sociology phd in germany

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2742 Study programs

Study Sociology in Germany: 49 Universities with 80 English Degree Programs

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Sociology has some well known connections to Germany, certain names such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Jutta Almendinger come to mind. One may be motivated to study Sociology in Germany to wander in their footsteps. With a great number of English-taught Master’s programs in Sociology offered, German universities also provide international, up-to date programs that connect theory with cutting-edge research.

Some of the international Master’s programs in Sociology in Germany have an interdisciplinary and international focus. Programs can address issues such as development or globalisation, or intersect with Global and Area Studies. Many Master’s degrees in Sociology offer their students the freedom to choose their own focus point during their studies. View all options in our Study Finder.

Study Programs in English

Universities

Universities in International Rankings

€ 0 (55 programs for EU citizens, 45 programs for Non-EU citizens)

€ 12,000 per semester (1 program for EU citizens/Non-EU)

Winter Semester

between April 30 and April 15

Summer Semester

between July 15 and September 01

Top-ranked German Universities in Sociology

public Technical University

No. of Students: approx. 47,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 4,000 (per semester)

public University

No. of Students: approx. 28,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 1,500 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 36,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 2,500 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 38,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 37,000 students

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Tuition Fees

3 english degree programs for sociology in germany.

University of Potsdam Potsdam

International war studies (double degree with university college dublin, ireland).

Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods (EPQM)

Friedensau Adventist University Möckern

Development studies (on-campus or online).

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2024

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

72 programs

79 programs

Application Requirements

When you apply to a Master’s program in Sociology, universities will usually expect you to have an academic degree in a related discipline, that means in Sociology or related social sciences, such as Economics or Political Science. Other (interdisciplinary) programs accept students with backgrounds in various disciplines, such as Law, History, Philosophy, Ethnology, or Cultural Studies. Usually, application tests or interviews are not part of the admission process, students must simply submit required documents. In addition to standard certificates (e.g. first degree certificate, a transcript of records, a language certificate), a CV and a letter of motivation are typically required. Extra documents, such as practical experiences, written samples of your work or a background in research methods are sometimes prerequisites.

Application Modes

Application process.

Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg Sankt Augustin / Rheinbach

Corporate social responsibility & non-governmental organisations management (mba).

International Social Work (ISW)

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt am Main

Urban agglomerations.

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

5 (4 programs )

61 (1 program )

B2 First (FCE) (26 programs )

7.5 (1 program )

108 (1 program )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (31 programs )

Universität Hamburg Hamburg

Peace and security studies.

Europa-Universität Flensburg Flensburg

European studies.

Leuphana University Lüneburg Lüneburg

Culture and organization.

2-8 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Arts

Master of Business Administration

Master of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of all German Universities offering English-taught Study Programs in Sociology

Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Program Fees: € 1,250 - € 2,640

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Bard College Berlin

Program Fees: € 11,700 - € 16,500

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

Bielefeld University

Program Fees: € 0

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science)

Constructor University

Program Fees: € 10,000

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Department of Social Sciences - Berlin Graduate School of Social Science

Berlin graduate school of social sciences.

The graduate school´s mission is to train and promote doctoral researchers from Germany and abroad/the world for both scientific and professional careers. Doctoral researchers who participate in the training structure of the BGSS International Doctoral Program complete their doctoral degrees in either Sociology or Political Sciences. The degree is awarded by Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

BGSS has been funded by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments via the German Research Association from 2007 - 2014.

Starting from October 2020 applications for BGSS are seeked for on an ongoing basis .

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A research-oriented, curriculum-defined postgraduate training programme enables students to master, critically reflect on and apply recent theories and methods of the Social Sciences and to produce scientific expertise. In addition, students are to acquire key qualifications.

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Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences (GGG)

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Programme description

The aim of the doctoral programme "Social Sciences" at the Faculty of Social Sciences is to qualify students to take on responsible tasks in research and teaching and in non-university professional fields. A research-oriented, curriculum-defined postgraduate training programme enables students to master, critically reflect on and apply recent theories and methods of the social sciences and to produce scientific expertise. In addition, students are to acquire key qualifications.

Post-graduate studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences

The topic of the dissertation must be chosen from a subject represented at the Faculty of Social Sciences: Education, Ethnology, Gender Studies, Modern Indian Studies, Political Science, Social Science Diversity Research, Sociology or Sports Science.

The common research object of the individual disciplines in the Faculty of Social Sciences is the social action of people in a historically and socially determinable place. Against the backdrop of current social processes and problems, the conditions of individual and collective action are examined, its culture-, gender- and class-specific forms are described and its effects and consequences are researched on a macro-social as well as on a micro-social level. The aim is to use the combination of subjects united in the Faculty of Social Sciences, which is not found at any other location, to theoretically and empirically penetrate current subject areas from different perspectives. In doing so, theory-based social science methods are applied. The joint Methods Centre of the Faculty of Social Sciences provides methodological advice and support for empirical research projects. In the following years, research at the Faculty of Social Sciences is primarily determined by two main research areas: "Educational research: educational and occupational biographical transitions in the early life course" and "Globalisation of economic action and institutional change".

