STS is a two-year full-time study program that starts in the winter semester (October). Students are required to complete a total of 120 ECTS credits in order to graduate. The STS curriculum is based on mandatory and elective modules (90 credits) and a Master’s thesis (30 credits). The language of instruction is English.
Structure of the Master´s program
| FIRST SEMESTER | The mandatory courses in the first semester are intended to convey a common knowledge base to students and offer a comprehensive introduction into the topics, theories, and methods of STS. This allows all students to develop a fundamental understanding and common vocabulary. The modules are structured in such a way as to allow all students to bring background knowledge from their Bachelor’s studies into the discussions, and simultaneously benefit from the previous knowledge of their classmates. |
| SECOND SEMESTER | In the second semester, students elect courses from a list of core topics and can begin focusing on particular fields of STS research. Furthermore, methodological training is deepened. The module “STS-MINT” in the second semester helps students to develop original reflexive perspectives on STEM fields. In this module, students visit courses from STEM fields and reflect on the social, ethical, and political aspects of their acquired knowledge. Further explanation and specialization is provided in accompanying tutorials given by research assistants. Students with a background in the humanities or social sciences may visit introductory courses in STEM fields, whereas students who already have a STEM background can elect advanced courses. |
| THIRD SEMESTER | In the third semester, students elect courses from a list of advanced STS topics and can continue focusing on particular fields of research. The module “Practicing Research” helps students learn how to develop research projects and prepares them for their Master’s thesis. |
| FOURTH SEMESTER | The fourth semester is devoted to the preparation of a Master’s thesis accompanied by a colloquium. |
