)
The degree is built from seven modules, each made up of several courses. The seven modules are: Sociological Research Fields; Foundations of Sociological Theory; Cross-Sectional Data Analysis; Longitudinal Data Analysis; Research Design; Research Project; and the Master’s thesis. Together they provide a balance of substantive sociological knowledge, theoretical foundations and advanced empirical methods. In the Sociological Research Fields module you select five elective seminars from a wide range of specialisations, including:
The Foundations of Sociological Theory module covers the historical and conceptual development of sociological theory, the logic of scientific explanation, and core components of theoretical argumentation used in sociological research. Empirical training is split across two modules: Cross-Sectional Data Analysis focuses on advanced techniques for cross-sectional regression (both linear and categorical), while Longitudinal Data Analysis teaches methods for event-history and panel data. Practical exercises use secondary datasets and other information sources so you can apply techniques to real-world material.
The Research Design module helps you formulate a concrete research design—especially with your Master’s thesis in mind—and teaches how to select and use appropriate data sources. A research internship is required to give hands-on experience in empirical research; alternatively, you may substitute a summer school programme or work as a student assistant. The programme’s internship office supports students in finding placements. The Research Project sequence (including a Seminar in Research Methods, Exemplary Empirical Studies exercises, and a final Research Project seminar) deepens advanced methods, trains academic writing and stylistic standards, and culminates in an empirical-analytical study on a chosen topic. The Master’s thesis, completed in the fourth semester, is expected to take the form of a research article suitable for submission to a social science journal; research designs and preliminary results are presented at the Master’s Forum Day, and a colloquium accompanies thesis work. Graduates will leave with advanced theoretical grounding, strong skills in cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, practical experience in empirical research, and the capacity to produce publishable research.
Requirements (concise)
To be eligible for this MA in Sociology you typically need a completed Bachelor's degree in a related field — especially sociology, political science, psychology, media and communication studies — but degrees in business administration or economics, or other subject-related qualifications, may also be accepted if the selection committee recognises them as equivalent. The programme expects a solid quantitative foundation from applicants and requires proof of sufficient English language ability.
If your Bachelor's is still in progress when you apply, you must provide a current transcript showing at least 130 ECTS (or equivalent); that transcript will be used to assess your application. The final Bachelor's diploma must be submitted by mid-October at the latest. International applicants will have their grades evaluated according to international grading guidelines and equivalence decisions are made by the selection committee.
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers in academia, research institutes and think tanks, as well as analytical roles in public administration, policy organisations, NGOs and the private sector (e.g. market and social research, consultancy). The strong quantitative and methodological training also provides a solid foundation for applying to PhD programmes.
Through the programme's research project, internship options and close mentoring during the thesis, students build practical experience and a tangible research portfolio that supports both professional and academic career paths.