Sociology

The MA Sociology degree programme at the University of Mannheim's School of Social Sciences offers a two-year research-oriented education in an internationally renowned university research environment. The programme builds on the strength of its faculty in empirical-analytical approaches, particularly in quantitative methods and comparative research. The curriculum emphasises training in empirical analysis that is firmly grounded in both theory and rigorous methods. Substantive areas of concentration include Family, Education & Work, Migration & Integration, Economy & Social Welfare State, and Social Inequality. All classes are taught in English.

Educational organisation

The programme begins with required courses in Sociological Theory and Methods of Empirical Research in the first semester. In the second and third semesters, courses in cutting-edge analysis techniques offer students opportunities to expand their skills in research methods.

In their first semester, students may already choose from different areas of concentration such as Social Inequality & Stratification, Sociology of Migration, Comparative Welfare State Analysis, Labour Relations, Organisational Theory, Networks & Segregation, Economic Sociology, Fertility & Family Formation, Sociology of Education, Labour Markets & Occupations, or Ethnic Inequality & Segregation. A required research internship is designed to offer hands-on experience in empirical research. Students may attend a summer school programme as a substitute for the internship requirement. Our internship office will assist students in finding internship positions and summer school programmes that fit their interests.

Students complete their Master's thesis during their fourth semester. The expected format of the thesis is a research article suitable for submission to a professional journal in the social sciences. Our faculty is deeply committed to mentoring students as they take this important step toward a successful academic career.

Study abroad unit(s)

Students have numerous opportunities to spend time at other universities worldwide. The University of Mannheim has a huge network of partner universities, and credits will be awarded according to the terms of the learning agreement. Every student must hand in a learning agreement before his/her trip.

Internships

A research internship of six weeks or a two-week summer school programme has to be completed during the summer break between the second and third semesters. The school's internship manager assists students with finding an appropriate internship and gives information about the German labour market.

Forms of assessment

The MA programme is organised in modules. Within every module, students need to take a number of courses. For each course they complete successfully, students receive credit points according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The ECTS system facilitates the comparison of academic achievements throughout the European Union. The ECTS points acquired in this programme add up to 120.

The lectures are completed with a 90-minute written exam at the end of the semester. For the seminars, students will need to hand in a research paper (approx. 5,000-7,000 words, deadlines vary). The Master's thesis (time for completion: four months) should fulfil the necessary preconditions to be submitted as a research paper with a peer-reviewed journal in one of the disciplines of sociology. ECTS allocation varies between 6-9 ECTS for normal seminars/lectures and 18 ECTS for the intensive research project. 30 ECTS points are awarded for the final module.

Course objectives

The MA in Sociology at the University of Mannheim seeks to provide students with the tools that are needed to start a successful career. The programme is research-oriented, and students will learn to master the tools of empirical research in sociology, as well as improve their analytical skills. As graduates, students will have the necessary skills to pursue careers in sociology research, international organisations, and business.

As the University of Mannheim is renowned for the analytical quality and the empirical basis of its comparative research, successful MA graduates can choose between a variety of career options, including further graduate studies in the Graduate School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim.

Language requirements

Good English language skills certified by an English language university entrance diploma (e.g., A-level) or Bachelor's degree. Alternatively, one of the following language tests is required:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language

Either: a) Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with at least 79 points, b) Computer-Based Test (CBT) with at least 213 points, or c) Paper-Based Test (PBT) with at least 550 points

• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with at least Level C
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) with at least Level C
• International English Language Testing System - Academic Test (IELTS) with at least Band 6.0

Academic requirements

Our goal is to accept qualified and motivated students into our programme. Therefore, applications undergo a rigorous selection process that includes the following selection criteria:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences or a subject-related degree, completed with a grade of at least "good" (German grade equivalent 2.5). For international students, international guidelines for grading standards will be applied. If a Bachelor's degree has not been completed by the time of the application, a current transcript of records of at least 130 ECTS points (or the equivalent) has to be submitted. This document will be the basis for admission. The latest deadline for the submitting the Bachelor's degree is mid-October.

• A certificate (or transcript of records) with at least one course in statistical analysis and/or social research methods, which was completed with a grade of at least "good" (German grade equivalent 2.5).

Enrolment fees

139.35 EUR per semester
A semester ticket covering public transport in the Mannheim-Heidelberg metropolitan area is available for an additional fee of 155 EUR.

Costs of living

Approx. 750-850 EUR per month to cover all personal expenses

Job opportunities

About 50 positions as student research assistants are available, especially for MA students.

Arrival support

The International Office provides support with all of the formalities (registration, etc.). The programme manager provides detailed information about the study programme and helps with the first steps at the beginning of the first semester.

Services and support for international students

For an easier start, the University of Mannheim's four-week International Summer or Winter Academy for German Language and Culture provides international and exchange students with or without previous knowledge of German the opportunity to learn the language before the semester starts. There are cultural programmes including concerts, excursions, and sports that accompany the language classes.

The International Office offers special courses for international students throughout the semester, e.g., language and cultural courses. Some of the latter are also taught in English.

A buddy programme is organised by the student organisation VISUM and pairs a German student with an international student, who registers for the service via the online application form. The German buddy will help foreign students to adjust to German life, the university, and everything around it. He or she can answer questions, help with problems, may offer a pick-up service from the train station or the airport, or accompany the exchange student to various special VISUM buddy events throughout the semester - a lot of fun will be included!

Accommodation

The International Office provides dorm rooms for international students and offers support in finding private rooms.
Student halls of residence are the ideal place to get to know not only German students but also fellow students from all over the world!
Depending on the hall, you will live with two to fifteen fellow students in a shared apartment. Everyone has his or her own room, but the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are communal. There are single rooms and cheaper double rooms with two beds in one room. The communal areas (kitchen, bathroom, and toilet) are cleaned regularly by the Studentenwerk Mannheim (SWM, Mannheim's student union).
Additionally, the International Office offers a very limited number of one-bedroom apartments with a small in-room kitchen and bathroom. The kitchens are fully equipped with cooking facilities and a refrigerator.
All rooms have a bed (as well as bed linen, blanket, and pillow), a cupboard, a desk, a swivel chair, a bookcase, a rolling cabinet, a towel rail, a wash basin, a wall mirror, a TV connection, a telephone connection, and an internet connection. In a double room there are two beds, two chairs, two desks, two swivel chairs, two cupboards, two bookcases, two rolling cabinets, two visitors' chairs, and two internet connections.