There is a structured quantitative and qualitative method training, which is practically tested and closely supervised through a compulsory, two-semester empirical project study. At the same time, the students receive a comprehensive, historically-informed theoretical training, which is integrated into the thematic research of politics, ecology, social structure analysis as well as developmental and economic sociology.

The M.A. is research-oriented and linked to the highly topical research projects of the lecturers. Two project papers are prepared, which will enable students to specialise in subject-specific and methodological knowledge and thus customise their own research focus. The students are thus prepared for a doctorate and/or to carry out other research projects. Students can do internal internships associated with the research projects of the lecturers, and also gain practice-oriented insights into the field of science management.

There are regular seminars and lecture series with international scientists in English. As part of the "Erasmus +" exchange programme, there are a large number of European partner universities where study visits are possible. The departmental representative for International Studies supports students in organising study or internship stays within Europe. For non-European stays, the International Office of the University of Marburg offers advice.

University of Kent, Universiteit Antwerpen, Université de Lille, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, University of Limerick, Università degli Studi di Milano, Vilniaus Universitetas, Sveučilište u Zadru

Licences for SPSS, Stata and MAXQDA data analysis software are available on all computers of the method professorship. Students can use SPSS in all public computer pools; Stata and MAXQDA are available in selected computer pools.

How are social orders shaped in terms of space and time? The focus here is on the materiality of spatial formations such as borders, architectures or ecosystems as well as the formation of temporal references, i.e. memory orders or techniques of accessing an uncertain future. The focus is on figurations of the planetary ("geosociology"), the spatiotemporal dynamics of dangerous situations and the formation of structures of global inequality. The research project (CRC) "Dynamics of Security", which is located at the Institute, addresses these issues.

Students have the opportunity to study Gender Studies as well as Peace and Conflict Research as a minor. A thematic focus of the Institute of Sociology is on ecological issues.