The double Master's programme, which is offered jointly by the University of Cologne and the University of Groningen, is an innovative and unique programme that will allow you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories, methods, and practices of social research in both academic and practical settings. Benefit from the expertise of two leading universities, enjoy the advantages of an interdisciplinary approach, and gain valuable international experience. Explore topics such as migration, health, education, income, ageing, and changing family structures in the context of demographic change and social inequalities Get a better understanding of pressing social issues related to demographic change and social inequality Receive rigorous training in a range of quantitative methods and data analysis tools Gain the skills to apply the methods and tools that are needed to address complex social issues in a rapidly changing world Acquire the ability to communicate social and demographic research results effectively to audiences beyond the research community, including policy makers. On successful completion of your studies, you will be awarded both Master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Sociology: Social Research from the University of Cologne and a Master of Science in Population Studies from the University of Groningen.
The courses offered by the two universities offer a wide range of topics and complement each other very well. The double degree is integrated into the regular Master's programmes. It includes courses from both programmes and is based on credit transfer. Get an idea of the content of the courses in the UoC module catalogue and the RUG course catalogue. Part of the study programme involves writing a Master's thesis, which students will work on in their second year of studies. PDF Download
Course details verified 09 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
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Overall Bachelor's grade equivalent to at least 2.7 (German grading system) at least 18 ECTS in the fields of Sociology and/or Social Psychology at least 12 ECTS in the fields of Methods in Quantitative Social Sciences and/or Applied Quantitative Empirical Social Research and/or Statistics Please find more information and a full list of requirements here.
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Double Master's Programme in Demography and Social Inequality - Master of Science — FAQs
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The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
Overall Bachelor's grade equivalent to at least 2.7 (German grading system) at least 18 ECTS in the fields of Sociology and/or Social Psychology at least 12 ECTS in the fields of Methods in Quantitative Social Sciences and/or Applied Quantitative Empirical Social Research and/or Statistics Please find more information and a full list of requirements here. English: E.G. TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 92 Reading: 24 Listening: 22 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 IELTS Academic: 6.5 Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
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