Modern Indian Studies University of Göttingen

The Master's in Modern Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme focusing on economic, political, social, and cultural developments in modern India. In the programme, students seek to address a number of fundamental questions about modern India, including:

• How does India’s cultural and religious diversity affect societal developments?
• How does the democratic system address issues of social inequality?
• How can the dynamics of economic development in a pluralistic society be understood?

As looking for answers to profound questions such as these requires an interdisciplinary approach, there are five research groups at CeMIS:

• Society and Culture in Modern India
• State and Democracy in Modern India
• Indian Religions
• Modern Indian History
• Development Economics of India

Students wishing to develop a stronger thematic specialisation can choose a study focus on one of the following:

• Anthropology of Power
• Historical Sociology

The focus will be printed on the MA certificate.

The MA in Modern Indian Studies is a single major, four-semester programme. As an international study programme that attracts students from around the world, all courses are conducted in English. To obtain a Master's degree, students must complete 120 credits, including a Master's thesis (30 credits).

The Master's programme is designed to offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to develop and pursue their own interests and thematic focus within the five interdisciplinary categories. Aside from the two-semester introductory course on Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India and a course in Academic Writing and Research (24 ECTS), and courses in modern Indian languages (12 ECTS), students are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their thesis. All students who choose a study focus will write the thesis in their chosen field. Students who do not choose a study focus are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their theses.

German language skills are not required. However, international students interested in learning or improving their German may attend courses provided by the university. Up to 12 ECTS from these courses can go towards the Master's degree through the "Professionalisation" area.

Students also have the option of completing a semester abroad. See the section on "Integrated study abroad unit(s)" for more information.

The study programme begins in the winter semester.

• Citizens of a member state of the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) OR applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country have to apply by 15 May of the same calendar year. 
• Citizens of non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries and without a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country have to apply by 15 November of the previous calendar year.

MA in Modern Indian Studies

• Sufficient credits (at least 50 ECTS) in a related field are required. Related fields are development studies, geography, history, gender or diversity studies, Indian studies, Indology, Islam studies, ethnology or cultural anthropology, media studies, political science, religious studies, social and economic history, sociology or economics.
• Proof of proficiency in English is required (see details below).

Applicants from India also need an APS certificate (applicant evaluation or Akademische Prüfstelle). This is a document that verifies proof of qualifications for immigration to Germany. Hence, before applying for a visa, individuals must have the APS certificate in hand. For the application, follow this link. The APS certificate is valid indefinitely and can be acquired before acceptance to the course. All students should complete the APS as soon as possible. More information on applications, documents required and fees can be found here.

Application

Please find more information about the application process here (including deadlines) and the ECTS system here.

Language requirements:

• Candidates must prove sufficient knowledge in English by minimum achievements in an internationally recognised test equivalent to C1 level (at least) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe (CEFR). 
• Further information on the certificates to be submitted and possible exemptions can be found here.

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

With a regular study visa, students are allowed to work part-time. You can find part-time jobs in local businesses here. The university also advertises student assistant jobs.

Deutschlandstipendium and Landesstipendium Niedersachsen are two independent scholarships that partially support MA students after enrolment. The International Office at the university provides advice and information to international students.

Internship & Job Service at the Faculty of Social Sciences

University of Göttingen Career Service 

Would you like to start a business? Then have a look at start-up support! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

Göttingen offers a range of accommodation options from shared flats and single apartments to student dormitories. Demand for student accommodation in Göttingen is high.

There is a limited number of places available in student dormitories and the waiting period is six to 12 months. You can apply for a dorm room before admission or enrolment, so please apply here as early as possible.

Most students rent a room in privately-run shared flats or single apartments. At the University of Göttingen, the Accommodation Service at the International Office helps students find accommodation.