Master

The Master's program in Sociology at Heidelberg University is a consecutive full-time program with a standard duration of four semesters. Admission to the program is restricted. The number of credits to be earned is 120 for a 100% major and 20 for a 25% minor, which is also restricted.

The Master's program in Sociology offers professional, internationally oriented sociological training at an advanced level, which requires a previously completed Bachelor's degree in social sciences and solid methodological knowledge. The research-oriented program focuses on theoretically and methodologically sound, comparative sociological institutional analysis. In addition to the general part of the program, which is compulsory for all Master's students and deepens their knowledge of theory and methodology, there is the option of thematic specialization in line with the research priorities at the Max Weber Institute for Sociology, particularly within the framework of a two-semester research seminar. As part of the master's examination, students can obtain certification in either “Sociology of Organization and Human Resources” or “Global and Comparative Sociology”; special requirements apply to both specializations (§21 of the examination regulations).

Students enrolled in the Master's program in Sociology have access to numerous opportunities for international exchange through Erasmus, 4EU+, and other mobility programs at Heidelberg University. Some courses in empirical macrosociology and political sociology are offered in English.

The Master's program in Sociology enables students to independently research and develop sociological questions and academic publications in the field of sociology, as well as to acquire core competencies for important professional fields. Graduates who wish to pursue a career in sociological research and teaching can go on to do a doctorate, depending on the requirements of the respective doctoral regulations. Successful completion of the program also opens up opportunities in various professional fields, such as non-university research, market and opinion research, municipal, state, and federal statistics, consulting and continuing education, public planning and administration, development cooperation, as consultants, in the fields of culture, media and journalism, in associations and foundations, and in the private sector, especially in the areas of human resources, organization, and management.

HeiPoD podcast on studying sociology: How about sociology?

The M.A. program is accredited under the heiQUALITY quality management system:

Accreditation certificate for the Master's program in Sociology