master thesis uni mannheim

Master's Thesis

Examination regulations, thematic preparation.

Finding a topic and supervisor for your master's thesis may take some time, so please start the process early. The assignment, supervision, and grading of master's theses is limited to professors, junior professors, and university lecturers (Hochschul­dozenten, Privatdozenten, akademische Räte).

The master's thesis can be written in the following fields: – Economics – Statistics – Econometrics – Economic History

As a rule, you are expected to suggest possible topics and the intended approach. You do not need to submit detailed concepts at this point. The focus is on giving your supervisor an idea of what you intend to do. More specific details would then be agreed upon in further exchange.

Please be aware that the supervisor can make his or her supervision dependent on your completion of suitable courses (i.e. thematically appropriate lecture and/ or suitable seminar).

Administrative Preparation, Step 1: E-mail to the Student Services

The master's thesis can be started in the fourth semester at the earliest. The prerequisite for admission to the master's thesis is that you have passed at least one seminar (or if the seminar is not yet completed, it can be considered as passed) and that you have obtained 45 ECTS credits in the specialization phase. It is also important whether you have already returned a masters's thesis topic.

To confirm the fulfillment of all prerequisites to your examiner, please send an e-mail from your Mannheim e-mail account to the Student Services ([email protected]), with the subject “Masters's Thesis” and the following content:

“Dear Sir or Madam,

I wish to write my master's thesis and prove to my supervisor that I meet the admission requirements. Please confirm to me by e-mail that (1) I have passed a seminar / a seminar can be considered as passed (delete as appropriate), (2) I have obtained 45 ECTS credits in the spezialization phase, (3) my entitlement for examination persists overall and for the master's thesis module, (4) this is my first attempt / a repeat attempt (delete as appropriate) in the master's thesis module, and (5) I have not yet returned a master's thesis topic / I have already once returned my master's thesis topic (delete as appropriate).

Yours sincerely,

[first name, last name, matriculation number ]"

Note to (1): A seminar may be considered passed before the end of the course if the majority of the work has been completed and only a final grade of 4.0 or better is mathematically possible. The examiner responsible for the seminar must have informed the Student Services about this separately before you send your e-mail to the Student Services.

Administrative Preparation, Step 2: E-mail to Your Supervisor

As soon as you have coordinated the topic and start date of your master's thesis with your supervisor, forward the reply from the Student Services from step 1 via your Mannheim e-mail account to your supervisor and precede it with the following text:  

"[Your greeting],

I, [first name] [last name], [matriculation number], would like to formally register my master's thesis with you. We agreed on the following topic:

[Title of the Masters's thesis]

I kindly ask you to confirm the topic, start date, and latest submission date by e-mail, with CC to the Student Services ([email protected]).

[Closing]"  

Please note that the processing time starts on the day this e-mail is sent. The processing time for master's theses is 23 weeks.

Confirmation by Your Supervisor

Your supervisor confirms to you via e-mail, with a copy to the Student Services, the topic of the master's thesis and the latest submission date (start date plus 23 weeks). If you believe there are discrepancies with the agreements made in the preliminary discussions, please contact your supervisor immediately.

Maybe: Return of the Topic

The master's thesis can be returned once and only within the first four weeks of the processing time to the responsible examiner. The examiner informs the Student Services of the return date. If returned in time, the examination attempt is considered not undertaken; otherwise, the examination persists.

In the case of a returned thesis, a new topic must be agreed upon. You can also choose a different examiner for this.

When repeating a failed master's thesis, the return of the topic is only permissible if this option was not used in the first examination attempt.

To return your topic, quote the entire e-mail sent to your supervisor in step 2 and send it again to them via your Mannheim e-mail account, preceding it with the following text:  

I hereby return the topic of my master's thesis [Title of the master's thesis in English] with the agreed start date [Date].

As you can see from the initial confirmation from the Student Services, I have not yet returned a master's thesis topic.

I kindly ask you to confirm the return of the topic by e-mail, with CC to the Student Services.

Maybe: Confirmation by Your Supervisor

Your supervisor confirms to you via e-mail, with a copy to the Student Services, the return of the topic. You now agree on a new topic and continue with the point Administrative Preparation, Step 2: E-mail to Your Supervisor. When selecting a new supervisor, you must include in your e-mail that you meanwhile returned the topic once; otherwise, it constitutes an attempt of deception.

Maybe: Request for an Extension of the Processing Time

In exceptional cases, the Examination Committee may grant an extension of up to four weeks for the submission of the master's thesis. The request for an extension must be submitted at least eight days before the deadline and must be approved by the supervisor of the master's thesis.

