In this program, you will be required to write a master’s thesis at the end of your studies. This thesis should be seen as a demonstration of your capacity to work on a sociological research question that applies scientific research methods under supervision, but in an independent manner. Unlike a term paper or a response paper, a master thesis has a higher volume in its complex structure and wider scope. Therefore, you should make sure to choose a topic you are passionate about. Among other formal requirements, you are expected to hand in a written work of around 80 pages or 24,000 words. Ideally, your master’s thesis could be structured as follows: (i) introduction (ca. 10 pages), (ii) question and theoretical framework (ca. 20 pages), (iii) research design and methods (ca. 10 pages), (iv) empirical findings (ca. 30 pages) and (v) conclusion, limitations, further research (ca. 10 pages).
You will have to find a supervisor for your master’s thesis. Normally, you ask one of the people on the list of official supervisors at the Institute. Under special circumstances, you can also ask an external supervisor. Note that external supervisors must hold a PhD and have to be approved by the examination board. A second supervisor is usually appointed by the Examination Board. You can, however, suggest a second supervisor. It is also important to consider that the lecturers have limited capacities. Therefore, you are strongly advised to approach potential supervisors as early as possible (i.e. at least six weeks before the official registration date). Moreover, you should approach them with a short exposé, highlighting your research question, its relevance as well as first ideas about your theoretical framework and methodology.
There are normally four registration dates per year. Although they may slightly change every year, there are two possible dates for registration usually at the beginning and at the end of the semester. The official registration dates will be communicated by the examination office. Please also check the website of the examination office for all necessary documents you have to hand in when registering your master’s thesis. After you officially registered the master’s thesis, you will have 22 weeks to finish your thesis and submit the final version within this time period.
For further important information on the master’s thesis and our helpful Master's Thesis Guidelines, please visit our website.