Occupational fields

Academic teaching and research activities in university and non-university research institutions, management positions in the field of public relations and media, in administrations, in knowledge management, in international organisations and in intercultural transfer, in adult and continuing education, in associations, consulting agencies and in market and opinion research.

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Application deadlines:

• September 15th for the winter semester
• March 15th for the summer semester

Previous studies:

• Completed M.A. programme with a standard period of study of one year ( minimum of 240 ECTS credits ) or equivalent programme in a subject area represented at the Faculty of Social Sciences or a related subject area.
• M.A. degree or equivalent degree with a marking of “good” (2.5) or better , or proof of eligibility by means of an exposé; the decision will be taken by the Graduate Committee on the basis of an expert report written by an external evaluator.
• Proof of examination achievements completed during the B.A. or M.A. programme or an equivalent programme amounting to at least 100 ECTS credits earned in the subject that the proposed doctoral thesis deals with, or
• Proof of examination achievements completed during the B.A. or M.A. programme or an equivalent programme amounting to at least 50 ECTS credits earned in the subject that the proposed doctoral thesis deals with, and proof of examination achievements completed during the B.A. or M.A. programme or an equivalent programme amounting to at least 50 ECTS credits earned in other subjects that can be selected for doctoral studies at the Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences (GGG) or the Graduate School of Humanities Göttingen (GSGG).
• The Graduate Committee may grant provisional acceptance, allowing the student to earn credits not yet earned within the following two semesters ( “study contract” amounting to 30 ECTS credits max. )

Language requirements:

• Applicants who are neither in the possession of a German university entrance qualification nor of a B.A. or M.A. degree (or in an equivalent degree) from a German university must possess sufficient knowledge of the German language (DSH 2 level) .
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English,
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English,
• “International English Language Testing System” (IELTS), at least on “Band 6” level,
• at least 550 points in the hand-written version of the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (paper-based TOEFL),
• at least 220 points in the computer-based version of the “Test of English as a Foreign Language” (computer-based TOEFL),
• at least 83 points in the “new Internet-based TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language”,
• UNIcert level „III“,
• C1 certificate in accordance with CEF (Common European Framework).
• No more than three years must have passed between the successful completion of the test and the application for admission to the doctoral studies programme.
• Applicants who have spent two or more years in an English-speaking country (English is official language) for education or work within three years before applying for admission do not have to submit proof of their proficiency in English.

Further requirements:

• Confirmation of supervision: a confirmation of a member of the Faculty of Social Studies who is an authorised examiner that he or she is going to supervise the candidate’s doctoral thesis

Questions regarding applications

Martin Ertelt

Platz der Göttinger Sieben 3, Oeconomicum 1.112 37073 Göttingen

Phone: +49-551 39-26540

E-Mail: [email protected]

Academic Advising

Annegret Schallmann

Platz der Göttinger Sieben 3 37073 Göttingen

Phone: +49-551 39-27159

E-Mail: [email protected]

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Welcome to the Institute of Sociology

The Institute of Sociology at Goethe University Frankfurt numbers amongst the most important worldwide and is today also the second largest of its kind in Germany.

Sociology was established in Frankfurt in 1919 and has been renowned worldwide since the 1920s thanks to the “Frankfurt School”. It was the hub of the 1968 revolution and today builds on its strong tradition and international location and in so doing is reinventing itself for the 21 st century.

Goethe University Frankfurt is home to the second largest social science education and research institution in Germany. Over 20 professors and more than 60 research associates are engaged at our institute in teaching and research in current societal analysis topics. 

• Senior Professors
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The Institute of Sociology is committed to top-quality research and teaching. Our research priorities are anchored in seven Research Units.

• Sociological Theory, History of Sociology, and Philosophy of Science
• Empirical Social Research Methods
• Social Stratification, Social Inequality, and Education
• Microsociology, Social Psychology, and Culture
• Gender, Diversity, and Migration
• Sociology of Economics, Work, and Organizations
• Knowledge, Technology, and Environment

Over the last years, the institute has attracted a growing number of externally funded projects. Such current projects, categorized by source of funding, can be found on the following pages.

• German Research Foundation
• Federal and State Funding
• Foundations

Degree Programmes

(Prospective) students can find more detailed information on the following pages.

• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Arts in Sociology
• Master of Arts in Economics Sociology and Sociology of Finance

Important notice

This was the anniversary 100 Years of Sociology at Goethe-University

Institute of Sociology Faculty of Social Sciences Goethe University Frankfurt Westend Campus - PEG Building Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6 60323 Frankfurt am Main Germany

Postal address: 60629 Frankfurt am Main P.O. Box 10 (PEG Building) Germany

Executive Director Prof. Dr. Alexander Schmidt-Catran

Contact: [email protected]

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Excellence in academics

The University of Mannheim is one of the leading higher education institutions in Germany. This is illustrated by the university' s top placements in national and international university rankings . The Social Sciences and Economics, in particular, regularly achieve top positions. This success is also due to the university' s close cooperation with numerous renowned research institutions in Germany and around the world.

