Future Studies
The need for an examination of the future following scientific principles has increased, not least due to the rise in complexity of the highly developed societies we live in. Today, future studies play a significant role in most organisations that deal with long-term developments and strategic decisions. Methods and approaches of future studies have their place in areas such as research on climate change, technological impact assessment, research on demographic changes or on changes in corporate government (corporate foresight). There is, however, a lack of scientific training.

Therefore, the new “Master in Future Studies“ at the Freie Universität Berlin will be a unique chance to develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental aspects of future studies, their potential and limits and to study the skills necessary to implement the results of research as well.

Program Details
The master is designed as a two-years program with 120 ECTS. The focus is on the following aspects:
1. concepts and methods: the students deepen their knowledge of different concepts and methods of future studies. The courses will deal e.g. with the scenario-technique, trend-impact-analysis as well as the conceptual considerations on the core aspects of future studies.
2. areas of application: the students gather knowledge about different areas in which future studies can be applied. The students learn how to differentiate stakeholders and their interests and the different determining factors of different social areas (e.g. political arena, private sectors, etc.).
3. practical exercises: during an obligatory internship in an organisation active in the field of future studies, the students evolve their capacities to plan and carry out research, and publish and process the results.

How to Apply
The application deadline for the academic year 2011/12 has passed. Next applications are admitted for the academic year 2012/2013. Foreign students need a german language certificate. For more information please click here.

Cost
Fees are Euro 1.300 per semester, 5.200 in total. This does not include university administration fees.

Further Questions?
Please contact us at info@master-zukunftsforschung.de