International Programmes 2024/2025

European Master's in Global Studies European Master's in Global Studies

Leipzig University • Leipzig

Degree
Master of Arts in Global Studies
In cooperation with

Ghent University (Belgium), Roskilde University (Denmark), University of Vienna (Austria), University of Wroclaw (Poland), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), Dalhousie University (Canada), Fudan University (China), Jawaharlal Nehru University (India), Macquarie University (Australia), Otago University (New Zealand), University of California, Santa Barbara (USA), University of Stellenbosch (South Africa), and University of Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The course can be studied entirely in English. For students with a good proficiency in German, it is possible to also participate in classes with German as the language of instruction (at the universities of Leipzig and Vienna).

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

The application deadline is 31 May each year for admission to the programme in the winter semester.

For the concrete dates please check the following website: https://globalstudies-masters.eu/admission/application/application-documents/

Application deadline for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: 15 March each year.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
1,000 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

A tuition fee of 1,000 EUR per semester is charged (same for all partner universities).

 

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
Description/content

This international research-based Master's programme combines perspectives, methods, and theories developed in history, the social sciences, cultural and area studies, and economics to investigate phenomena of global connectedness. We do not believe that globalisation exists as an objectively given material reality that can be measured, but rather that we have to understand the phenomena described as globalisation as a bundle of political, economic, social and cultural projects to manage increasing transnational and transcontinental connectedness (the so-called global condition). Therefore, the multi-national classroom of the programme and the cross-over of contributions from various disciplines and universities dealing either with some of these projects and/or with their conflicts and resulting entanglements offer substantial added value to the study of processes of globalisation.

The learning targets of the programme are:

  • to become familiar with different academic ways of looking at processes of globalisation
  • to learn about how concepts of globalisation worked in the past and work today in various world regions
  • to work with concepts from different analytical and theoretical perspectives
  • to systematically compare socio-political concepts and configurations as well as to investigate their mutual interaction (cultural transfers)
  • to gain insight into the production of social science knowledge and to relate knowledge production to concepts of globalisation
  • to become aware of one's own rootedness in a specific discipline and academic culture

Since we start out with the assumption that there is no single discipline that is able to cover the whole set of phenomena summarised under the term globalisation, the programme favours a post-disciplinary organisation of knowledge production by giving precedence to comparative approaches (both diachronic and geographic), encompassing constructivist approaches, and questioning essentialist notions. Taking the postcolonial challenge seriously, we would argue that the current disciplinary organisation of universities (which we nevertheless have to deal with) is often inadequate for the production of knowledge about the current world and that we have to reflect upon this inadequacy to overcome it at least partly.

Course organisation

The European Master's in Global Studies starts in the winter semester of an academic year and is divided into four phases. The programme has a modular structure according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), as initiated by the Bologna Process. It is made up of 120 credits (the equivalent of a study workload of 900 hours per semester or 1,800 hours a year). Depending on the individual mobility track, students will attend modules such as: Introduction to Global History; Regions in Globalisation: Africa, The Americas, Asia, Europe, Middle East; Introduction to Methods of Globalisation Research; Economic Change in Global History; Global Politics; Challenges for Security. In the final semester, students write their Master's thesis.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus
  • Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)

Students need to spend at least two semesters at a partner university in a country other than their home country / country of residence upon application.

The programme includes a mandatory winter school in the first semester and a mandatory summer school in the second semester, where all students from all study locations come together.

Diverse intercultural background of students
Currently, more than 150 students are enrolled in the programme, representing citizens from 45 different nations from all world regions; this results in a truly global classroom experience.
Integrated internships

Students are encouraged to complete an internship during the winter and/or summer break. Some information on internship opportunities will be provided by the programme.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • ERASMUS+
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
1,000 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

A tuition fee of 1,000 EUR per semester is charged (same for all partner universities).

 

Semester contribution

The semester contribution is covered by the tuition fee.

Costs of living

Compared with other German cities, Leipzig is an affordable city. Students should calculate some 750 to 850 EUR per month for living costs.

For studying in Ghent students should calculate some 850 EUR; for studying at Roskilde some 1,075 EUR; for studying in Wroclaw some 650 EUR; and in Vienna some 900 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

For the stay at the second European partner universities, students can be awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship (of around 500 to 600 EUR per month).

Academic admission requirements

If you want to apply for the Master's course, you should fulfil the following requirements:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences or Humanities or recognised equivalent from an accredited institution
  • Above average academic performance
  • Excellent knowledge of English and knowledge of a second foreign language at a beginner's level
Language requirements

Students are expected to have excellent proficiency in English (namely TOEFL 550 [paper-based], 213 [computer-based], 80 [Internet-based], OR IELTS [minimum 6.5] OR equivalent) and to have a beginner's level knowledge of an additional foreign language.

Application deadline

The application deadline is 31 May each year for admission to the programme in the winter semester.

For the concrete dates please check the following website: https://globalstudies-masters.eu/admission/application/application-documents/

Application deadline for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: 15 March each year.

Submit application to

The application is online only.
You can find detailed information on how to apply at:
https://globalstudies-masters.eu/admission/application/application-documents/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

As one of the big trade fair centres, as a centre in European logistics and with its very strong cultural sector, Leipzig offers a variety of job opportunities. Students can also find employment at one of the various research institutes located in Leipzig and the university itself.

Accommodation

Students can choose between renting a private accommodation or applying for a student room in the student halls of residence at the Leipzig University. Students should calculate at least 250 EUR per month for a room.

Career advisory service

Career counselling is offered in form of a specially designed colloquium in which potential fields of employment are introduced. The programme also holds strong ties to alumni who regularly hold presentations on their career paths. Students may also profit from the course programme and counselling options of the Leipzig University Career Centre.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
  • Visa matters
  • Support with registration procedures

Leipzig University

University location

Activate map

To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.