Science and Technology Studies: Economies, Governance, Life (Master of Arts)

Bild option 1 ma sts  c  simon burkhardt

© Photo: Simon Burkhardt

 

Overview
Conditions of admission
Applications


Overview

Course content and focus areas 

Concept

This English-language MA program introduces students to the international research program “Science and Technology Studies” (STS). STS is an interdisciplinary endeavor addressing the reciprocal shaping of scientific expertise, technology development, economies and contemporary societies. Students learn to conceptualize science and technology as social and material practices. The MA program also draws connections across disciplinary boundaries, linking cultural anthropology with sociology and human geography. Exemplary fields in which students can specialize include global economies, the development of digital technologies, infrastructures, governance, human-environment relations and biomedicine.

Courses

The MA program is research-oriented. It equips students with state-of-the-art research methods and conceptual tools that enable them to conduct original fieldwork projects.

Students learn to understand not only the scope of empirical research but also the political, theoretical, epistemological and ethical implications of fieldwork. They are introduced to a range of research options and will learn to make informed choices about research strategies and fieldwork settings. In addition to the teaching staff of the Institute of Cultural Anthropology and European Ethnology, human geographers and sociologists will contribute course teaching.  

Graduates are trained for employment in organizations, government institutions, tertiary education, corporate settings and academic research, working in fields such as Research & Development, consultancy, policy-making, technology assessment, usability research, knowledge management, media, public relations and transnational governance. Graduates from the MA program may also embark on a Ph.D. project to further develop their academic career.

Structure

In the first and second semester, the basic module “Theoretical Intersections” introduces students from all academic backgrounds to the concept of STS and its contemporary debates. In the course of the program, students broaden their studies in STS by choosing two out of three optional modules on the topics of Technologies of Governance, Markets, and Cultures or Economies of Life. The Research Curriculum is a series of four modules that span the duration of the MA Program, offering a unique program of course work, independent research, and supervision that enables students to develop their research skills. It will be taught alongside the Theoretical Intersections and the thematic modules and guides students in the research-oriented learning process towards the Master’s thesis.

Detailed information

Information from the department
Subject-specific regulations

Degree Master of Arts in Science and Technology Studies: Economies, Governance, Life
Duration The standard length of study for the Master of Arts is 4 semesters.
Languages of instruction English
Start of the programme The programme starts at the beginning of the winter semester.
Student advisory service

Timotheus Kartmann 
Institut für Kulturanthropologie und Europäische Ethnologie
Norbert-Wollheim-Platz 1
60323 Frankfurt am Main
Email: Kartmann@em.uni-frankfurt.de


to the top


 

Conditions of admission

Admission requirements
  • Entrance qualification
    -
     a six-semester Bachelor’s Degree in either Cultural Anthropology/European Ethnology, Human Geography, or Sociology (180 Credit Points) or a similar degree in the same or related disciplines

    - applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree from other disciplines such as in the Humanities can only be admitted when their degree is considered equivalent to the above-mentioned degrees by the Admissions Committee (= examination of equivalency of degree)

    - The examination of equivalency takes into account the qualifications  
    attained with the BA and/or course contents and modules studied. In  
    order for a BA degree to qualify for admission to the MA program,  
    basic training in methods (such as ethnography, or qualitative social  
    research methods), theories (social theories, cultural theories,  
    spatial theories) and/or familiarity with topic areas of Cultural  
    Anthropology, Sociology and/or Human Geography are required.
     
     
    For BA degrees attained outside of Germany, the same regulations apply.

  • Language skills
    A good knowledge of English is required (minimum of a B2 certification), e.g.
    - Certificate of a secondary school from an English-speaking country
    OR
    - Bachelor’s Degree from a study program taught completely/mostly in English
    OR
    - Five years of English lessons at school (the grade for English on the final certificate must be “satisfactory” or higher)
    OR
    - TOEFL test result of at least 87 (internet-based) or equivalent results from other officially recognized tests of English language capability, such as IELTS or the Cambridge Proficiency examination
     OR
    - An equivalent certificate, pending decision by the Admissions committee

    Good working knowledge of German (B1) is recommended for daily communication at the university (no certification needed).

  • Aptitude Test i.e. “Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren”
    Admission for the program will be determined on the basis of the grade average of the BA (60%) and on the assessment of the motivation letter (40%). The application must include a motivation letter in English, comprising 400 to 600 words. The resulting overall rating must be at least 7.0 points.

  • The motivation letter shall describe your motivation for pursuing the Master’s degree. It should provide information about your special interest in the Master’s program as well as your relevant knowledge, skills and abilities. It can also include additional information about non-university activities (like work experience) that could qualify a student for the Master’s program. The motivation letter will be graded.

  • For further information please check the departments "Frequently asked Questions"
Provisional admission

Provisional admission is possible on the basis of a current certificate or transcript of records. At least 80% of the credit points in the B.A. (usually 144 CP) must have been obtained and must be calculated into a provisional average grade, upon which admission will be based. An office authorised to award grades or issue certificates must issue this provisional certificate. Provisional admission is valid until the end of the first semester of the master’s program. The bachelor’s degree must thus be handed in by March 31 (winter intake) or September 30 (summer intake) the latest. If the Bachelor’s degree certificate is not submitted by the end of the first semester, provisional admission will be withdrawn.

Mode of admission

Admission is not restricted, but subject to the aptitude test. Applicants will be directly admitted if the admission requirements are met in full.


to the top


 

Applications

Documents to be submitted
  • If you are not already enrolled at Goethe University:
    Copy of your Secondary school certificate (e.g. ‘Abiturzeugnis’)
  • Copy of the Bachelor’s degree certificate (incl. Diploma Supplement)
  • If the Bachelor's degree has not yet been completed:
    A transcript of records or equivalent document listing the content of the study program and average grade
  • Curriculum vitae (in tabular form)
  • Proof of English language skills (level B2)
  • Letter of motivation in English (400-600 words)
  • APS certificate for applicants from India, Vietnam and PR of China (original)
Application period 01.04. - 15.05.
Address for applications

Online application portal for Master's study programmes


to the top