If you wish to request an extension of the processing time, please send your informal request with the specified extension period either as a signed pdf file via your Mannheim e-mail account to econgrad mail- uni-mannheim.de or in writing (i.e., on paper with an original signature) to the Examination Committee (Attn: Sebastian Herdtweck). If you are requesting an extension due to illness, please submit the original medical certificate to the Examination Committee.

The Examination Committee will inquire about the approval of your supervisor. You will receive an answer from the Examination Board regarding your request.

Postal address of the Examination Committee:

University of Mannheim Examination Committee M.Sc. Economics Attn: Sebastian Herdtweck L 7, 3–5, Room 405 68131 Mannheim

Submission of the Master's Thesis

The completed master's thesis is to be submitted to your supervisor no later than the specified (possibly extended) submission deadline in duplicate form as two paper copies. The submission deadline can be met by delivery to a post office, documented by certificate of posting. Please coordinate with your supervisor regarding submission in good time. He/ she can appoint a substitute to receive the thesis, but this must be arranged transparently for all parties involved in advance. The uncoordinated delivery of the master's thesis to a different location than previously designated does not fulfill the requirements of the examination regulations.

The examiner may also require submission in electronic form.

Neither the student nor the examiner is required to notify the Student Services of the timely submission of the master's thesis. However, the examiner shall promptly inform the Student Services of any failure to submit the thesis on time and the resulting grade of 5.0 in accordance with the examination regulations.

If you have not passed your master's thesis and still have a second attempt available, please proceed with Step 1 of the Administrative Preparation.

• Extension master's thesis ( PDF , 233 KB )

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Master Thesis

The prerequisite for writing a master's thesis at the Area of Marketing is the successful completion of a seminar  MKT 7X0  at one of the marketing chairs (LS Homburg MKT 710, LS Stahl MKT 720, LS Kuester MKT 730 or LS Kraus MKT 740).

We also recommend that students write their Master's thesis at the chair where the seminar paper was written, thus enabling early involvement in the respective research and project work of the chair.

The  topics offered  by the chair can be found here .

An example for a correctly formatted thesis can be found here ., the guidelines for the use of ai tools in the area marketing & sales can be found here ..

The master thesis is 24 ECTS for MMM students and 15 ECTS for MMBR students.

The contact person for general questions related to master theses is Giuliana Francesca Manganaro, M.A., ( gmangana mail- mail.uni-mannheim.de ).

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In addition to the excellent methodological and analytical training I received, I was particularly excited by the variety of courses taught in the master's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim, such as seminars on the emergence and growth of protest movements or the relationship between social inequality and health. During the program, I also learned how to critically question and classify scientific findings, a skill that I still benefit from – both in my job and in my personal life.

After graduating from Leibniz University Hannover with a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, I wanted to pursue a master’s degree that focuses on quantitative methods and statistics. With the master’s program in Sociology in Mannheim, I have found exactly what I was looking for! What I like most about this program is being part of a small, international group of students. Thanks to my studies and my job as a student assistant at the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, I feel well prepared for a career in academia. That is why I’m currently planning to pursue a doctoral degree after my graduation.

Pursuing the master's program in Sociology at the University of Mannheim was the best choice I could have ever made with regard to both my personal and professional development. The fact that the entire program is taught in English helped me enormously when I was looking for a job and during my semester abroad. The proximity to the important social research institutes in Mannheim, GESIS and MZES, creates an ideal research atmosphere, while the focus on empirical methods and the Mannheim research network provide great opportunities both in research and economy.

The master‘s program in Sociology provided me with the best possible preparation for my professional career. With the program’s focus on in-depth analytical training, access to excellent professors, and the possibility to tailor the degree program to my specific research interests right from the start, I was immediately drawn into research. Given the program’s international orientation and flexibility, I was able to spend a semester as a free mover at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and completed a research internship at the Daimler Group. Studying at the University of Mannheim thus laid the foundations for the doctoral degree that I am now pursuing at the Harvard Business School.

7 reasons for pursuing your M.A. in Sociology in Mannheim

Best German university in Social Sciences ( THE Ranking 2022 )

The program builds on the School‘s strength in empirical-analytical approaches, quantitative methods, and comparative research

International campus :  academic calendar aligned with the international academic year , large international group of students, and renowned international researchers, professors, and teachers

Close relationship with the  GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences  and the  Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES) , the largest research institution for social sciences at a German university

Opportunity to study abroad  at one of our renowned partner universities worldwide , e.g. Indiana University, University of Haifa, University of Toronto, University of Bergen

Career support through the  School's Internship Office : you can be involved in a research project as a student assistant or as an intern and gain work experience while increasing your income

Mannheim is a vibrant city , located in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. It is home to over 8,000 businesses, including several successful international companies, such as SAP and BASF

Research Institutes

Our School has a particularly close relationship with the GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences and the Mannheim Centre for European Social Research (MZES).