First-class education in structured doctoral programs

Formerly funded by the Excellence Initiative, the Graduate School of Economic and Social Sciences (GESS) offers its doctoral students an English-language program with continuous funding. In addition, pursuing a doctorate with GESS includes research stays at internationally recognized universities and assistance in starting a career in academia.

Research that benefits society

A practical orientation and the transfer of knowledge to society are major goals of the University of Mannheim. This gives doctoral students the opportunity to conduct applied research and enables them not only to contribute to promoting science but also to benefiting society.

Powerful doctoral students' councils

The University of Mannheim attaches great importance to involving the doctoral students' councils in the university’s decision-making processes. The representatives of the councils therefore communicate the interests of the doctoral students in all important committees and are also in close exchange with the President's Office and the Central University Administration.

Living in Mannheim

Those who like an international and vibrant atmosphere will feel right at home in Mannheim . The city combines tradition and modernity in a unique way and offers a rich cultural and leisure life. Inhabitants from more than 150 nations, a baroque palace as its campus and Germany's first night mayor – Mannheim is special in every respect.

Please note:

Which path to a doctorate is suitable for you – an individual doctorate at a chair or a doctorate within a structured doctoral program – largely depends on your field of study and the preference of the respective chair or your supervisor: At the University of Mannheim, it is possible to pursue a doctorate in a structured doctoral program in Economics, Business Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Mathematics in Business and Economics. In addition, all schools and departments – with the exception of the Department of Economics – generally also offer the possibility of pursuing an individual doctorate directly at a chair. If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate at the University of Mannheim and already have a professor in mind as your supervisor, we strongly recommend that you establish contact at an early stage and find out about the possible paths to a doctorate offered at the respective chair.

Pursuing a doctorate

Doctorate at a Chair

The “traditional” doctorate at a chair is recommended for all those who wish to have as much freedom and independence as possible. We have compiled the most important information on this way of pursuing a doctorate for you.

Stuctured Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs provide structured academic training with fixed periods of study, team supervision, and secure funding – perfect for all those who value clear structures and security.

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29 phd-in-sociology positions in Germany

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• Research Job 12
• Scholarship 10
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• GESIS - Leibniz Institut für Sozialwissenschaften 2
• Technical University of Munich 2
• Bielefeld University • 1
• Center for Critical Computational Studies 1
• FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg • 1
• Free University of Berlin 1
• Freie Universität Berlin • 1
• Georg August University of Göttingen 1
• Heidelberg University 1
• Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam - Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ 1
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• Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock 1
• Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies • 1
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Post-doctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for assessing practices of food system actors in the context of alternative food networks

results with project partners attending international project meetings Your qualifications: PhD in health promotion, sociology , human geography, public health or related subjects experience in living labs

Tenure Track Position as WG Lead (m/f/d) on “Agricultural Sociology : Acceptance and Transformation Research”

participatory research methods and co-design processes to support transformation processes in agricultural landscapes The call is aimed at dynamic and highly motivated researchers with a PhD in sociology or a

Academic Staff Member (f/m/d) ID no. 316/2024

Sociology . The role offers opportunities for developing self-directed research and academic qualification. Expected responsibilities include developing your own research profile, working on internationally

Researcher in Survey Methodology/Data Analysis (postdoc)

: PhD degree or advanced doctoral studies in social science or a related subject (e.g., political science, sociology , psychology) Very good knowledge of social science methods and in particular data

PostDoc (m/f/d)

meetings and Policy Dialogues Your Profile PhD in a discipline (e.g. epidemiology, public health, sociology ) with exposure to food systems (ideally European) Experience in conducting systematic searches and

Tenure Track Position as WG Lead (m/f/d) Agricultural Sociology : Acceptance and Transformation Research

agricultural landscapes The call is aimed at dynamic and highly motivated researchers with a PhD in sociology or a related subject. The applicant should already be active in relevant national and international

Post-Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Migration and Health Inequalities

, technology, social sciences, and the humanities. The successful candidate must have a PhD (or receive it in 2024) in Demography, Sociology , Epidemiology, Statistics or related fields, and is expected to have a

Post-Doctoral Researcher

Senior researcher (postdoc) nlp and big data.

13 Mar 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company GESIS - Leibniz Institut für Sozialwissenschaften Department Cologne/Mannheim Research Field Sociology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2

Academic Staff Member (f/m/d) ID no. 301/2024

Science, (Digital) Humanities) Completed successful PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., Political Science, Public Administration, Political Economy, Sociology , Data Science, (Digital) Humanities) Excellent

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Welcome to the Department of Sociology at the LMU!

Sociology , the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships; specifically the systematic study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings. [Merriam-Webster] Would you like to know more? Welcome!

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Sociology offers a bachelor’s degree as well as a consecutive master’s program, with social sciences also a subject in the teacher training degree (BA and MEd).

The first 2 years of the bachelor’s degree program in sociology concentrate on teaching core competencies in sociological theory and application-oriented quantitative and qualitative social research methods. In the third year, students choose advanced courses from a broad spectrum of specialization areas.

