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Master's programme

Double Master's Programme in Demography and Social Inequality - Master of Science University of Cologne

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
15 May 2027 (winter semester)
Language level required
English: C1
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Full-time
Intake
Winter semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

English

Programme description

The double Master's programme, which is offered jointly by the University of Cologne and the University of Groningen, is an innovative and unique programme that will allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories, methods, and practices of social research in both academic and practical settings. Benefit from the expertise of two leading universities, enjoy the advantages of an interdisciplinary approach, and gain valuable international experience.

  • Explore topics such as migration, health, education, income, ageing, and changing family structures in the context of demographic change and social inequalities
  • Get a better understanding of pressing social issues related to demographic change and social inequality
  • Receive rigorous training in a range of quantitative methods and data analysis tools
  • Gain the skills to apply the methods and tools that are needed to address complex social issues in a rapidly changing world
  • Acquire the ability to communicate social and demographic research results effectively to audiences beyond the research community, including policy makers.

On successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded both Master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Sociology: Social Research from the University of Cologne and a Master of Science in Population Studies from the University of Groningen.

Programme structure

The courses offered by the two universities offer a wide range of topics and complement each other very well. The double degree is integrated into the regular Master's programmes. It includes courses from both programmes and is based on credit transfer.

Get an idea of the content of the courses in the UoC module catalogue and the RUG course catalogue.

Part of the study programme involves writing a Master's thesis, which students will work on in their second year of studies.

Mode of study

  • Less than 50% online
    Phase of attendance: yes, compulsory
    Pace of course: mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)

In cooperation with

University of Groningen, Netherlands

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
15 April 2027
15 May 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

  • Overall Bachelor's grade equivalent to at least 2.7 (German grading system)
  • at least 18 ECTS in the fields of Sociology and/or Social Psychology
  • at least 12 ECTS in the fields of Methods in Quantitative Social Sciences and/or Applied Quantitative Empirical Social Research and/or Statistics

Please find more information and a full list of requirements here.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
Total: 92 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
IELTS Academic
Total: 6.5 / 9
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: C1 Advanced

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 320 EUR per semester. The fee includes a public transport ticket for regional transport throughout Germany ("Deutschlandsemesterticket").

Scholarships and financing information

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation

WiSo Student Services

Career advisory services

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the student union ("Kölner Studierendenwerk") or on the private housing market. Rent for a single room in a student hall of residence is approx. 200 EUR to 300 EUR. Rent for a single room on the private housing market is approx. 400 EUR to 600 EUR.

Contact

Main contact

Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences

Adresse
50931 Köln

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Immer wissen, was als Nächstes ansteht

Mit deinem Study Guide hast du eine persönliche To-do-Liste, die sich an dein Herkunftsland, deinen Abschluss und deine Interessen anpasst – und dir zeigt, was als Nächstes wichtig ist.