نظرة عامة على البرنامج

---

Modern Indian Studies (M.A.)

The Modern Indian Studies (M.A.) programme is designed for prospective India specialists, offering a unique blend of perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and economics. This English-language Master's degree programme provides students with in-depth knowledge of India, as well as essential skills in Regional and Cultural Studies. A visit to India is integrated into the programme, allowing students to gain firsthand experience of the country.

Features

• The programme is supported by the interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS).
• Topics taught include social, cultural, and economic phenomena of modern India.
• Students can choose to complete either an M.A. in Modern Indian Studies or an M.A. in Modern Indian Studies with one of three study foci (Development Economics of India, Historical Sociology, or Anthropology of Power).

Programme Details

• Name: Modern Indian Studies (M.A.)
• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Language of the programme: English
• Standard period of study: 4 semesters
• Start of studies: Winter semester
• Admission: Open

Programme Description

The M.A. in Modern Indian Studies offers students flexibility in their study plan, allowing them to develop and pursue their own interests within the interdisciplinary programme. CeMIS provides cutting-edge research-based teaching by faculty and lecturers from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including development economics, anthropology, history, Indology, political science, religious studies, and sociology. The teaching programme and research at CeMIS are organized into broad, interdisciplinary areas.

Modern Indian Studies in Studies

Aside from the two-semester introductory course "Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India," students are free to select their courses as well as the theoretical and analytical foci of their theses. They are also required to study a modern Indian language. Students may pursue one of three formally recognized specializations within the M.A. programme: Development Economics of India, Historical Sociology, or Anthropology of Power.

Occupational Fields

Through the M.A. programme, students develop important skills, knowledge, and expertise to work in a range of fields, including:

• Indian or transnational enterprises
• Development cooperation
• Associations
• Administration and government agencies
• NGOs
• The tourism sector
• Media and communications Students may also choose to pursue an academic career in research and teaching. The Master's Programme serves as a qualification for those who wish to pursue a Ph.D.

Structure

The Master in Modern Indian Studies is a single major, four-semester programme. All courses are conducted in English. Students must complete 120 credits, including a Master's thesis (30 credits).

Study Profile

• Modern Indian Studies
• Modern Indian Studies with study focus

1. - 3. Semester

• Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India and Academic Writing in Modern Indian Studies
• Electives
• Key competencies

4. Semester

• Master's thesis

Regulations and Module Directory

Current and older versions of the regulations and module directory are available.

Application

A special application round for the 2025/26 winter semester will take place from July 10 to July 31, 2025.

Application Deadlines

• Non-EU applicants: November 15th for the winter semester
• EU applicants: May 15th for the winter semester

Previous Studies

• B.A.-degree or equivalent degree
• At least 150 ECTS at the time of application
• Eligibility: proof of achievements of at least 50 ECTS in a related field
• Related fields include development studies, geography, history, gender or diversity studies, Indian studies, Indology, Islam studies, ethnology or cultural anthropology, media studies, political science, religious studies, social and economic history, sociology, or economics.

Language Requirements

• Proof of proficiency in English
• German language skills are not required for this programme.

Impressions

The Centre for Modern Indian Studies is the perfect place to study modern India. The programme offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience of India through a study trip. Students can also choose to complete a semester at a partner university in India or at another university of their own choice.