The master’s degree program is research oriented and imparts current developments in the international discourse on the subject. The degree program combines the requisite basic knowledge with pronounced method, theory, and research expertise and the opportunity for individual, interest-based areas of concentration. This enables students to develop and systematically build upon their own profile.

The professors in the sociology subject group are involved in diverse research activities, which form the basis of their teaching. At present, there are 8 sociology professorships. Program directors for the sociology degree programs are:

• program director BA and MA Sociology Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kley
• Diplom / Magister in Sociology program director Prof. Dr. Jürgen Beyer
• Social Sciences teacher training degrees program director Prof. Dr. Olaf Asbach

Professors in the sociology subject group

• Prof. Dr. Jürgen Beyer
• Prof. Dr. Anita Engels
• Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kley
• Prof. Dr. Sighard Neckel
• Prof. Dr. Achim Oberg
• Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Birgit Pfau-Effinger
• Prof. Dr. Simone Rödder
• Prof. Dr. Urs Stäheli

Our professors specialize in a wide range of topics. You can find a more extensive description of each professor’s area of specialization on their individual pages. There are also overarching areas of study that our professors research collaboratively, so as to incorporate different perspectives.

Research center:

• Center for Sustainable Society Research (CSS)

Thematic area:

• Cluster of excellence Climate, Climatic Change, and Society (CLICCS)

Research units:

• Arbeitsstelle für Rehabilitations- und Präventionsforschung (Research Center for Rehabilitation and Prevention Research)

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International Programmes 2023/2024

Sociology and Social Research - Master of Science Sociology and Social Research - MSc

University of cologne • köln.

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The MSc Sociology and Social Research is taught entirely in English, and it welcomes students from countries all over the world.

15 June for the next winter semester

Applicants with a (Bachelor's) degree acquired abroad must apply online and via post at uni-assist before 15 June.

The University of Cologne's Master's in Sociology and Social Research programme combines advanced training in sociology and social research with the opportunity to take courses in business administration, data analytics, economics, and other social sciences. By choosing this study programme, you will benefit from the multi-disciplinary strengths of the Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences.

The programme emphasises both scientific rigour and practical relevance. We build on a strong research reputation, regularly publish in internationally leading academic journals, and present our work at conferences around the globe. Since most of our research is empirical in nature, we collaborate with various organisations and institutes – which gives you plenty opportunities to gain practical experiences in private and public research institutes. Among other organisations, strong ties exist to  GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences , the  Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies  in Cologne as well as to the  Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB)  and the  Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) .

The empirical and analytical focus of the programme will enable you to analyse social phenomena using state-of-the-art research methods and to carry out an independent research project. Upon graduating from the programme, you will be ready for a professional career in many areas as well as for PhD programmes in social sciences  with us  or worldwide.

The research seminar gives a hands-on approach to social research. Another module is devoted to learning how to apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems in organisations and society as a whole. The methods training is strongly application-oriented. Furthermore, the department hosts numerous research projects funded by international and national funding agencies.

By joining this programme you will receive training from an outstanding, internationally recognised faculty at Germany's leading sociology department (first rank in Germany in the Shanghai Ranking continuously from 2018 to 2022).

Furthermore, you will develop the valuable skills to solve real-world problems and challenges arising within organisations and our contemporary society.

• The core section of this programme will equip you with state-of-the-art knowledge on contemporary societies and as well as the ability to use sociological theory in order to understand the social world. A special emphasis is placed on learning and practising advanced methods for analysing cross-sectional data.
• The specialisation section will allow you to develop your own profile as a social researcher. You will be able to choose seminars of your interest, will learn advanced methods for analysing longitudinal data, and will gain practical research experience in the research seminar – one of the highlights of the programme.
• The supplementary section will give you valuable opportunities to further develop your profile and prepare you for the labour market. You will be able to choose among modules from business administration (marketing, corporate development, media and technology management), data analytics, and economics as well as from other social sciences.
• With your Master’s thesis, you will complete your studies, underline the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the programme, and will be ready to continue your career as an expert in your field.

• International guest lecturers
• Specialist literature in other languages
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Study trips
• Courses are led with foreign partners
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

There is the possibility to apply for a semester abroad at one of the selected partner universities with a partnership agreement from the Master's programme in Sociology and Social Research. For further information, please refer to the website of the International Relations Center (ZiB WiSo) .

• Access to databases with study material
• Discussion forums and / or groups
• Online sessions
• Online tutorials
• Video learning (Pre-recorded videos, Vlogs, Video-Podcasts)

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 320 EUR per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket that covers public transport in the entire federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Scholarships and further financing options

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in the respective field (worth at least 180 ECTS) and an overall grade point average of at least 2.7 (German grade). Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• At least 18 ECTS in the field of sociology or social psychology
• At least 12 ECTS in the field of methods in quantitative social sciences, applied quantitative empirical social research, or statistics

English language skills B2 CEFR

Please find more information and full list of requirements here .

https://wiso.uni-koeln.de/en/studies/application/master

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Find your PhD position in Germany

Before you start your search ....

