Studying at the University of Innsbruck

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Master's Programme Sociology: Social and Political Theory

Faculty	Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
Duration / ECTS-Credits	4 semesters / 120 ECTS-Credits
Academic Degree	Master of Arts (MA)
Qualification Level	Master (Second Cycle) ISCED-11: Level 7, EQF/NQF: Level 7
ISCED-F	0388 Inter-disc. Progr. involv. Social Sciences, Journalism a. Inform.
Mode of Study	Full-Time
Study Code	UC 066 905
Curriculum	Information on the Curriculum (2008W)*
Language of Instruction	German
Admission Requirements	Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and Language Certificates
Application	Apply ONLINE

* Information on the Curriculum (2008W)

The complete version of the curriculum reflects the currently valid version of the curriculum. It is for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. The legally binding version of the curriculum, including any amendments, may be found in the University of Innsbruck Bulletins.

In order to determine which version of the curriculum is applicable in your case, see the Catalogue of Studies,
  available at: https://lfuonline.uibk.ac.at/public/lfuonline_meinestudien.studienblatt
  Section: Current Curriculum version.

University of Innsbruck Bulletins »

Requirements

Relevant bachelor's degrees at the University of Innsbruck:

• Bachelor's Programme Sociology
• Bachelor's Programme Political Science

Proof of general university entrance qualification:

The general university entrance qualification for admission to a master's programme must be proven by the completion of a subject-related bachelor's programme, another subject-related programme of at least the same higher education level at a recognised domestic or foreign post-secondary educational institution, or a program defined in the curriculum of the master's programme. To compensate for significant differences in subject matter, supplementary examinations (maximum 30 ECTS credits) may be prescribed, which must be taken by the end of the second semester of the master's programme.

The rectorate may determine which of these supplementary examinations are prerequisites for taking examinations provided for in the curriculum of the master's programme.

In the course of the proof of the general university entrance qualification, the completion of the following core areas within the framework of the completed bachelor's degree programme shall be examined in any case:

• 15 ECTS-Credits Core Area: General Social Theories
•   9 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Special Sociology (incl. Gender)
• 15 ECTS-Credits Core Area: Methods on Empirical Social Research (incl. Statistics)

Recommended Course Sequence

The exemplary course sequence given below is recommended for full-time students beginning their study programme in the winter semester. The table shows one possible course sequence for the bachelor's programme and is not compulsory. Delays resulting from repeated examinations are not taken into account.

The standard duration of the study programme is 4 semesters or 120 ECTS-Credits, whereby according to the Universities Act of 2002, a workload of 1,500 (real) hours per academic year must be fulfilled, corresponding to 60 ECTS-Credits (one ECTS-Credit is equivalent to a workload of 25 hours).

First semester »

Second semester »

Third semester »

Fourth semester »

Alternative Elective Modules »

Graphic chart »

Qualification Profile and Skills

The Master’s programme provides students with a sovereign approach to sociological, social and political method and theory, skills that are key to the proper assessment of socio-scientific studies in applied fields of sociology, political science and empirical social research.

Socio-scientific perspectives sharpen the view for social phenomena on the macro, meso and micro level. Thus, power structures, social differentiation and inequality, state, culture, religion, ethnicity, globalisation processes, socio-cultural conflicts, aesthetics, gender as well as action mechanisms, interaction orders, familial structures, socialisation and identity are central topics dealt with in the Master’s programme.

Extra-functionally, the students acquire mental flexibility, analytical skills, communicative understanding of the new and generalisable knowledge as key qualifications. In addition, they acquire social skills, mediation and presentation techniques, teamwork skills and improve their verbal and written communication. The Master’s programme also contributes to the strengthening of independent performance and promotes critical reflection and tolerance towards other positions.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Graduates possess sound knowledge of the fundamental theoretical paradigms and discourses of the social sciences and understand their relevance for empirical social research and social practice. This enables them to address problems independently, to assess scientific knowledge and its motivation, to apply it in new research contexts and further its development creatively. Graduates are prepared for activities in scientific facilities and institutions (especially for the continuation of their studies in a doctoral programme) and for positions requiring leadership, planning, analysis and consultation in the private sector, in public administration and in international non-governmental and governmental organizations.

Future Prospects: Occupational Profiles and Career Opportunities

By focusing on the central key competences in theory and method, the study programme prepares graduates with a maximum of feasibility for

• sociological research activities in scientific facilities and institutions or a continuing doctoral study programme just like for
• positions requiring leadership, planning, analysis and consultation in public administration, politics and in the private sector as well as in international governmental and non-governmental organisations,
• last but no least, for activities in the broad field of social research, social counselling or the rapidly growing media sector.

Postgraduate and further Studies at the University of Innsbruck

• Doctor of Philosophy Programme Sociology
• Doctor of Philosophy Programme Political Science

Minor

As part of the Master’s Programme, a Minor of 30 ECTS-Credits can be completed.

More information and a list of possible Minors can be found at:
https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/wahlpakete/

Supplementary Programme

Within the scope of the Study Programme, a Supplementary Programme corresponding to 45 ECTS-Credits may be passed. Admission to the Supplementary Programme requires the admission to or the having passed of one of the selected Study Programmes. Detailed information: https://www.uibk.ac.at/studium/angebot/es-entrepreneurship/

Information about examination regulations, assessment and grading

Examination regulations

The examination regulation is an integral part of the curriculum, detailed information can be found under the paragraph examination regulations.

Description of the applied grading system (including the grade distribution table) »

Information about the Programme (in German only)

• Guidelines for electronic submission and publication of academic theses and Instruction 
  

Recognitions (in German only)

• Recognition of exams AND Supplementary Sheet

Forms (in German only)

• Practical Agreement
• Examination Records
  
• Application for the Master's Thesis
• Assessment of the compulsory module: Preparation of the Master’s Thesis
• Cover Sheet for the Master's Thesis
• Declaration of Academic Honesty 
• Submission of the Master's Thesis
• To block the Master's Thesis
• Application for Admission to the third and fourth repetition of a course examination

Contact and Information

Examination Office
Standort Universitätsstraße 15

Associate Dean of Studies
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Bernhard Weicht

Dean of Studies
Assoz. Prof. Mag. Dr. Petra Missomelius, MA

Information for students with disabilities