The programme is taught entirely in English. German language skills are not required.
31 May
The aim of this interdisciplinary MA programme is to provide students with in-depth expertise in the general field of North American Studies and in two of its subdisciplines, consisting of culture, literature, history, political science, sociology, or economics/economic history. On the basis of two major subjects and additional interdisciplinary classes touching on theoretical and methodological questions within North American Studies, students will gain an understanding of historical developments, socio-economic structures, and institutions in the USA and Canada.
Students are required to complete 120 credit points to receive a degree. These credit points are earned through coursework in two areas of concentration (out of the six disciplines listed above) and three interdisciplinary modules. The interdisciplinary courses address questions of cultural exchange and transfer by exploring relevant theoretical approaches from the various subdisciplines that comprise the MA programme. Students will write the Master's thesis in one of their two areas of concentration.
Students are encouraged to spend part of their studies abroad, but this is not mandatory. Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) maintains close ties with a number of prestigious Canadian and American universities as part of the university's direct exchange programme. The Kennedy Institute offers a stay abroad at one of 22 European universities as part of the Erasmus programme.
Students are encouraged to do an internship during the course of their studies. However, this is not a mandatory requirement. For internship opportunities, please contact the internship coordinator of the institute.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 304.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 63 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 950 to 1,200 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.
The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.
An excellent BA degree in a study programme of relevance to North American Studies (history, culture, literature, political science, sociology, economics) or the equivalent (e.g. an interdisciplinary BA programme that includes some of these subjects) with at least 90 credit points in one of the aforementioned subjects is required for admission.
Applicants must provide proof of their English language skills. A level of C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.
31 May
The application must be submitted online via https://my.uni-assist.de/
There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.
The student support service at the university, called studierendenWERK Berlin, and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, ads in local newspapers, and notice boards on campus.
You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.
If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.
Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the city's size.
The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.
The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours are not available due to our team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries, or seek assistance from the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for more complex concerns. Additionally, the team continually enhances its expertise in international affairs, thereby contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.
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