Study programs

Would you like to understand society better and play an active role in shaping it? Four exciting Bachelor's and three Master's programs await you at the Institute of Social Sciences. We also offer another specialized Master's program in cooperation with the Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS).

Discover our diverse range of courses below and find out more about the content and prospects of the individual prograns on the respective pages.

Bachelor programs

A group of students stand in the foyer of the main building of the European Council in Brussels.
© Jan Pollex

Bachelor of Arts : European Studies

In this degree program, you will explore the politics, economy and society of the European Union. You will first acquire
basic knowledge of political science and the methods of empirical social research before deepening your knowledge of the political, economic and social transformation processes within the EU and the role of Europe in the international system.

A person is standing in front of a bookshelf. The head is replaced by a question mark.

Bachelor of Arts : Social Sciences

Learn to analyze and understand social and political contexts as well as processes of social change. Combine political science and sociology content in a programme that offers you a wide range of specialization options through individual topics and an integrated internship.

Dual-subject Bachelor : Political Science

Combine the study of political contexts and institutions at the IfS with another subject offered by Osnabrück University.

Eine Dozentin in einem Vorlesungssaal redet mit einer Studentin an der Tafel.
© Simone Reukauf

Dual-subject Bachelor : Sociology

Study social systems, relationships and their development at the Institute of Social Sciences together with another subject from Osnabrück University's range of courses.

Master programs

The golden door handle of Osnabrück Town Hall in the shape of a dove with the inscription "Peace 1648"
© Daniel Voelsen

Master of Arts | English-speaking : Conflict Studies & Peacebuilding

Deepen your knowledge of conflict dynamics and peace processes in an international and interdisciplinary program. Excursions and (international) experiences are an integral part of the program.

Mehrere Europaflaggen vor einer großen, gläsernen Gebäudewand

Master of Arts | German-language : European Governance in the Transformation (NEW from 2025)

You will research how political and social institutions and processes are changing in the face of current transformation dynamics. You will also deepen your methodological and practical skills through special offers such as excursions and internships.

An excerpt from an English-language dictionary on the article "Sociology"
© Devon Yu

Master of Arts | German-language : Soziologische Zeitdiagnose (NEW from 2025)

The Sociological Diagnosis of the Present Time degree program deals with a sub-genre of sociological research and theory formation that responds to an increased demand for social interpretative knowledge, both within the discipline and in the public sphere.

Master of Arts : International Migration & Intercultural Relations

Explore the dynamics of international migration, its social construction and the basis of intercultural cooperation and conflict in an interdisciplinary program linked to the internationally renowned IMIS Research Center. Gain international experience through a stay at a partner university abroad.

Discontinued Master's degree programs

Master of Arts : European Governance: Market - Power - Community

The Master's program delves deeper into the political, economic and social foundations of the European Union and Europe, paying particular attention to different academic perspectives and fundamental structural issues.

It is no longer possible to re-enrol on this course.

Master of Arts : Sociology: Dynamics of social change

The Master's degree course examines social change processes in depth from various sociological perspectives. The focal points result from the research fields represented in Osnabrück, such as family, work or migration sociology.

It is no longer possible to enrol on this course.