Before you start your search you should know that there are different PhD models:

• Individual doctorate  or
• Structured PhD programmes

What's the difference? Check out our  overview of the various ways to do your PhD in Germany  

Find your individual doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor . This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but demands a high degree of  personal initiative  and responsibility.

How to find your PhD supervisor

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor.

One way to find a supervisor is to look for a university institute that matches your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

• GERiT – German research institutions GERiT is a website containing information on approximately 29,000 research institutions in Germany. GERiT allows the user to search easily by location or subject. It provides all the information needed to choose an institution at which to research, study or do a doctorate. www.gerit.org
• Finding a PhD position PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de
• Higher Education Compass   This database provides up-to-date information from universities about doctoral opportunities in Germany. The search engine enables you to carry out targeted searches on the basis of departments, admission requirements and form of doctoral thesis. www.higher-education-compass.de

Furthermore,  your contacts with your professors or previous university  could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany.

It is also helpful to attend  academic conferences  in your own subject area. There you will be able to exchange information and make contacts ­– and perhaps even find a future PhD supervisor.

Find your structured PhD programme

DAAD/Ausserhofer/Himsel

Structured PhD programmes in Germany are frequently very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a  team of supervisors  look after a  group of doctoral students . Around 12,000 doctoral students from abroad – roughly one in four – do their PhDs in structured programmes. As a rule, it is possible to complete a doctorate in four to five years.

Where to find your PhD programme

There is no central database of all structured PhD programmes in Germany. You can usually find these programmes directly through the respective universities, graduate schools or non-university research institutions. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) database is also a good place to look. Here you will find a large number of PhD programmes that are specially aimed at international doctoral students.

International doctoral programme database

Are you interested in an international doctoral programme in Germany? This DAAD database presents a selection of roughly 230 international doctoral programmes in Germany. The database can be searched according to different criteria.  www.daad.de/international-programmes 

Doctoral programmes at universities

Many universities offer structured doctoral programmes, which they publicise on their websites. The Student Advisory Service or Graduate Centre at the respective university will also provide help here. You can find the relevant addresses using the Higher Education Compass provided by the German Rectors’ Conference. www.higher-education-compass.de

​​​​​​​DFG-funded research training groups

Research training groups are also funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. www.dfg.de > Current Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Research Schools, Colleges and Graduate Schools

The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation. In collaboration with various institutions of higher education, Helmholtz Association research centres have established structured PhD programmes under the auspices of Helmholtz Graduate Schools, Helmholtz Research Schools and Colleges.  www.helmholtz.de > PhD Candidates 

Leibniz Graduate Schools

The Leibniz Association connects 97 research institutes that conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructure of national and international importance. Together with universities they run structured PhD programmes in Leibniz Graduate Schools. www.leibniz-association.eu > Leibniz Graduate Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools

The Max Planck Society specialises in innovative basic research and its institutes are able to offer up-and-coming researchers excellent infrastructure and support. The website lists the programmes available at International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS):  www.mpg.de > International Max Planck Research Schools  

Max Planck Schools

In Germany, the best researchers in a specific field are often work at different universities and non-university research institutions spread throughout the country. The Max Planck Schools serve as hubs which gather this distributed knowledge. Here, the brightest minds in their fields have come together from within the scientific community to interconnect in faculties made up of active researchers. Students gain access to these unique networks, learn in close personal exchange from leaders in their fields and their peers, and enjoy access to outstanding infrastructure. Currently, three Schools are operating in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. www.maxplanckschools.de

Where can I find out about requirements?

Application procedures  differ from programme to programme . The precise requirements and deadlines can be found on the website of the respective university, research training group or graduate school. You should therefore first choose a PhD programme and/or graduate school.

You've found the position you want to apply for, but how does applying to a potential supervisor or structured PhD programme work in Germany? Find out more here.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

We help you navigate through the large number of job portals that specialise in openings for academics and scientists. These are some of the sites that may get you started.

DAAD/Uta Konopka

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

Freie Universität Berlin

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PhD Programs

(Last update: 30. Juni 2023)

If you are interested in starting your doctoral thesis at our institute, you can choose between two options:

1. Individual Doctorate

2. PhD Program in Research Clusters or at a Graduate School

For an overview of ongoing and completed doctoral projects at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology please see:

-  List of completed doctoral dissertations

-  List of ongoing doctoral research projects

The individual doctorate – independent research under supervision of a professor – is still the most common way to pursue a doctorate in Germany. This usually provides greater freedom as far as the choice of subject is concerned. If you have an interesting idea for a doctoral project, please contact one of the following professors who are authorized to supervise doctoral projects. Your proposed project should fit into their areas of research:)

