Sociology – (M.A.)

The MA Sociology (international track) offers an international study programme of four semesters. It provides an academic programme for future international careers in academia, public institutions, non-governmental organisations and private companies in Germany, Europe and elsewhere to German and international students.
The MA programme is organised around introductory modules and thematic profiles. The six thematic profiles are (1) Differentiation, inequality and the life course; (2) Organisation, market and the welfare state; (3) Public space and societal knowledge; (4) World society, transnationalisation and development; (5) Methods; (6) Theory. The international track currently concentrates on profile (1) and (4), however courses from other profiles may also be chosen. A further characteristic of Bielefeld's MA programme is the student research project. Students develop a topic of their own choice to carry out empirical research. Topics are generally related to one of the thematic profiles of the student's specialisation and a two semester course accompanies development, design and analysis of the research.

The programme is accompanied by academic language training in English and German as well as other languages. In addition, students may integrate one or two semesters abroad into their study programme. At the Faculty of Sociology they benefit from a great variety of exchange programmes with other European university (Erasmus/Socrates). They may also seek to go abroad through other programmes. The MA Sociology generally recommends studying abroad. Credit points acquired abroad will be fully recognised for the international track, provided that these are taught in English or a language other than German.