Sociology and Social Research (MSSR) University of Bamberg

Are you interested in understanding social contexts and conducting your own scientific research? The Master's programme in Sociology enables you to deepen your theoretical knowledge and methodological skills in order to independently analyse and empirically investigate social processes and inequalities.

Special Features & Major Fields of Study

• Master's degree qualifying for both professional practice and research
• strong emphasis on quantitative methods in empirical social research
• option to specialise in Empirical Social Research (indicated on final degree certificate)
• systematic integration of theory and empirical research with clear orientation toward the requirements of scientific research practice
• strengthening the individual profile through selection of a major field of study
  • Family, Education and Work
  • Health, Population and Migration
  • Globalisation, Media and Digital Transformation
  • Employment, Organisation and Social Policy
• close integration of research and teaching through experienced and internationally recognised lecturers with connections to key research institutes in the region
• promotion of research-relevant competencies for scientific work or potential further academic qualification beyond the Master's degree
• practical module for applying theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the course of study
• also available as an international double degree programme

The two-year Master's degree programme (120 ECTS) usually takes place entirely in Bamberg. Teaching consists of a balanced mix of lectures and seminars.

Apart from the compulsory sociological and methodological programme in the first and second semester (30 ECTS), the programme provides flexibility regarding content and organisation of studies.

The sociological modules (42 to 60 ECTS) offered are based in the fields of Family, Education and Work, Health, Population and Migration, Globalisation, Media and Digital Transformation, Employment, Organisation and Social Policy.

The individual academic profile can be supplemented by classes in related economics and social science disciplines (up to 36 ECTS) or courses taken during an optional semester abroad. This supports the interdisciplinary aspect and extends the chosen area of the main focus, thereby making good use of the large potential of the curriculum available at the Faculty for Social Sciences, Economics, and Business Administration at the University of Bamberg.

The Master's thesis (30 ECTS) has to be written over the course of six months at the end of the programme.

Upon graduation, the faculty will award a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Sociology and Social Research (MSSR).

For current deadlines please visit this website.
For information about the application process please visit this website.

Please visit: https://www.uni-bamberg.de/auslandsstudium/ich-moechte-ins-ausland/.

Students whose home institution is Bamberg must pay a regular contribution for the administrative costs at the university (123 EUR per semester at present). There are no additional tuition fees during the student's stay at the host institution. A "Semesterticket" for public transport in the city of Bamberg is included (more information here).

Bamberg is still one of the cheaper student cities. In 2021, the average rent was 410 EUR per month (source: 22nd Social Survey of the German Studierendenwerk). Since then, rents and, above all, energy and heating costs have risen sharply, so the cost of an apartment is likely to be higher.

Bamberg's housing market has changed considerably in recent years. The demand for private accommodations is quite high, and rent prices continue to increase. The common trend seen in many cities, and particularly in university cities, is now quite apparent in Bamberg, too.

It is thus advisable to begin looking for a flat as early as possible and to be patient, as the process can take quite a while. It also pays to check listings in the local newspaper (Fränkischer Tag), submit an announcement that you are looking for accommodation, or explore the numerous online housing portals.

www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/living-in-bamberg/

Since the founding of the University of Bamberg in 1647, it is the people who have been its top priority. The close proximity of students and instructors provides for excellent advisory services, personal communication and interdisciplinary studies.

The University of Bamberg, with about 10,500 students, is among Germany's medium-sized universities. The university currently offers roughly 100 programmes at the Bachelor's and Master's level.

The university’s main areas of academic focus lie in the humanities, social sciences, economics, business administration and human sciences. These are rounded out by numerous programmes in application-oriented computer science. The premises of the four faculties are concentrated in three main locations that are easily reached by bicycle or via the local network of bus routes.

One of the University of Bamberg's main strengths is its commitment to a focus on international studies. The university’s International Office maintains exchange programmes with approximately 350 universities in nearly 60 countries worldwide.

There are currently about 1,950 foreign students from 100 countries enrolled at the University of Bamberg. The range of courses offered at the university reflects this focus on international studies. Degree programmes in fields like international business administration and management, European economic studies, or the joint Master’s degree in English and American Studies all require that students spend up to one year studying abroad. Furthermore, international students receive a great deal of support outside the classroom.

In order to help visiting students from around the globe become better integrated and acquainted with daily life, the International Office organises a tandem programme that brings together local and foreign students.

The university's international guests also have the opportunity to participate in an extensive programme of excursions and events meant to present a broader experience of life in Germany, even beyond the city of Bamberg. An international "Stammtisch" provides students with the opportunity to socialise and share experiences.

https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/study/

https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/

https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/

Located in Northern Bavaria, it is easy to travel to and from Bamberg using many different means of transport. For those travelling by car, the city can be reached from all directions via the A70 and A73 motorways. Bamberg's railway station is also a stop on the ICE line between Munich and Berlin, which means that both cities can be reached in about two and a half hours without changing trains. Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, is approximately 45 minutes away by train, and its international airport provides flights to destinations worldwide.

www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/living-studying/mobility/