According to the QS World Ranking 2019, the University of Mannheim is the best German university in Social Sciences and Management. In the THE Ranking, Mannheim has been ranked number 1 for the Social Sciences in Germany and number 31 worldwide.

The degree program

The program is divided into seven modules: Sociological Research Fields, Foundations of Sociological Theory, Cross-Sectional Data Analysis, Advanced Research Methods, Research Design, Research Project, and the Master's Thesis.

Sociological Research Fields

Within the module Sociological Research Fields , you may choose five elective seminars (1st – 3rd semester) from different areas of concentration, such as Social Inequality & Stratification, Sociology of Migration, Comparative Welfare State Analysis, Labor Relations, Organizational Theory, Networks & Segregation, Economic Sociology, Fertility & Family Formation, Sociology of Education, Labor Markets & Occupations or Ethnic Inequality & Segregation and Social Psychology.

Foundations of Sociological Theory

The module Foundations of Sociological Theory (1st semester) covers central aspects of sociological theory development and its foundations based on scientific theory. It offers an overview of the methodology of sociological explanations and the central, general components of sociological theories in research.

Cross-Sectional Data Analysis

In Cross-Sectional Data Analysis (1st semester), procedures for cross-sectional regression analysis (linear and categorical) are covered at an advanced level.

Advanced Research Methods

The module Advanced Research Methods (2nd semester) consists of a lecture and an exercise course. While students are taught how to analyze event history data and panel data during the lecture, they learn practical research methods using secondary data and information from other sources during the exercise course.

Research Design

The module Research Design (3rd semester) encourages students to develop a suitable research design for a specific research question (particularly with regard to the master's thesis), and to select and use available resources. A mandatory research internship is designed to offer hands-on experience in empirical research. Students may substitute the internship with attending a summer school program or working as a student assistant. Our Internship Office will assist students in finding internship positions and summer school programs that are in line with their interests.

Research Project

During the Research Project (2nd + 3rd semester), students first attend the Seminar in Research Methods. In the seminar, they will deepen and extend their knowledge of advanced methods of empirical social research, preparing them for the subsequent Research Project Seminar. During the exercise course in Exemplary Empirical Studies, explanation approaches are evaluated using exemplary new publications, and formal and stylistic standards for academic texts are taught. In the concluding Research Project Seminar, students prepare an empirical-analytical study in a focus area of sociological research.

Master's Thesis

Students complete their master's thesis during their fourth semester. The thesis is expected to have the format of a research article suitable for submission to an academic journal in the social sciences. Research questions, research designs, and initial empirical findings are presented during the Master's Forum Day. While they write their master's thesis, students also attend a colloquium. Our school is deeply committed to mentoring students as they take this important step toward a successful academic career.

Degree plan and module catalog

Studying Abroad

Gain international experience at one of our renowned partner universities worldwide! Check our database of partner universities.

Do you want to know what scholarships are available to international students? This way!

MyUniMA Story

In our MyUniMA Story, students from all around the world share their experiences and why they decided to study in Mannheim.

Career Prospects

Our students are very popular with employers as they are highly skilled experts in the Social Sciences, especially in quantitative methods.

Application

Admission requirements.

Our goal is to accept qualified and motivated students. Applications therefore undergo a selection process that includes the following selection criteria:

Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or a degree in a related field, which was completed with a grade of at least “good” (German grade equivalent: 2.5). For international students, international guidelines for grading standards will be applied. If you have not yet completed your bachelor's program by the time of application, you must submit a current transcript of records proving you have obtained at least 130 ECTS credits (or equivalent). Your admission will be based on this document and is subject to receipt of your degree certificate by mid-October at the latest.

