International Programmes 2023/2024

Modern Indian Studies Modern Indian Studies

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Arts
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English (100%)

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline
  • For citizens from the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) OR applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 May of the same calendar year.
  • For citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries and no Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 November of the previous calendar year.

Find out more about visa requirements to study in Germany here. Information for applicants from India can be found here.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The Master's in Modern Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme focusing on economic, political, social, and cultural developments in modern India. In the programme, students seek to address a number of fundamental questions about modern India, including:

  • How does India’s cultural and religious diversity affect societal developments?
  • How does the democratic system address issues of social inequality?
  • How can the dynamics of economic development in a pluralistic society be understood?

As looking for answers to profound questions such as these requires an interdisciplinary approach, there are five research groups at CeMIS:

  • Modern Indian History
  • Development Economics
  • Indian Religions
  • State and Democracy in Modern India
  • Society and Culture in Modern India

Students wishing to develop a stronger thematic specialisation can choose a study focus on one of the following:

  • Anthropology of Power
  • Historical Sociology
  • Development Economics of India

The focus will be printed on the MA certificate.

Course organisation

The MA in Modern Indian Studies is a single major, four-semester programme. As an international study programme that attracts students from around the world, all courses are conducted in English. To obtain a Master's degree, students must complete 120 credits, including a Master's thesis (30 credits).

The Master's programme is designed to offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to develop and pursue their own interests and thematic focus within the five interdisciplinary categories. Aside from the two-semester introductory course on Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India and a course in Academic Writing and Research (24 ECTS), and courses in modern Indian languages (12 ECTS), students are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their thesis. Each student who chooses a study focus will write the thesis in his or her chosen field. Students who do not choose a study focus are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their theses.

German language skills are not required. However, international students interested in learning or improving their German may attend courses provided by the university. Up to 12 ECTS can go towards the Master's degree through the "Professionalisation" area.

Students also have the option of completing a semester abroad. See the section on "Integrated study abroad unit(s)" for more information.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Integrated study abroad unit(s)
  • Language training provided
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus
Integrated study abroad unit(s)

Students have the option of completing a semester abroad at one of our partner universities in India or at another university of their choice.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
Yes
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens. Click here for more information on the fee structure.

Costs of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see this link.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Deutschlandstipendium and Landesstipendium Niedersachsen are two independent scholarships that partially support MA students after enrolment. The International Office at the university provides advice and information to international students looking to apply for scholarships in Germany. The DAAD has a comprehensive database of scholarships from multiple funding agencies.

Academic admission requirements

MA in Modern Indian Studies

  • Sufficient credits (at least 50 ECTS) in a related field are required. Related fields are development studies, geography, history, gender or diversity studies, Indian studies, Indology, Islam studies, ethnology or cultural anthropology, media studies, political science, religious studies, social and economic history, sociology or economics. Please note: applicants to MA in Modern Indian Studies with a study focus on Development Economics of India must have achieved at least 30 ECTS in economics in the previous study programme.
  • Proof of proficiency in English is required (see details below).

Applicants from India also need an APS certificate (applicant evaluation or Akademische Prüfstelle). This is a document that verifies proof of qualifications for immigration to Germany. Hence, before applying for a visa, individuals must have the APS certificate in hand. For the application, follow this link. The APS certificate is valid indefinitely and can be acquired before acceptance to the course. All students should complete the APS as soon as possible. More information on applications, documents required and fees can be found here.

Here is more information about the application process and the ECTS system.

Language requirements

Candidates must prove sufficient knowledge in English by minimum achievements in an internationally recognised test. The following applicants are exempt from the requirement to provide proof of a test: applicants who have spent at least one year studying or working in the United States of America, Canada (excluding the province of Québec), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including associated territories), the Republic of Ireland, Australia or New Zealand within the last four years prior to receipt of the application for admission.

Further information can be found here.

German language skills are not required for this study programme.

Application deadline
  • For citizens from the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) OR applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 May of the same calendar year.
  • For citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries and no Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 November of the previous calendar year.

Find out more about visa requirements to study in Germany here. Information for applicants from India can be found here.

Submit application to

Apply online here!

Possibility of finding part-time employment

With a regular study visa, students are entitled to work part-time. The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses and offers an online job portal. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Accommodation

Göttingen offers a range of accommodation options from shared flats and single apartments to student residences.

Demand for student accommodation in Göttingen is high. There is a limited number of places available in student residence halls. Admission or enrolment is not required for applying. Please apply at the earliest here.

Most students rent accommodations in privately-run shared flats or single apartments. At the University of Göttingen, the Accommodation Service at the International Office helps students find accommodation.

Career advisory service

In addition to career counselling at CeMIS, the Faculty of Social Sciences offers career advisory services. The University of Göttingen offers additional career advice as well.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Pick-up service
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Orientation week for international students
Student counselling
Psychological counselling in English

Supervisor-student ratio
1:7

University of Göttingen

University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence

Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 40 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. Currently, 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Göttingen, 15 percent of whom are international students.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Two international fast-track MSc/PhD programmes prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47239.html

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) maintains a top position among German academic libraries, with a holding of over nine million books, journals and other media and offering a broad range of services for study and research. The library plays a leading role in a large number of national and international projects involving the optimisation of literature and information provision as well as the establishment and development of digital research and information infrastructures.
https://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/en

Alumni worldwide
As a member of the alumni network, you will continue to be part of the international "University of Göttingen Family" even after you have finished your studies. The Alumni Office currently connects more than 40,000 alumni from all over the world and provides them with current information and ongoing projects at the university and in the city of Göttingen. In addition, the alumni association offers various events and services for students and alumni related to careers and networking. One such initiative is their workshop series called "alumni4students," where you will have the chance to contribute your expertise.
https://www.alumni-goettingen.de/

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

13 Percentage of international students at the University of Göttingen
725 Partnerships with leading research institutions all over the world

University location

Göttingen – a good place to live and study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.

The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.

The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.

Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.

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