Master of Arts: Sociology – European Societies Freie Universität Berlin

The "Sociology – European Societies" Master's programme is a research-oriented programme. It reflects current debates in theory-driven and problem-oriented research, and students learn to develop their own empirical research projects in the third semester. The curriculum offers a range of approaches to theory and (mostly quantitative) methods – spanning fields of culture, social structure, politics, European integration and transformation. Furthermore, it encourages active participation in research, from the identification of relevant questions to delivering sound results. The programme has a strong focus on quantitative methods for the social sciences.

The programme emphasises the comparative sociological study of European societies in a globalised and transnational world. It aims to enable students to apply theoretical and empirical tools of sociology in order to accomplish the following:

• describe and explain social structural, economic, and cultural differences across European countries
• understand the ways in which European societies are transformed by processes of regional integration
• investigate Europe in the context of globalisation and in contrast and connection to other world regions

The research and teaching agenda is implemented by the Institute of Sociology together with the Institutes for East European Studies, Latin American Studies, and the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin.

First semester:
The first semester requires compulsory attendance in three modules. Each module consists of a lecture and an elective seminar. Each module carries 10 ECTS credits. Two lectures of the three modules are assessed by a written exam (90 minutes) at the end of the semester. One seminar of the three modules requires the successful completion of a written assignment (5,000 words).

In the Methods of Comparative Research in Social Sciences module, all students will learn the main elements of research design and methods for contemporary sociology. Particular attention will be paid to quantitative methods, both in theory and in practice. The module covers the basics of understanding, interpreting, and conducting statistical analysis for sociological research and prepares students for more advanced seminars later in the study programme.

Second semester:
In the second semester, attendance in three modules is also compulsory. Each module consists of a lecture and an elective seminar. Each module carries 10 ECTS credits. The three lectures are assessed by written tests (90 minutes, not graded) at the end of the semester. The seminars require the successful completion of a written assignment (5,000 words) or an oral exam (25 minutes).

The second semester concentrates on the analysis of main features of the social structures and cultures of European societies. Additionally, the modules analyse Europe within the context of globalisation and in comparison to other world regions (particularly North America and Latin America).

Third semester:
The third semester consists of a research placement and two seminars. The research placement (four hours weekly) gives students the opportunity to put their research skills into practice. It offers the framework to independently conduct empirical research on one's topic of choice under close supervision. Students need to hand in a research report that consists of approx. 7,000 words. The class carries 15 ECTS credits in total.

The second module of the third semester consists of two elective modules: "Advanced Methods of Empirical Social Research" and "Special Fields of Sociological Research". Students must choose one of the elective modules, each of which consists of two seminars. Students can choose from a variety of seminars addressing topics related to previous modules of the programme. The module requires a written assignment of 3,000 words.

Fourth semester:
Students write their Master's theses in the fourth semester. Furthermore, they are required to attend a final Master's colloquium (5 ECTS) where students present and discuss the results of their theses. The length of the thesis should be at least 15,000 words, including an abstract of approx. 500 words. It carries 25 ECTS credits and has to be completed within five months after registering for the thesis.

Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB), Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)

A research placement is part of the course. Students will conduct individual research projects during the third semester and thereby prepare for their final thesis.

Regular applications for the first semester: 20 April to 31 May (winter semester)

Applications for advanced semesters: 20 April to 31 May (winter semester) and 1 December to 15 January (summer semester)

The programme is aimed at graduates of sociology and other social sciences. Programme admission requires a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) in sociology, of which 20 ECTS must be in sociological methods, 10 ECTS of which must be in quantitative methods.

Please find more information on the eligibility requirements and the application procedure on the following website: https://www.polsoz.fu-berlin.de/en/soziologie/studium/master/admissions/index.html.

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.