About the degree programme
The master’s degree programme in management of social change equips you to analyze, understand, and actively shape processes of social change. In a time of profound upheaval—from demographic change to digitalization and globalization to socio-ecological change—you will develop the skills to identify, initiate, and responsibly manage transformation processes at various levels of society.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Social Change
In this master’s program, you will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in these key areas:
- Theories and concepts of social change in modern societies
- Sociological analysis of change processes at the micro, meso, and macro levels
- Methods of empirical social research and evaluation research
- Change management and innovation management
- Sustainability and transformation management
- Ethical Foundations and Quality Standards in Change Management
You will learn how change processes unfold in various social sectors, which actors are involved, and what methods can be used to shape these processes. The interdisciplinary focus of the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. You will gain the ability to initiate and support change processes in organizations, municipalities, or social groups. Through research internships with regional partners, you will apply your knowledge directly, analyze current societal challenges, and develop solutions to address them.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Social Sciences |
| Location: | Görlitz |
| Degree: | Master of Arts |
| standard period of study: | 3 or 4 semesters |
| ECTS credits: | 90 or 120 |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Summer semester, winter semester |
| Application period: December 1 through February 15 (summer semester), May 1 through September 30 (winter semester) | Start of studies: March, October |
| Admission restrictions: | No admission restrictions (no NC) Details |
| No prerequisite internship | Student Advisory Service |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
Course content
The program is offered in two tracks, each tailored to different prerequisites. The four-semester track (120 ECTS) begins in the winter semester and is designed for students with a 180-ECTS Bachelor’s degree. The three-semester track (90 ECTS) begins in the summer semester and is designed for students with a 210-ECTS Bachelor’s degree.
In the four-semester track, you’ll begin with modules on social science research theory and professional practice, which will strengthen your theoretical foundations and link them to practical experience. Starting in the second semester—or the first semester of the three-semester track—you’ll follow a systematically structured curriculum that integrates the three perspectives on social change: identifying, researching, and managing processes of change. In the second or third semester, you’ll gain knowledge of research methods and the applied fields of change management, which you’ll deepen through research internships and project work. In the final semester, you will acquire knowledge of the goals, methods, and tools of organizational development, project management, team leadership, conflict management, and Quality management in various fields of application in the Social Sciences, and you will focus on your own research topic in your Master's thesis.
= 1st semester of a 4-semester program
Social Science Research: Theory, Methodology, Reflection
Elective Module (1 out of 3)
- Fundamentals of the Social Sciences: Introductory Course
- Fields of Practice in the Social Sciences
- Social Science Research and Professional Practice
= 1st semester (for a 3-semester program)
= 2nd semester (for a 4-semester program)
- Recognizing Social Change I: Perspectives, Topics, and Theories
- Advanced Social Science Research Methods
= 2nd semester (for a 3-semester program)
= 3rd semester (for a 4-semester program)
- Recognizing Social Change II: Fields, Levels, and Dimensions
- Fields of Application and Research Practice
= 3rd semester (for a 3-semester program)
= 4th semester (for a 4-semester program)
- Organizational Development and Team Leadership: Concepts and Practice
- Final Module (Master's thesis and Defense)
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Organizational Development
You will facilitate change processes in organizations in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. You will analyze structures and processes, develop organizational development strategies, and support teams and leaders in implementing change processes and establishing new ways of working.
Regional Development, Social Planning, and Social Management
You will design sustainable development processes in urban or rural regions. You will identify regional potential, facilitate participatory processes, and develop innovative concepts to address demographic challenges, strengthen regional identity, and promote local economies.
Innovation and Transformation Management
You drive innovative projects forward in social, civil society, economic, and cultural organizations. You analyze trends and development potential, initiate participatory innovation processes, and support stakeholders in developing and implementing socially and environmentally sustainable transformation strategies.
Social Research and Evaluation
You will design and conduct empirical research projects on processes of social change. You will develop research designs, collect and analyze qualitative or quantitative data, and derive evidence-based recommendations for action for partners in the field and policymakers.
Network management
You initiate and coordinate cooperation between different actors and sectors. You identify relevant stakeholders, moderate network meetings and develop strategies to make effective use of shared resources and develop collective solutions to social challenges.
Education and Counseling
You will design and lead education and advisory services on social transformation processes in the areas of initial, continuing, and professional development. You will develop formats tailored to specific target groups to teach change management skills, advise individuals, groups, and organizations on navigating transformation processes, and support them in actively shaping their environment.
You will find even more opportunities with us in the following related degree programs:
Related Degree Programs
Still not sure? If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advisory Service. We’re here to help you choose the right program.
Admission Requirements
A professional degree from a program of at least 6 semesters with 180 ECTS credits (for a 4-semester master’s program) or a 7semester program worth 210 ECTS credits (for a 3-semester Master’s program) in the social sciences and related fields.
Here's what our students say about our university
- Module Handbook for the 3-Semester Master's Program ( Course Content and Structure)
- Module Handbook for the 4-semester Master’s program ( Course Content and Structure)
- Faculty Program Website
- Program Flyer
- Application Information
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Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz, the wild east, is unique.