• Prof. Dr. Hansjörg Dilger Full Professor at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology - thematically : Anthropology of religion (esp. Pentecostalism and Islam; religious diversity); Medical anthropology (HIV/AIDS, anthropology of biomedicine, transnationalization of health, medicine and healing), Sexuality, kinship and gender (esp. masculinities), Transnationalism and migration, Anthropology of education and learning. - regionally : Eastern and Southern Africa, migratory and transnational contexts - see also : List of currant doctoral projects supervised by H. Dilger
• Prof. Dr. Claudia Liebelt Full professor at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology - thematically: anthropology of the body and the senses, gender and sexuality, religion, migration and Critical Beauty Studies as well as debates on new materialism, toxicity and postsecularism. - regionally: Middle East, Turkey, Israel and Morocco, Philippines.
• Prof. Dr. Kai Kresse Special professor of Social and Cultural anthropology and Vice-Director of the Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient Berlin - regionally : Africa (East Africa, Swahil Coast, Southern Africa, trans-regional connections esp. Indian Ocean, Muslim World; open for all regions - thematically : anthropology and philosophy; intellectual culture and social practise; regional literatures; local thinkers; religion and society, Muslim Worlds; post-colonial experience; anthropology of texts; Cultural and Social theoriy; mobility and trans-regional Research
• Prof. Dr. Thomas Stodulka Junior Professor at the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology regionally: South East Asia thematically: Psychological Anthropology, Social Inequalities, marginalization, stigmatization, Medical Anthropology, Childhood, Youth, Life course, Emotion and Affect, Reflexive Ethnography

- r egionally : Mexico and the transnational space of Mexico/USA; Mesoamerica and the Gran Chichimeca; Cuba and the transnational space of Cuba/USA; the Spanish-speaking and Anglophone Caribbean; Peruvian Amazonia

• Prof. Dr. Stephanie Schütze Univ. Prof. for Social and Cultural Anthropology at Lateinamerikanisches Institut of Freie Universität Berlin Regional Focus on: Latin America Research Focus on: migration and gender
• Prof. Dr. Barbara Göbel Honorary Professor of Social and Cultural Antrhropology and Director of the Ibero-American Institute - regionally : Latin America - thematically : Cultural dimensions of risk management; vulnerability; Institutions and global environmental change, environmental perception; Gender relations and social identity; Knowledge circulation, knowledge forms, archives of knowledge
• PD Dr. Tilo Grätz Privatdozent Social and Cultural Anthropology - thematically : media anthropology, economic anthropology, political and social anthropology, technical anthropology, migration and transnationality, politics of memory - regionally : West Africa (esp. Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana); Europe (Brandenburg; South Italy)

PD Dr. Paola Margherita Ivanov Privatdozentin Social and Cultural Anthropology; main profession: curator of the East-, North East-, Central and South African Collections at the Ethnological Museum - regionally : Indian Ocean Indischer Ozean and Eastr Africa coastal cities;  Central-, North East - and East Africa - thematically : yet to be published here

Once you contact one (or several) of the above mentioned professors with the proposal of pursuing a doctoral degree under her/his supervision, please add:

• a short sketch of your doctoral project (150-200 words)
• copies of your academic qualifications (requirement for acceptance as a doctoral candidate is generally a very good final degree)

If you have found a supervisor who is interested in supervising your doctoral project, he or she will also inform you about funding or scholarship opportunities.

There are no scholarships for individual doctorates provided directly by the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology.

2. PhD Programs in Research Clusters or at a Graduate School

Pursuing doctoral studies in a doctoral degree program, doctoral candidates come together to work on projects related to a common interdisciplinary research topic. During the course of their doctorate, junior researchers are trained in obtaining a broad set of skills to enhance their personal, professional and career development. 

The Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology participates in the following Research Clusters and Graduate Schools which offer formalized PhD course programs. For information and modes of application please consult the following websites:

• Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies
• Graduate School of East Asian Studies

Detailed Information on PhD Procedures

Detailed information on the technical aspects of PhD procedures in our faculty (Department of Political and Social Sciences) can be found on the website

Attaining a Doctorate in the Department of Political and Social Sciences http://www.polsoz.fu-berlin.de/en/nachwuchsfoerderung/promotion/index.html

There you find detailed information on

• the Individual Doctorate
• the Structured Doctorate
• the Cumulative Doctoral Thesis
• the Conflict Counselling as well as
• a List of Frequently Asked Questions and
• the Regulations for the Conduct of Doctoral Examinations

PhD Sociology programs in Germany

University of Bielefeld

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Public Economics, Law and Politics

Leuphana University Luneburg

Sociology — european societies.

Free University of Berlin

University of Mannheim

Human rights studies in politcs, law and society.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Deadline information, best universities with sociology in germany.

Bachelor Sociology programs in Germany

Master Sociology programs in Germany

Most Popular Sociology programs in Germany

PhD Sociology programs in Germany

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In addition to the excellent methodological and analytical training I received, I was particularly excited by the variety of courses taught in the master's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim, such as seminars on the emergence and growth of protest movements or the relationship between social inequality and health. During the program, I also learned how to critically question and classify scientific findings, a skill that I still benefit from – both in my job and in my personal life.

