Societal issues and problems are highly complex, and shaped by a multitude of influences and developments. Accordingly, their study must involve a broad range of perspectives, with research based on diverse theories and employing methodological approaches from various disciplines. The master’s program in Changing Societies at the University of Basel meets these requirements. It offers an open, interdisciplinary study program that examines social change from the perspective of various social science disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, political science, gender studies and related subjects. Students benefit both from the broad analytical scope of an interdisciplinary social science program as well as from a sound methodological education in empirical social research.
The MA in Changing Societies is taught by lecturers from various disciplines within the social sciences:
These disciplinary perspectives provide the foundation for an exploration of the following analytical focal areas:
1. Bodies, Objects, Circulation:
How do bodies and objects move, connect, and come to matter in an increasingly global and unequal world? Focusing on “circulation” as mobility and movement but also as moments of negotiation and contestation, students examine both the transnational and local flows of human and non-human bodies, objects, ideas, and capital across borders, institutions, and everyday settings. Courses within this module provide a clear conceptual and methodological foundation for critically studying mobility, materialization, and power.
2. Sustainable Societies: Inequality, Power, Conflict:
Courses in this module bring together theoretical approaches and current research on the key topics of inequality, resources, and conflict. They teach theories and approaches from political science, international relations, and sustainability studies on the one hand, and empirical social science methods on the other. The focus is on questions of political and social inequality, political representation, the functioning of political institutions, as well as intra- and inter-state conflicts and peacebuilding. Additional questions addressed concern the equitable distribution of resources, sustainable political and economic processes, and the consequences of climate change.
3. Global Modernity and Difference:
This module deals with the global dimensions of modernity and focuses on the interplay between integration and difference. Courses within this module teach central theories of modernity and modernization as well as their critique and current developments. The module covers both historical and contemporary processes of social (de)differentiation, different paths of modernization, and the importance of culture, gender, class, and ethnicity for the structuring of global inequalities. The aim is to shed light on the global diversity of manifestations of modernity and to critically reflect on how modernity and difference are interwoven.
| Degree | MA in Changing Societies |
| Type | Degree program |
| Start date | February, September |
| Credit points | 120 |
| Study structure | The Master's degree is the second degree after the Bachelor's degree and comprises a total of 120 credit points (CP). The Changing Societies master's degree program is a single major degree without any other subjects, which is completed with 100 CP. In addition, there are free electives with 20 CP. One ECTS credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours of work. |
| Subject combination | The Changing Societies master's degree program is studied without a second degree subject. The 20 CP for the free electives can be gained in courses of your choice (please check entry requirements of the respective courses). They can be used to deepen knowledge in the degree subjects, gain insights into other degree subjects offered by the University of Basel or acquire language skills. |
| Language of instruction | German, English |
| Department | Department of Social Sciences |
Admission to master’s programs is regulated by the university student regulations and the stipulations of the individual degree program descriptions. More details of the general master’s admission requirements are provided here.
For students to be admitted with no additional requirements, they must hold a bachelor’s degree worth 180 CP from a higher education institution recognized by the University of Basel.
Subject-related requirements are defined in the admission requirements (section 3) of the study program for the relevant subject. The guidelines may also contain further useful information that is key to successful studies.
Students must register for their bachelor’s or master’s degree program within a specified timeframe – even in cases of delayed registration.
The University of Basel organizes regular information events for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Details can be found on the events page of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Some subject areas also offer their own separate information or welcome events. Please consult the page for the relevant subject area for event dates and locations.
See also factsheets under Documents & Factsheets.
All data subject to subsequent changes.
The MA in Changing Societies prepares students for both academic and non-academic careers. When a specific thematic focus is chosen, there is a possibility to continue towards gaining a PhD in one of the disciplines which make up the program. Alternatively, graduates of the program can choose from numerous exciting fields of employment outside higher education, such as international organizations, NGOs, politics, public administration, or culture and knowledge management. The program also qualifies students for careers that call for independent thinking and sound methodological and analytical skills, even if not directly linked to the thematic focus of Changing Societies