Social Sciences (German-French)

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (German-French) at the University of Stuttgart offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for understanding complex social phenomena through a multicultural lens. This program emphasizes the study of social structures, political systems, cultural contexts, and communication processes within a European framework, fostering bilingual competencies and intercultural skills essential for today’s interconnected world. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers sociology, political science, anthropology, and cultural studies, with a particular focus on Germany and France, enabling them to analyze social issues from multiple perspectives.

Throughout the program, students develop critical thinking, research, and analytical abilities through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical projects, and independent research. The curriculum is structured to enhance language proficiency in both German and French, integrating language courses seamlessly with social science content, thus cultivating proficiency that supports future careers in international organizations, diplomacy, journalism, and academia. A key feature of this program is its international orientation; students benefit from exchange opportunities, joint projects, and internships across Europe, providing real-world experience and fostering networks across borders.

The program also emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding and communication, preparing graduates to work effectively in multicultural environments. As graduates will be well-versed in both the theoretical and practical aspects of social sciences within a European context, they are equipped to address social challenges, promote intercultural dialogue, and contribute to policy development in diverse fields. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated support services, and experienced faculty members committed to fostering an academically stimulating environment. Graduating with this degree opens pathways to careers in international NGOs, governmental agencies, media, research institutions, and further academic pursuits. Ultimately, the program aims to cultivate socially conscious, linguistically skilled, and culturally aware professionals ready to thrive in an increasingly globalized society.

Educational organisation

The Master's programme takes four semesters (two years). The first year of compulsory study takes place in Stuttgart, and the second year takes place in Bordeaux (professional Master's) or in Stuttgart (research Master's).
Master of Arts (MA) in Empirical Political and Social Research
This is a German-French joint degree programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

The two Master's years can be spent in Stuttgart (one year) and Bordeaux (one year) or they can both be spent in Stuttgart (because the Master's programme is the continuation of the Franco-German BA course of study, which requires the students to spend two of three years in Bordeaux).

Internships

Students who choose the professional Master's (one year in Stuttgart, one in Bordeaux) have to complete an internship of at least four months. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Oral and written examinations accompanying the course of studies, Master's thesis and final oral examination

Course objectives

The Master's programme seeks to convey detailed knowledge about theories and methods in social sciences as well as about important fields of research and characteristic areas of the social sciences (like political systems, social systems, international relations, political opinions, social and political behaviour and participation, modern political theories, political philosophy, and economics). Students choose specialist areas for their work and examinations.

Language requirements

Very good French skills (German students) or German skills (French students)
The main requirement of the German-French Master's programme is a degree in a German-French course of social sciences (Bachelor's, German "Diplom", etc.), so that the German students are equipped with good French skills (and the French students with good German skills).

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Completion of a Franco-German university course in social science of at least three years duration, either in the cooperation programme of University of Stuttgart with Sciences Po Bordeaux or in an equivalent programme

Enrolment fees

Approx. 170 EUR per semester

Costs of living

To cover living expenses, you will need about 750 EUR per month. This is for rent (approx. 300-350 EUR), health insurance for non-EU residents (approx. 80 EUR), the semester ticket for public transport (190 EUR/six months), food (approx. 200 EUR), other incidental expenses and working materials (approx. 100 EUR).

Job opportunities

Owing to its location in the heart of one of Europe's largest high-tech regions, there are many opportunities to find employment. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is very high and it is not always easy to find a part-time job. Non-EU citizens are allowed by law to work for a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year. Students who are employed by the university in one of the institutes or departments ("Studentische Hilfskräfte") are exempt from this regulation, but other restrictions apply. You are not allowed to work during the first year while attending a German language class in preparation for the test of German as a foreign language (TestDaF).

Arrival support

A pick-up service is part of our welcome package. If you wish, you will be contacted before your departure, and if you arrive between 8am and 8pm, you will be met at Stuttgart airport or railway station and taken to your accommodation. Your host partner will also help you to deal with all formalities. This service is free of charge.

Services and support for international students

Cross-Cultural Mentoring Programme
The Office of International Affairs invites international degree students to sign up for the "Cross-Cultural Mentoring Programme". The programme is intended to ease initial challenges at the university as well as to offer study information, counselling services, subject-specific tutorials, courses, and activities during the whole study programme.
For further information, please contact: heidenreich@ia.uni-stuttgart.de.

The Welcoming Service
The Office of International Affairs offers a buddy programme in order to support you with all formalities at the beginning of your studies. For further information, please visit our website: http://www.ia.uni-stuttgart.de/internat/studierende/services/buddyprogramm/index.en.html.

Accommodation

Both campuses in Stuttgart-Vaihingen and in Stuttgart city centre have on-site halls of residence. Dorm rooms (ranging from 240-350 EUR per month) are furnished, some are equipped with a sink, and all have access to kitchen and sanitary facilities, telephone, and Internet. From the campus in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, the city of Stuttgart can be reached by suburban railway within 10 minutes. If you are under 30 years old and want to apply for a room in one of the student dormitories, please contact the student service:

Studentenwerk Stuttgart
Rosenbergstraße 18
70174 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)7 11-9 57 44 70
Fax: +49 (0)7 11-9 57 44 50
E-mail: wohnen.sws@t-online.de
Internet: http://www.sws-internet.de