Sociology of Inequality (Master of Arts) University of Konstanz

English

Sociology of Inequality is a consecutive Master's programme in English that builds on a three-year Bachelor's programme in the social sciences, for example in sociology, political and administrative science, economics or a similar field of study.

The programme is characterised by a research-oriented study programme that deals with social inequality as a pressing contemporary social problem, provides in-depth training in quantitative methods and offers personal and individual supervision. This is complemented either by a six-month external internship or by an international exchange, spending one semester at one of our partner universities. In its thematic focus on social inequality and its tight connection to the Graduate School of the Social and Behavioural Sciences (GSBS) and the Cluster of Excellence The Politics of Inequality, the programme is outstanding in Germany and in the European Union.

The programme focuses mainly on the following thematic fields that are of core relevance to inequality in contemporary societies: migration and social integration, gender inequalities in organisations and the labour market, inequality in the education system and at work, political participation and social movements.
After a basic introduction to theories of inequality and quantitative methods for inequality research, students will participate in several thematic seminars. A key part of the study programme is an intense, six-month project seminar in which students obtain hands-on research experience. A final thesis allows students to apply their training to their own individual research project. We place particular emphasis on providing students with the required methodical skills, thus enabling them to collect and analyse (quantitative) empirical data.
Having some foundational knowledge on general social theory and basic training in empirical research methods (obtained during a BA) will allow students to fully benefit from the programme. In their third semester, students will pursue an internship (outside the university at a company, an organisation or research institution) to expand their range of experience as well as increase their opportunities on the labour market. Alternatively, this can be substituted by an international exchange, studying for one semester at one of our partner universities.

The study programme begins yearly in October.

Semester dates at the University of Konstanz

15 March – 15 April

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 study, the study plan and the module book, please see: MA Sociology of Inequality prospective students.

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Optional study abroad semester

The six-month compulsory internship will greatly expand students' range of experience as well as increase their chances on the labour market. Students can complete their internship at a research institution, an organisation or a company in Germany or abroad.

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 that 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. Here is an example of the average monthly cost of living in Konstanz: https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/international-office/study-in-konstanz/preparation/costs-associated-with-studying/.

A three-year Bachelor's programme in social sciences, for example in sociology, political science, economics or a similar field of study

Documentation of adequate English language skills (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a prerequisite for admission to this Master's programme. Any one of the following language tests (or equivalent) are accepted as proof of your English language skills:

• Five years of continuous English lessons in secondary education with a minimum grade of 9 points or "befriedigend" (satisfactory) or better (usually certified by the higher education entrance qualification)
• Successful completion of four or more courses taught in English in a previous study programme
• Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), at least grade C
• IELTS test result (International English Language Testing System), score 5.5 or better
• TOEFL test result (Test of English as a Foreign Language) of at least 87 points (Internet-based), 227 points (computer-based) or 567 points (paper-based)

15 March – 15 April

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 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), for example:

Jobbörse Seezeit: the job portal of our student services

Job openings in the Department of Sociology

Jobs are also posted on the notice boards of the university 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. 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.

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