Study Social Sciences in Germany

Human coexistence takes place on many levels: From the smallest forms, like families, to far larger examples such as companies and multinational systems, e.g., the United Nations. All these entities are of interest to the social sciences; both their effects on society and their interdependencies with society are analysed. For research in this field, you need to master the qualitative and quantitative methods of the social sciences, including statistics and empiricism. These account for a significant part of your studies.

There are various fields of study in the social sciences:

• Gender studies
• Sustainability sciences (social, not natural)
• Social economics
• Sociology

All the degree programmes in this area are very theoretical and are therefore offered mainly by universities.

Social science programmes follow a typical course of study. This means that Bachelor’s degrees can be up to six semesters, while Master’s degrees can last up to five, including the semester for writing a thesis. An internship is almost always a requirement in a social sciences programme. During which semester you need to complete the internship depends on the higher education institution. Internships can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Empirical projects are another possible requirement to gain practical experience. For your future, it can be wise to strategically choose your internship. If you impress, job opportunities are a little bit easier to come by.

A higher education entrance qualification or something equivalent is usually required to be accepted for a social sciences programme. It is also possible to apply with several years of professional experience in a related field. If you are applying with something other than a school-leaving certificate, then it is better to contact your higher education institution. A numerus clausus (NC), i.e., a minimum grade, of between 1.6 and 2.9 can be required and have different thresholds depending on the Higher Education Institution. Some are stricter while others can have lower requirements. Other higher education institutions don’t require them at all.

To increase your chances of getting accepted into a Master’s programme, a higher grade point average in your Bachelor’s degree will be extremely helpful. Master’s programmes for social sciences can be challenging and demanding, so having an excellent application will help you.

If you are planning on studying in a programme that conducts courses in English, proof of language skills might also be necessary. Some of the materials might also only be in English. Requirements for entry into higher education institutions can vary, so check the necessities before diving into the process.

The cost of attending a public higher education institution in Germany can be relatively inexpensive. In most cases, it is tuition free. A semester contribution of 100 to 400 euros will most likely be asked of you, however. This will cover such expenses as public transportation, which you will most likely be able to use at least in the city you are studying in, sometimes even in the entire federal state. Studying at a private higher education institution will cost you a lot more. This can range into the 10s of thousands of euros when it comes to tuition.

Housing expenses will be dependent on your approach and the city you live in. Just like in most countries, the bigger the city you live in, the more expensive the costs of housing will be. If you end up studying in a medium or smaller-sized town, then you can find more affordable options. Finding options through your local student union will be the quickest and most likely your most cost-efficient option. However, you will need to act fast, as housing can fill up quickly before the semester begins.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships  and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

Lifestyle choices are also a determinant of expenses you will incur during your time studying.

Your career path in social sciences will be heavily dependent on your focus during your studies and your interests. Social sciences can give you a wide set of options to choose from. The chances of you finding a job within a year of graduating are good. As discussed before, practical experience gained through your studies will help you find a job and a job that fits you. You will have options in politics and administration, research and science, the educational and cultural sectors, and business consulting. You can also become a teacher. However, this requires an additional teaching degree in social sciences.

Salaries are hard to pin down due to the wide variety of options, but they can range from 1,900 to 4,000 euros. Consult with your professors or councilors to see what other options are out there.