In the International Track, the MA Sociology degree programme can be studied completely in English and does not require knowledge of the German language. We encourage International Track students to attend free German language courses at the German language centre of Bielefeld University during their studies in order to be able to attend sociological seminars in German in progressive semesters.
Applications will be accepted between 1 June and 15 July for the following winter semester and between 1 December and 15 January for the summer semester. For further information and potential changes, please consult the programme website: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/soziologie/studium/international/track/.
The MA Sociology International Track offers an English-language study programme with a duration of four semesters.
The International Track focuses on two thematic areas of MA Sociology:
In addition, students complete elective modules in following thematic areas of MA Sociology:
The programme of the MA Sociology International Track consists of following elements:
The study programme strongly encourages students to undertake an internship during their semester break. Students can complete an internship module as one of their mandatory thematic modules if they write a paper based on their internship activity. The programme as well as other institutions at Bielefeld University regularly offer workshops and information events around internships and jobs in the international job market. However, internships are not mandatory in the MA Sociology International Track.
Approx. 320 EUR per semester
The major part of this fee is for your semester ticket, which entitles you to use public transport (excluding high-speed trains) free of charge throughout North Rhine-Westphalia (trips to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, etc.).
There are no tuition fees, both for domestic and international students at Bielefeld University.
Aside from the semester contribution, remaining costs include accommodation, personal expenses and health insurance, which is mandatory for all temporary and permanent residents in Germany. These costs are usually about 700-800 EUR per month.
Students must have an undergraduate degree in sociology or a related discipline with at least three years of higher education (usually a Bachelor's degree).
Applicants' transcripts of records (or similar documents) must indicate that their previous course of studies covers at least three of the following four subjects: theory of sociology, methods of empirical social research, special sociology / social science and general social sciences.
Students of the MA Sociology do not necessarily need a German language certificate, but must be able to furnish proof that their English language proficiency meets the International Track's minimum entry requirements, such as a TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum of 87 points, TELC English with a minimum grade of B2, IELTS with an overall band score of 6.5 or an equivalent English language test. A degree from a programme taught completely in English is also deemed sufficient proof of English proficiency.
Applications will be accepted between 1 June and 15 July for the following winter semester and between 1 December and 15 January for the summer semester. For further information and potential changes, please consult the programme website: https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/soziologie/studium/international/track/.
International students who do not come from the EU or EEA are allowed to work 120 full or 240 half days per year. To do this, they do not need permission from the German authorities.
A limited number of student assistant jobs are available at the university. Jobs can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.
In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices. Halls of residence are run by the public "Studierendenwerk" or private organisations. Single apartments and rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.
An office of the Federal Employment Agency is located in the university main building. Moreover, the Career Service Centre of Bielefeld University offers information services, career counselling and a variety of soft skills workshops.
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