Good English language skills  certified by a higher education entrance qualification from a school with English as the language of instruction (e.g. A Levels) or a bachelor's degree from a higher education institution with English as the language of instruction and examination. Alternatively, one of the following language tests is required:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) with a score of at least 90 points
• The European Language Certificate (telc) -English University with Level C or better
• International English Language Testing System – Academic Test (IELTS) with an overall band score of at least 6.5
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with at least Level C
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) with at least Level C
• Continuous attendance of English classes throughout the German secondary school education with a minimum average of 11 points; the proof must not be older than five years
• Language certificat of the University of Mannheim Service and Marketing GmbH with at least (language) level C1 in the areas of Listening Comprehension, Writing, Speaking and Reading Comprehension

 Proof of good performance in the area of methods of empirical social research, data analysis and statistics as indicated through previous course grades of classes in this area (German grade equivalent of 2.5 or better). Good performance in previous courses in this area is a prerequisite and will be assessed in the following way: The admissions committee looks at each transcript of records individually and evaluates a student's performance on the basis of graded courses taken in this area. If the average grade of all courses in this area corresponds to a German grade of 2.5 or better, you fulfil this requirement. You may submit also for each course in this area a syllabus or an official course description such as a course catalog that documents that the content of this class actually fits the area of methods of empirical social research, data analysis and statistics.

Grades obtained by international students will be transferred to the German grading system by using the Bavarian Formula .

If you fulfill these admission requirements, your application will be taken into further consideration.

You may also take a look at the official selection statutes (in German).

Selection statutes (in English: not legally binding)

How to apply

This year, subject to the approval of the committees and bodies, the application period starts on 01 April and ends on 15 May. The Admissions Office is the central office for all applicants (German as well as foreign applicants).

You will only need to apply online

Applicants are required to submit certified copies of official documents, such as the university entrance qualification or the bachelor's degree certificate, as specified in the online application. International guidelines for grading standards will be applied.

Attached to the application form for admission, you will find a checklist that will help you compile all documents. Please read this list carefully since incomplete applications have to be excluded from the admissions process.

Please note:

If you have not yet been awarded your bachelor's degree by the time of application, you should submit a current transcript of records.

English language certificates may also be handed in later, until 15 August at the latest.

The International Office also provides a variety of information for international degree-seeking students on its website .

The Admissions Office can be contacted via e-mail or phone (+49 621/ 181-2222).

What happens after you have applied

Usually, applicants to a master’s program receive the decision shortly after the close of the deadline.

International students: If you wish to accept your offer, please confirm the Declaration of Acceptance. Afterwards, you will receive an e-mail containing your log-in details for myUniMA – an online portal that provides you with comprehensive information on enrollment. Furthermore, it contains information on visas as well as on accommodation.

Further information & downloads

Studying in germany: information for international students and their parents.

Tuition fees for international students in Baden-Württemberg

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides a lot of information for international students on their website as well as in their brochures for international students and their parents.

DAAD Germany     Scholarship Database

Doctoral studies in Mannheim

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) offers doctoral programs in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim. Admission is based on merit and open to excellent candidates holding either a research-oriented bachelor‘s or a master‘s degree. Students admitted to one of the programs receive a scholarship and there is no tuition fee .

Fast track your doctoral degree

Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at the CDSS have the opportunity to apply for 'Associate Membership' in the second year of their master's program. Successful applicants receive a 'Qualification Scholarship' and application is open to all second-year master's students. Calls for application are announced in spring.

Individual doctoral studies

In addition to the structured doctoral program offered by the GESS – CDSS, the School of Social Sciences also provides students with the opportunity to acquire a doctoral degree under the supervision of a member of the School. Prospective doctoral students interested in this alternative should consult the job announcements of the School of Social Sciences and its affiliated research institutes or consult a member of the School that might serve as a potential supervisor for the doctoral dissertation project.

More information for doctoral candidates

Three steps to a doctoral position

Career training step by step

The University of Mannheim wants to support you in preparing and planning your career. As part of the pilot project STEP by STEP, we are offering workshops and information events to prepare you for your entry into the German labor market.

STEP by STEP

Services for students

Any questions we're happy to help you.

The program managers are happy to answer any questions regarding the master's program (degree plan, selection of courses, structure and progress of your studies). For any questions relating to admission or application, please contact the Admissions Office.

Stefanie Thye, M.A. (she/her)

Admissions office.

Advising for international students

Team International Degree-Seeking Students

Doctoral studies.

The Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences (CDSS) administers doctoral programs in Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology in close collaboration with the School of Social Sciences at the University of Mannheim.

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31 March 2024

The career fair MINT Marketplace 2024 organized by the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 15:00–18:00 in building B6, 26 Bauteil A.

The aim of the fair is to support students of Business Informatics, Business Mathematics and Data Science in establishing contacts with companies regarding internships, master theses and permanent positions. The MINT marketplace offers companies the opportunity to get to know future employees early on in their studies and to bind them to the company. 

More information about the MINT Marketplace 2024

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