Master's Programme Sociology and Social Research

What is the Programme About?

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

Special Features and Major Fields of Study

The Master’s programme in Sociology and Social Research (MSSR) has a number of distinctive features and unique selling points:

Academic Excellence and Research Integration

Master's degree qualifying for both professional practice and research
Strong emphasis on quantitative methods in empirical social research
Systematic integration of theory and empirical research with clear orientation toward the requirements of scientific research practice
Close integration of research and teaching through experienced and internationally recognized lecturers with connections to key research institutes in the region

Practical Skills and Professional Development

Practical module for applying theoretical and methodological knowledge
Promotion of research-relevant competencies for scientific work or potential further academic qualification beyond the Master's degree
Option to specialise in Empirical Social Research (indicated on final degree certificate)

Your Individual Profile

Strengthen your 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

International Opportunities

Suitable for international students, as all courses are taught in English
Option of spending a semester abroad (not compulsory)
Also available as an International Double Degree Programme

Career Prospects

Graduates pursue diverse professional opportunities, including:

public administration and government ministries
political parties, associations and NGOs
market and opinion research
consulting, organisational and human resources development
communications, marketing, public relations and media

What you Should Bring to the MA Sociology and Social Research

Genuine interest in understanding society and social change
Desire to move beyond description toward deeper understanding of social processes
Enthusiasm for exploring contemporary social questions through empirical evidence and theoretical reflection
Curiosity about research – wanting to know not just what sociologists find, but how they find it
Drive to apply sociological insights to real-world challenges
Willingness to engage with quantitative methods and work with data
Analytical thinking and comfort with basic quantitative methods
Openness to learning and applying different research methods in practice
Enthusiasm for working with actual datasets and research projects
Willingness to engage with statistical software (we teach Stata and R)
Clear sense of what interests you most, so you can shape your studies accordingly

Quick Profile

Final Examination	Master's Examination (accompanying the programme)
Title	Master of Science (M.Sc.)
ECTS Points	120
Standard Programme Duration	2 Academic Years (4 Semesters)
Start of Studies	Possible in both the Winter and Summer Semesters
Admission and Enrolment	Application required
Type of Studies	Full time or Part time possible
Languages of Instruction	English
Study Abroad	Possible but not obligatory
Documents	Examination and Study Regulations Module handbook Further documents

Here’s what (former) students of the MA in Sociology have to say:

Good preparation & adaptability
I am now in my second semester of studying sociology. Compared to other sociology programmes, Bamberg is particularly well known for its high-quality empirical work. Having completed a bachelor’s degree in a different subject, I wasn’t really prepared for statistics or working with programmes such as Stata or R. However, the university offers a huge range of resources to help students catch up on any gaps in their knowledge in this area. The programme is currently undergoing reform. The theory is explored in sufficient depth for a Master’s degree. Personally, I think,… Read the full review (available in German only)

You can find more student reviews here.

“Our most recent survey of graduates demonstrates that studying Sociology in Bamberg equips you for change – with practical relevance, flexibility, and excellent career prospects. Sociology enables you to understand the dynamics of modern societies – from family and education to work, politics, and social cohesion.”

Prof. Dr. Olaf Struck

“Studying Sociology in Bamberg offers an exceptional combination of strengths. We excel in both research and the teaching of statistical methods and sociological content. Our favourable student-to-faculty ratio ensures excellent supervision and personal attention. Here, students acquire the essential tools to understand our data-driven modern world – gaining both theoretical depth and practical competence for navigating contemporary society.”

Prof. Dr. Katja Möhring

International Double Master's Degree Programmes

The Master's program in Sociology (Double Degrees) combines advanced sociological studies with an integrated period of study abroad and leads to two Master's degrees. In addition to strengthening competencies in quantitative methods of empirical social research, you can focus on specific areas of content through the selection of the appropriate partner university.

>>> Double Degrees in Sociology

Master's Programme Sociology and Social Research (M.Sc. MSSR)