After graduating from Leibniz University Hannover with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, I wanted to pursue a master’s degree that focuses on quantitative methods and statistics. With the master’s program in Sociology in Mannheim, I have found exactly what I was looking for! What I like most about this program is being part of a small, international group of students. Thanks to my studies and my job as a student assistant at the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, I feel well prepared for a career in academia. That is why I’m currently planning to pursue a doctoral degree after my graduation.

Pursuing the master's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim was the best choice I could have ever made with regard to both my personal and professional development. The fact that the entire program is taught in English helped me enormously when I was looking for a job and during my semester abroad. The proximity to the important social research institutes in Mannheim, GESIS and MZES, creates an ideal research atmosphere, while the focus on empirical methods and the Mannheim research network provide great opportunities both in research and economy.

The master‘s program in Sociology provided me with the best possible preparation for my professional career. With the program’s focus on in-depth analytical training, access to excellent professors, and the possibility to tailor the degree program to my specific research interests right from the start, I was immediately drawn into research. Given the program’s international orientation and flexibility, I was able to spend a semester as a free mover at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and completed a research internship at the Daimler Group. Studying at the University of Mannheim thus laid the foundations for the doctoral degree that I am now pursuing at the Harvard Business School.

7 reasons for pursuing your M.A. in Sociology in Mannheim

Best German university in Social Sciences ( THE Ranking 2022 )

The program builds on the School‘s strength in empirical-analytical approaches, quantitative methods, and comparative research

International campus :  academic calendar aligned with the international academic year , large international group of students, and renowned international researchers, professors, and teachers

Close relationship with the  GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences  and the  Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES) , the largest research institution for social sciences at a German university

Opportunity to study abroad  at one of our renowned partner universities worldwide , e.g. Indiana University, University of Haifa, University of Toronto, University of Bergen

Career support through the  School's Internship Office : you can be involved in a research project as a student assistant or as an intern and gain work experience while increasing your income

Mannheim is a vibrant city , located in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. It is home to over 8,000 businesses, including several successful international companies, such as SAP and BASF

Research Institutes

Our School has a particularly close relationship with the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences and the Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES).

According to the QS World Ranking 2019, the University of Mannheim is the best German university in Social Sciences and Management. In the THE Ranking, Mannheim has been ranked number 1 for the Social Sciences in Germany and number 31 worldwide.

The degree program

The program is divided into seven modules: Sociological Research Fields, Foundations of Sociological Theory, Cross-Sectional Data Analysis, Advanced Research Methods, Research Design, Research Project, and the Master's Thesis.

Sociological Research Fields

Within the module Sociological Research Fields , you may choose five elective seminars (1st – 3rd semester) from different areas of concentration, such as Social Inequality & Stratification, Sociology of Migration, Comparative Welfare State Analysis, Labor Relations, Organizational Theory, Networks & Segregation, Economic Sociology, Fertility & Family Formation, Sociology of Education, Labor Markets & Occupations or Ethnic Inequality & Segregation and Social Psychology.

Foundations of Sociological Theory

The module Foundations of Sociological Theory (1st semester) covers central aspects of sociological theory development and its foundations based on scientific theory. It offers an overview of the methodology of sociological explanations and the central, general components of sociological theories in research.

Cross-Sectional Data Analysis

In Cross-Sectional Data Analysis (1st semester), procedures for cross-sectional regression analysis (linear and categorical) are covered at an advanced level.

Advanced Research Methods

The module Advanced Research Methods (2nd semester) consists of a lecture and an exercise course. While students are taught how to analyze event history data and panel data during the lecture, they learn practical research methods using secondary data and information from other sources during the exercise course.

Research Design

The module Research Design (3rd semester) encourages students to develop a suitable research design for a specific research question (particularly with regard to the master's thesis), and to select and use available resources. A mandatory research internship is designed to offer hands-on experience in empirical research. Students may substitute the internship with attending a summer school program or working as a student assistant. Our Internship Office will assist students in finding internship positions and summer school programs that are in line with their interests.

Research Project

During the Research Project (2nd + 3rd semester), students first attend the Seminar in Research Methods. In the seminar, they will deepen and extend their knowledge of advanced methods of empirical social research, preparing them for the subsequent Research Project Seminar. During the exercise course in Exemplary Empirical Studies, explanation approaches are evaluated using exemplary new publications, and formal and stylistic standards for academic texts are taught. In the concluding Research Project Seminar, students prepare an empirical-analytical study in a focus area of sociological research.

Master's Thesis

Students complete their master's thesis during their fourth semester. The thesis is expected to have the format of a research article suitable for submission to an academic journal in the social sciences. Research questions, research designs, and initial empirical findings are presented during the Master's Forum Day. While they write their master's thesis, students also attend a colloquium. Our school is deeply committed to mentoring students as they take this important step toward a successful academic career.

Degree plan and module catalog

Studying Abroad

Gain international experience at one of our renowned partner universities worldwide! Check our database of partner universities.

Do you want to know what scholarships are available to international students? This way!

MyUniMA Story

In our MyUniMA Story, students from all around the world share their experiences and why they decided to study in Mannheim.

Career Prospects

Our students are very popular with employers as they are highly skilled experts in the Social Sciences, especially in quantitative methods.

