Socioeconomics

General Program Information

In the interdisciplinary degree program in Socioeconomics:

the relationships between economics and society are described and explained,
social questions are considered from the perspectives of economics and the social sciences and
students gain knowledge of methods and statistics that is required to answer these questions.

Typical topics that affect the economy and society include the causes and consequences of unemployment, balancing a career and family life, and the role of work councils in companies. Empirical research methods – i.e. techniques for data collection and evaluation – are key for analyzing these issues. In the Master’s degree program these methods are used in the areas of sociology, psychology, business administration, economics and communications science. The interdisciplinary nature of the program enables each student to decide which area they wish to specialize in over the course of their studies.

This degree program is taught in German. Therefore, a good knowledge of German is an essential prerequisite to successfully completing the degree program. Proof of German language proficiency at DSH 2 level or equivalent is required for admission.

For further information, please visit the German WiSo website.

Course content

The standard duration of the Master’s degree program in Socioeconomics is four semesters. During this time students gain comprehensive knowledge of economic and social processes based on perspectives from various disciplines.

Usually, new Master’s students all have very different previous knowledge as they come from different subject areas. Therefore, the first semester focuses on intense, demanding training in skills and methods for the collection, analysis and interpretation of social and economic data and the application of these skills in different disciplines.

After these foundations have been laid in the first semester, the second and third semesters provide students with an opportunity to expand their knowledge, choose their own specializations and take practical courses. All students take a comprehensive project seminar that continues into the third semester. In this seminar they work in small groups to define a research question and find answers to it in an empirical research project. At the same time, students choose from a range of seminars and lectures according to their interests that allow them to develop advanced knowledge, specialize in a particular area or learn about a new topic.

The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis. Students may choose which area they wish to focus on in their thesis and can decide whether to work on a topic from the social sciences (sociology, psychology, communication science), economics (e.g. econometrics) or business studies (e.g. business administration). It is also possible for students to complete their thesis in collaboration with a company or a research institute.

Competencies

The Master’s degree program in Socioeconomics provides graduates of Bachelor’s degree programs in the social sciences and economics with the opportunity to deepen their previous knowledge and explore new areas. Students acquire strong methodological skills in various disciplines that prepare them for careers in economics and society.

Essential skills that they learn include the ability to think in an interdisciplinary way, strong methodological skills for generating and evaluating data, and the ability to work independently in a structured manner. All of these skills are developed on the basis of specific topics.

After studying the basics of a wide range of subjects, students may specialize in ‘Labor, Personnel, and Education’, ‘Media, Market and Social Research’ or another area of their choice.

Through a project seminar they develop strong skills that enable them to work in a structured manner both independently and in a team, and to present results confidently.

The concept of the Master’s degree program in Socioeconomics is based on our belief that it is possible to combine a strong focus on research with practical application. Conducting research enables students to develop problem solving abilities that are essential in all positions of responsibility. In addition, there are many career opportunities in research, as demonstrated by the large number of research institutes based in Nuremberg. We maintain good connections to various partners in and around the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region. We are happy to put students in touch with contacts to help them find internships or jobs during their studies. We recommend that students begin acquiring practical experience while they are at university.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master’s degree program are not limited to a particular field but have a wide range of career opportunities, in particular in positions that require empirical methods and advanced analytical abilities for dealing with social and economic issues.

The experience that students acquire and the degree program’s profile make the following areas particularly relevant for graduates of the degree program:

academic research at universities or research institutions
commercial research, such as market research, economic research or opinion research (at research institutes or companies)
marketing/market research
human resources and welfare, such as human resources or organizational development, social planning or economic planning (at companies, organizations or associations)
PR/media
quality management
business consultancy
administration

Staying in contact with alumni is very important to us. Please stay in touch after finishing your studies so that the next generation of FAU students can benefit from your knowledge and experience. You can support our network by arranging for students to complete theses at your company or by passing on information about job opportunities. Alumni are important sources of information for students and can help them answer questions such as: What specialization should I choose? Where is the best place to spend a semester abroad? What are my career prospects?

Please stay in touch, follow us on Facebook or contact us by e-mail. You can keep in contact with alumni, friends and supporters of the School of Business and Economics in Nuremberg through our alumni association, afwn e.V. Information about upcoming events is available on the website for the Master’s degree program in Socioeconomics. If you would like to receive occasional updates from us, please let us know.

Target group

The Master’s degree program in Socioeconomics:

is aimed at graduates with a Bachelor’s degree, an interest in the relationship between society and the economy, and the appropriate previous knowledge.
prepares students for managerial positions in business and administration through interdisciplinary and methodological training.
leads to a Master of Science degree and qualifies graduates for doctoral programs and an academic career.