International Students

 

Welcome at the Max Weber Institute of Sociology!

Named after the eminent founding father of German sociology, the Max Weber Institute of Sociology at the Heidelberg University draws on the rich tradition of sociological scholarship established through the works of Max Weber. Our profile is grounded in a strong theoretical orientation, broad comparative perspectives, and a wide array of methods (both quantitative and qualitative). The institute represents a vibrant scholarly community engaged in a diverse range of essential research fields, including the sociology of social inequality, migration, religion and law, as well as organizational and political sociology. Additionally, the institute maintains strong institutional ties with neighboring departments and research centers in area studies.

 

Contact

International Relations Office
studium@uni-heidelberg.de

Seminarstraße 2
Room 36
69117 Heidelberg
Tel.: +49 6221 54-5454

 

Departmental Coordinator for International Students and ERASMUS+ Students

Aleksandra Barjaktarević
erasmus@mwi.uni-heidelberg.de

Max Weber Institute of Sociology
Bergheimer Str. 58
Room 02.020
69115 Heidelberg
Tel.: +49 6221 54-3614

Our Programs of Study

Max Weber Institute of Sociology in Heidelberg offers research-oriented study programs at Bachelor (B.A.) and Master (M.A.) level.

Please note that the main language of instruction in both programs is German. For more information on courses where the language of instruction is English at Heidelberg University and especially at the Max Weber Institute, please refer to the current course catalogue.

 

BA Sociology (3 years, 180 ECTS)

The Bachelor's program in Sociology offers a comprehensive course catalog that covers a wide range of both general and specialized topics. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation combined with extensive methodological training. Students are encouraged to explore and expand their individual interests, with the opportunity to earn up to 28 credit points through interdisciplinary courses and lectures.

  • For more about our Bachelor's program, see here.
  • For Examination Regulations of Heidelberg University for the Bachelor’s Program in Sociology, see here.
  • For Module Handbook for the Bachelor’s Program in Sociology, see here.
  • For the Structure of the Bachelor’s Program (100%) in Sociology, see here.
  • For the Structure of the Bachelor’s Program (25%) in Sociology, see here.

 

MA Sociology (2 years, 120 ECTS)

The Master's program in Sociology offers an extensive course catalog covering a wide range of specialized topics. It builds upon contemporary debates in sociological theory, combined with rigorous training in advanced methods of quantitative and qualitative social research.

Collaborations with area studies, such as with the Heidelberg Center for Ibero-American Studies (HCIAS), provide students the opportunity to develop their own unique concentrations. Students may also choose one of two distinct lines of specialization: “Organization Studies" or “Global and Comparative Sociology" (certificates for which special requirements apply, see §21 of the examination regulations).

  • For more about our Master's program, see here.
  • For Examination Regulations of Heidelberg University for the Master’s Program in Sociology, see here.
  • For Module Handbook for the Master’s Program in Sociology, see here.
  • For the Structure of the Master’s Program (100%) in Sociology, see here.

How to apply

The application procedure and admission process are managed by the International Relations Office.

Please note that your application can only be processed through the heiCO online system.

  • For guidance through the application process, see here.

To be admitted, you must provide proof of German language proficiency and university entrance qualifications. If you are applying for a Master's degree, you are also required to have a Bachelor's degree in Sociology or Social Sciences with a grade of "good" (or higher). The International Relations Office will determine whether you meet these requirements.

  • For further information on study requirements, see here.
  • For an overview of the application procedure, see here.
  • For more about foundation semester courses, see here.

For advice and support regarding your application, please contact the Department for International Students and Scholars.

For questions and advice on study program or course catalogue, please contact Departmental Coordinator.

Incoming ERASMUS+ Students

Admitted ERASMUS students are enrolled as regular students and have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of courses offered at the Max Weber Institute of Sociology and all other departments at Heidelberg University. This includes area studies programs such as the Heidelberg Center for American Studies (HCA), Heidelberg Center for Ibero-American Studies (HCIAS), and the Centre for Asian and Transcultural Studies (CATS), as well as German language courses.

  • Our Bachelor's Program covers a broad range of general and specialized topics in both lecture and seminar formats. While most courses are taught in German, we regularly offer 2–3 courses per semester in English within substantive fields.
  • Our Master's Program offers a diverse array of specialized topics. While most courses are taught in German, some courses in the specialization area “Global and Comparative Sociology” are also offered in English, e.g., seminars on sociological theory, comparative methods, and key research areas..

Language Proficiency Levels

  • Bachelor's level: ERASMUS students must present German language proficiency of at least B1.
  • Master's level: ERASMUS students may present either German proficiency (B1 or higher) or English proficiency (B2 or higher).

How to apply

In case you are planning on joining our institute as an ERASMUS+ or 4EU+ exchange student, you have to apply directly to your home university's departmental coordinator, provided an established partnership between your department and the MWI exists.

  • For further information for incoming ERASMUS students, see here.
  • For further information regarding the admission process, see here.

For questions on program or Learning Agreement (LA) please contact Departmental Coordinator.

  • For cause catalogue, see here.