Anthropology and Sociology (Master of Arts) University of Konstanz

The language usually used in class and during examinations is German. Some courses are taught in English. Course work as well as the Master's thesis can also be completed in English.

Our Master's programme in Anthropology and Sociology brings together core elements from both disciplines in a research-oriented study programme that focuses on contemporary social issues and problems. This combination of disciplines is only available at the University of Konstanz. The anthropological part of the programme focuses on non-Western cultures and societies, enabling us to critically reflect on our own society; the sociological part contributes important theoretical and methodological impulses. The combination of the two disciplines allows interrelating and assessing ongoing debates in both disciplines. It also opens up new perspectives so that you will be able to develop innovative research questions and trajectories.

The study programme begins:

• winter semester: October
• summer semester: April

Details about the semester dates at the University of Konstanz

• 7 May to 15 July (for the following winter semester)
• 29 November to 15 January (for the following summer semester)

Students from a EU member state or from the European Economic Area (EEA) are not required to pay any tuition fees for their first degree in Germany.
Students from countries outside the EU or EEA are required to pay 1,500 EUR tuition fees per semester plus 209 EUR.
You will find all information about tuition fees and scholarships on our website.

For detailed information regarding the course of studies, the study plan, and the module book, please see: https://www.soziologie.uni-konstanz.de/en/department/ma-anthropology-and-sociology/prospective-students/ma-anthropology-and-sociology-prospective-students/

The Master's programme in Anthropology and Sociology consists of theoretical seminars of both disciplines, seminars on methods (ethnography, ethnomethodology, oral history, conversation analysis, discourse analysis, interview techniques, and others) as well as thematic seminars covering the various research interests of our staff (for example, Political and Legal Anthropology, the Anthropology of Religion, Cultural Sociology, and others).

At the core of our programme are our project seminars in which students carry out their own research projects. Lecturers will help prepare the students' projects, support them during their fieldwork, and offer courses in analysing fieldwork data. During the jointly held lecture series as well as in the Master Forum, our students have the chance to interact with professors and students from the Master's programme in Sociology.

This unique study programme profits from small courses, a close supervision, and the possibility to carry out one's own research in Germany, Europe, or abroad.

Since our programme focusses on student-led research projects, each student will have the possibility to carry out research abroad. The regional expertise of our staff covers Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

No

Varied

Students from a EU member state or from the European Economic Area (EEA) are not required to pay any tuition fees for their first degree in Germany.
Students from countries outside the EU or EEA are required to pay 1,500 EUR tuition fees per semester plus 209 EUR.
You will find all information about tuition fees and scholarships on our website.

All students currently pay a semester fee of 209 EUR:

• administrative fee: 80 EUR
• student services fee: 115 EUR
• student body fee: 14 EUR

The good news is: studying at German public universities is not expensive. For your stay, you will require a budget for daily life and certain study expenses. The cost of living for students in Konstanz is approx. 987 EUR per month.
Example of the average monthly living cost in Konstanz: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/cost-of-living/

• Above-average degree (minimum degree: Bachelor of Arts or equivalent) with the grade "good" (2.5) or better of a three-year (or more) study programme in a subject related to the two disciplines involved in the Master's programme at a state or state-accredited institution of higher education. Our selection committee decides whether you meet the requirements stated above.
• A letter of motivation (two DIN A4 pages or more) stating why you are interested in the Master's programme Anthropology and Sociology as well as your expectations and professional ambitions in the future. This letter can also be written in English.
• If you have not yet completed your BA degree by the end of the application deadline, please attach the official documentation of all your academic achievements so far as well as your current average grades.

German language skills: International applicants need to provide documentation of their German language skills at a level DSH-2 or TestDaF 4. Alternatively, other language tests or school certificates that are recognised as equivalent can be used as proof of the required German language skills.

You do not have to document any additional foreign language skills.

• 7 May to 15 July (for the following winter semester)
• 29 November to 15 January (for the following summer semester)

Students with great academic credentials and community service experience can apply for scholarships in Germany. In cases of unexpected financial hardship, the university will try to help with emergency financial support. For an overview of financial support options, check out our websites:

https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/fees-and-scholarships/#c219152

http://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/study-essentials/finances/financing-your-studies

For example, you may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. The scholarship amounts to 300 EUR per month and is awarded without regard to income for a minimum of two semesters.

If you want to earn some extra cash while you study, you can get a student job. The university administration and many departments offer student assistant jobs. You can find a number of advertisements for jobs both on and off campus on online platforms (in German):

Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of our student services

Job openings at the Department

Jobs are also posted on the university’s notice boards in the foyer and canteen areas as well as in the departments.

There are a number of possibilities for accommodation for students: in apartments, flat shares, or residence halls run by the university. Check out our website, where we provide an overview of the different options as well as general tips. You can also contact the team of our International Office for advice on housing.

Please note that it is important to begin your search for accommodation as early as possible since our city and surroundings are very popular not only with students but also with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Since both Switzerland and Lake Constance border Konstanz, the available living space is limited and not always inexpensive.

https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/study/advice-and-services/career-service/services-for-students-and-graduates/

The International Office and the Language Institute ("Sprachlehrinstitut") offer information on living in Konstanz and on German academic culture as well as language courses for newcomers to make it easier for you to settle into your new surroundings.
https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/degree-studies/new-at-the-university/

International Office e-mail: international@uni-konstanz.de
Central Student Advisory Service e-mail: studienberatung@uni-konstanz.de