Program facts and information
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Standard period of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
ECTS credits: approx. 120
Language of instruction: English
Language requirements: English; for further information on the required proof of language proficiency see Admission requirements and selection
Program start: Fall semester (September)
Academic calendarSchool: School of Business Informatics and Mathematics
Semester fee: EUR 204.30 (more information)
Tuition fees for international students from non-EU countries: EUR 1,500
Tuition fees for a second degree: EUR 650Program overview
The Mannheim Master in Social Data Science is an interdisciplinary program of study that is unique in Germany. In courses in Sociology, Political Sciences, Business Informatics and Mathematics, students work on questions specifically from the field of Social Sciences. In this master’s program, you can also attend methods courses from the Mannheim Master in Data Science program.
Students learn to collect, organize, and analyze large amounts of data using the appropriate tools and methods to answer questions related to Social Sciences. The master’s program comprises five major areas:
- Fundamentals of Data Science (27 ECTS credits)
- Data Science Methods (27 ECTS credits)
- Advanced Data Science Methods (18–23 ECTS credits)
- Data Science Applications (18–23 ECTS credits)
- Master's Thesis (30 ECTS credits)
This program of study is taught completely in English.
Why study the Mannheim Master in Social Data Science
With the increasing amount of data, experts in Data Science are in demand. With Social Data Science, you can gain new insights into human behavior and develop innovative solutions for social problems. It allows for a deeper understanding of social dynamics and trends which positively influence society. This can contribute to making informed political decisions, using resources more effectively, and working on finding solutions for relevant societal problems.
Due to the strong interdisciplinary collaboration of Business Informatics, Sociology, Political Science and Mathematics, you benefit from the top-notch courses offered by various departments. You can select from a wide range of modules and focus on areas that suit your goals and interests.
About 55 students study the master’s program in Data Science, and the small number of students allow for a very good student-to-teacher ratio. A motivated and interdisciplinary team of professors will be happy to personally answer any study-related questions.
The University of Mannheim is part of a global network. The university’s ties to more than 450 partner universities all over the world do not only impact life on campus, but also open numerous doors to students who wish to go abroad.
The master’s program in Social Data Science supports analytical thinking to understand complex social questions and develop data-based solutions. Since Data Science is an ever-evolving field, a program in Social Data Science also promotes life-long learning skills. Graduates are well-equipped to adapt to the changing demands of business and society in the future.
Career opportunities
Data scientist is one of the most sought-after jobs of today. Companies, governments, and NGOs are increasingly looking for experts who are able to analyze and interpret social data. Graduates of the Mannheim Master in Social Data Science program have excellent career opportunities and great prospects for starting their career in various fields and research projects.
As data scientist, you can work in national and international companies or in the public sector – everywhere where large data quantities are processed, for example in marketing, production or logistics. Of course, the Mannheim Master in Social Data Science degree also qualifies for a career in academia.
The School of Social Sciences plans to establish a Social Data Science track at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the graduate school of the University of Mannheim. Graduates of the program have the option of pursuing an academic career at one of the best doctoral programs in the Social Sciences in Germany.
Required interests and skills
Students of the master’s program Mannheim Master in Data Science should
- have a general interest in topics and questions related to Social Sciences, since Social Data Science aims at using data analyses and models for the solution of social programs and for analyzing social behavior.
- have basic skills in statistics to analyze data and identify patterns.
- be familiar with probability theory, inferential statistics, and regression.
- be proficient in programming languages such as Python or R since they are often used in data analyses.
- be able to apply research methods to analyze social phenomenons. This includes designing studies, collecting data, and interpreting results.
Other required skills, in particular in the field of advanced statistics, machine learning, as well as ethics and data protection are acquired during the program of study.
Program structure
Studying abroad
The University of Mannheim has more than 450 partner universities around the world. In collaboration with the International Office, the school can help you plan a period of study abroad. In the Mannheim Master in Social Data Science program, spending a semester abroad is not mandatory. However, due to the many mandatory elective courses, a semester abroad is easy to implement.Internships
Examination regulations for the master’s program do not provide for a mandatory internship. If you would like to do a voluntary internship, the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics, thanks to its strong business contacts, will be in the best position to assist you with the organization.Continuing education
Certificate programs
Strengthen your potential, deepen your knowledge, find solutions for challenges we will face tomorrow – there are many good reasons to think outside the box, get to know and try out new things even during your studies.At the University of Mannheim, you can do this in the “Studium Oecologicum” which focuses on sustainability. In our certificate program, you will acquire interdisciplinary expert knowledge which can help you to act ethically and to make holistic decisions.
Language courses
Making language learning easier: No matter if you want to learn Japanese, Hebrew, Spanish or Norwegian, take the Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE), The European Language Certificates (telc) or the TOEFL test – each semester, the University of Mannheim offers language courses and language certificates in more than 16 languages for students and non-university members, online and on campus!Doctorates
Besides the doctorate at the Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences mentioned above, graduates of the Mannheim Master in Social Data Science also qualify for pursuing a doctorate either as research assistants or external doctoral candidates at a chair.
Center for Doctoral Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Options for a doctorate at the School of Business Informatics and Mathematics
General information on pursuing a doctorate at the University of MannheimAdmission requirements and selection
In our selection process, we take numerous criteria into account. For more details, please check the selection statutes (see below). Be bold! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice. We are looking forward to receiving your application!
Admission requirements
If you have not yet completed your bachelor’s degree, you may still apply for the master’s program as long as you will provide proof that you have obtained at least 130 ECTS credits.
- Completion of a bachelor’s program in Social Sciences (in particular Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, or Media and Communication Studies) or Business Administration or Economics or a program recognized as equivalent by the admissions committee, completed with a grade of “good” or better (equivalent to the German grade of 2.5) at a German higher education institution or abroad (also Berufsakademie) and corresponding to at least 180 ECTS credits or a regular period of study of at least three years.
- The program must include a total of at least 48 ECTS credits in informatics, mathematics, statistics, or empirical research methods.
- ECTS credits awarded for an empirical final thesis must be counted towards the 48 ETCS credits required, provided that the supervising university teacher issues a certificate confirming the empirical nature of the final thesis.
- Proof of proficiency in English (may be submitted by 15 August)
Selection criteria
- The final grade or – for students still completing their degree – the grade average of the bachelor’s program
- Semester abroad
- Relevant professional activities
- Essay about a relevant research topic in English (5,000 to 10,000 words)
Essay
In addition to your application documents, you must submit an essay in English of 5,000 to 10,000 words with a subject-specific focus on Data Science, Social Sciences, Political Sciences or Economics or Business Administration. The text must comply with the general rules for academic writing and research.Selection statutes
Under “Admission requirements and selection” we have compiled the most important selection criteria of the program for you. For more detailed explanations of the selection process and the legally binding requirements of the degree program, please refer to the selection statutes.Application
