MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMME IN DIVERSITY STUDIES IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Diversity studies are concerned with social diversity from an inter- and transdisciplinary social science perspective. The Master's programme Diversity Studies is explicitly research-oriented. It systematically conveys in-depth specialist knowledge about social processes of differentiation as (historically formed) processes of social construction and transformation of categories of differentiation.
Diversity Studies therefore examine the processes of construction of belonging(s) and ascription(s) and their intersectional interplay. Besides classical sociological dimensions of inequality - such as 'race', 'class' and 'gender' -, further dimensions (such as age, dis/ability, religion or worldview, sexual orientation etc.) are also taken into account. These categories and their interplay are analyzed on different levels of inquiry (macro, meso and micro level). A special emphasis is placed on the study of (regional, national and international) social conflicts as well as the handling of diversity in organizations. Students receive excellent methodological training (qualitative and quantitative) and research-based learning enables them to design and implement problem-based empirical research projects. Organisational and evaluation research are core foci of the methodological training.
Students are encouraged to develop awareness towards their own situatedness and approach to diversity. They also learn to design and implement diversity trainings.
Graduates are qualified to independently acquire, systematize and develop professional knowledge and make it accessible to different publics; to work independently according to scientific principles; to reflect and evaluate social and political events pertaining to diversity and processes of diversification, both theoretically and empirically, in a scientifically sound way; and to convey the general relevance of social (processes of) differentiation to laypersons.
The courses are taught in German language. A sufficient German language proficiency is required latest by matriculation. A matriculation without a proof of language proficiency is not possible.
CAREER PROSPECTS
The knowledge and competences taught in this Master's programme qualify graduates for positions in various fields in public and private institutions. Possible career paths include working as diversity or equal opportunities officers and consultancy, especially in the occupational fields of social integration, personnel and services management, intercultural opening and organizational development. Potential employers include businesses, university and science management, NGOs, political parties, social and educational establishments and international organizations. This Master's degree programme also provides students with the competencies required to pursue a PhD.STRUCTURE OF THE MASTER'S PROGRAMME
The programme starts both in the winter semester and summer semester. It comprises 120 credits distributed across four semesters as follows:a) 78 credits for the major;
b) 12 credits for key competencies;
c) 30 credits for the master's thesis module.
The Master's programme is suited to part-time study.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have a bachelor‘s or equivalent degreeof relevant studies. For studies not yet completed at the time of application, a minimum of 150 credits (ECTS points) is required. For further information, please refer to the Application for the Master`s Degree Programme Website.Formal requirements are as follows:
- At least 60 credits in the economic and social sciences,
- of which at least 4 credits must be in the field of social science methods
- and 4 credits in the field of statistics.
- Applicants whose native language is not German must provide proof of DSH 2, TestDaF (4x4) or telc C1.