Application

Admission requirements.

Our goal is to accept qualified and motivated students. Applications therefore undergo a selection process that includes the following selection criteria:

Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or a degree in a related field, which was completed with a grade of at least “good” (German grade equivalent: 2.5). For international students, international guidelines for grading standards will be applied. If you have not yet completed your bachelor's program by the time of application, you must submit a current transcript of records proving you have obtained at least 130 ECTS credits (or equivalent). Your admission will be based on this document and is subject to receipt of your degree certificate by mid-October at the latest.

Good English language skills  certified by a higher education entrance qualification from a school with English as the language of instruction (e.g. A Levels) or a bachelor's degree from a higher education institution with English as the language of instruction and examination. Alternatively, one of the following language tests is required:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with a score of at least 90 points
• The European Language Certificate (telc) -English University with Level C or better
• International English Language Testing System – Academic Test (IELTS) with an overall band score of at least 6.5
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with at least Level C
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) with at least Level C
• Continuous attendance of English classes throughout the German secondary school education with a minimum average of 11 points; the proof must not be older than five years
• Language certificat of the University of Mannheim Service and Marketing GmbH with at least (language) level C1 in the areas of Listening Comprehension, Writing, Speaking and Reading Comprehension

 Proof of good performance in the area of methods of empirical social research, data analysis and statistics as indicated through previous course grades of classes in this area (German grade equivalent of 2.5 or better). Good performance in previous courses in this area is a prerequisite and will be assessed in the following way: The admissions committee looks at each transcript of records individually and evaluates a student's performance on the basis of graded courses taken in this area. If the average grade of all courses in this area corresponds to a German grade of 2.5 or better, you fulfil this requirement. You may submit also for each course in this area a syllabus or an official course description such as a course catalog that documents that the content of this class actually fits the area of methods of empirical social research, data analysis and statistics.

Grades obtained by international students will be transferred to the German grading system by using the Bavarian Formula .

If you fulfill these admission requirements, your application will be taken into further consideration.

You may also take a look at the official selection statutes (in German).

Selection statutes (in English: not legally binding)

How to apply

This year, subject to the approval of the committees and bodies, the application period starts on 01 April and ends on 15 May. The Admissions Office is the central office for all applicants (German as well as foreign applicants).

You will only need to apply online

Applicants are required to submit certified copies of official documents, such as the university entrance qualification or the bachelor's degree certificate, as specified in the online application. International guidelines for grading standards will be applied.

Attached to the application form for admission, you will find a checklist that will help you compile all documents. Please read this list carefully since incomplete applications have to be excluded from the admissions process.

Please note:

If you have not yet been awarded your bachelor's degree by the time of application, you should submit a current transcript of records.

English language certificates may also be handed in later, until 15 August at the latest.

The International Office also provides a variety of information for international degree-seeking students on its website .

The Admissions Office can be contacted via e-mail or phone (+49 621/ 181-2222).

What happens after you have applied

Usually, applicants to a master’s program receive the decision shortly after the close of the deadline.

International students: If you wish to accept your offer, please confirm the Declaration of Acceptance. Afterwards, you will receive an e-mail containing your log-in details for myUniMA – an online portal that provides you with comprehensive information on enrollment. Furthermore, it contains information on visas as well as on accommodation.

Further information & downloads

Studying in germany: information for international students and their parents.

Tuition fees for international students in Baden-Württemberg

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a lot of information for international students on their website as well as in their brochures for international students and their parents.

DAAD Germany     Scholarship Database

Doctoral studies in Mannheim

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) offers doctoral programs in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim. Admission is based on merit and open to excellent candidates holding either a research-oriented bachelor‘s or a master‘s degree. Students admitted to one of the programs receive a scholarship and there is no tuition fee .

Fast track your doctoral degree

Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at the CDSS have the opportunity to apply for 'Associate Membership' in the second year of their master's program. Successful applicants receive a 'Qualification Scholarship' and application is open to all second-year master's students. Calls for application are announced in spring.

Individual doctoral studies

In addition to the structured doctoral program offered by the GESS – CDSS, the School of Social Sciences also provides students with the opportunity to acquire a doctoral degree under the supervision of a member of the School. Prospective doctoral students interested in this alternative should consult the job announcements of the School of Social Sciences and its affiliated research institutes or consult a member of the School that might serve as a potential supervisor for the doctoral dissertation project.

More information for doctoral candidates

Three steps to a doctoral position

Career training step by step

The University of Mannheim wants to support you in preparing and planning your career. As part of the pilot project STEP by STEP, we are offering workshops and information events to prepare you for your entry into the German labor market.

STEP by STEP

Services for students

Any questions we're happy to help you.

The program managers are happy to answer any questions regarding the master's program (degree plan, selection of courses, structure and progress of your studies). For any questions relating to admission or application, please contact the Admissions Office.

Stefanie Thye, M.A. (she/her)

Admissions office.

Advising for international students

Team International Degree-Seeking Students

Doctoral studies.

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) administers doctoral programs in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim.

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