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The Master's degree program in Management of Social Change enables you to analyze, understand and actively shape social change processes. In a time of profound upheaval - from demographic change, digitalization and globalization to socio-ecological change - you will develop the skills to recognize, initiate and responsibly manage transformation processes at various levels of society.
Interdisciplinary perspectives on social change
On the Master's degree program, you will acquire in-depth knowledge and practical skills in these key areas:
You will learn how change processes take place in various areas of society, which actors are involved and which methods can be used to shape these processes. The interdisciplinary nature of the course combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications. You will acquire the ability to initiate and support change processes in organizations, communities or social groups. In research internships with regional practice partners, you will apply your knowledge directly, analyze current social challenges and develop solutions.
| Faculty: | Social Sciences |
| Location: | Görlitz |
| Degree: | Master of Arts |
| Standard period of study: | 3 or 4 semesters |
| ECTS points: | 90 or 120 |
| Teaching language: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Summer semester, winter semester |
| Application: 1.12 to 15.02 (SS), 1.5 to 30.09 (WS) | Start of studies: March, October |
| Admission restriction: | Open admission (without NC) Details |
| No pre-study internship | to the student advisory service |
| Accreditation status: | accredited |
The course is offered in two variants, which are tailored to different requirements. The four-semester variant (120 ECTS) starts in the winter semester and is aimed at students with a 180-ECTS Bachelor's degree. The three-semester variant (90 ECTS) starts in the summer semester and is designed for students with a 210-ECTS Bachelor's degree.
In the four-semester variant, you start with modules on social science research theory and professional practice, which strengthen your theoretical foundations and combine them with practical experience. From the second semester - or the first semester of the three-semester variant - you will follow a systematically structured curriculum that combines the three perspectives on social change: recognizing, researching and managing change processes. In the second and third semesters, you will gain knowledge of research methods and fields of application of change management, which you will deepen in research internships and project work. In the final semester, you will acquire knowledge about ethical and qualitative aspects of change management and set your own research focus in your Master's thesis.
1st semester (with a duration of 4 semesters)
1st semester (with a duration of 3 semesters)
2nd semester (with a duration of 4 semesters)
2nd semester (with a duration of 3 semesters)
3rd semester (with a duration of 4 semesters)
3rd semester (with a duration of 3 semesters)
4th semester (with a duration of 4 semesters)
Organizational development
You accompany change processes in organizations in the public, private or non-profit sector. You analyze structures and processes, develop concepts for organizational development and support teams and managers in the implementation of change processes and the establishment of new ways of working.
Regional development, social planning and social management
You will shape sustainable development processes in urban or rural regions. You will identify regional potential, moderate participation processes and develop innovative concepts to overcome demographic challenges, strengthen regional identity and promote local economies.
Innovation and transformation management
You drive innovative projects in social, civil society, economic and cultural organizations. You analyze trends and development potential, initiate participatory innovation processes and support stakeholders in the development and implementation of socially and ecologically sustainable transformation strategies.
Social research and evaluation
You will design and carry out empirical research projects on social change processes. You will develop research designs, collect and analyze qualitative or quantitative data and derive evidence-based recommendations for action for practice partners and political decision-makers.
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.
Educational and advisory work
You will design and lead educational and advisory programs on social change processes in the areas of education, training and continuing education. You will develop target group-specific formats for teaching change skills, advise individuals, groups and organizations on how to manage transformation processes and support them in actively shaping their environment.
You will find even more opportunities with us in the following related degree programs:
Not sure yet? If you have any questions, please contact our student advisory service. We are at your side when it comes to choosing a course.
Professionally qualifying degree with at least 6 semesters of study with 180 ECTS credits (for Master's degree with 4 semesters) or 7 semesters of study with 210 ECTS credits (for Master's degree with 3 semesters) in the social sciences and related sciences.
We now also offer our student advisory service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message to: +49 173 2086748
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.
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