Courses are usually held in German. Some optional classes may be in English. Language classes may be taken in the chosen languages.
The complex subject of Europe and its position in the world raises many questions, particularly in the present day, which can only be adequately addressed through an interdisciplinary approach.
This is precisely where the international Master’s programme “East-West Studies: Europe in Discourse” comes in.
Together, students from various countries examine relevant issues from the perspective of different disciplines, such as law, economics, politics, history and cultural studies.
In this programme, each student selects two main subjects and several complementary subjects, allowing you to design a study plan that perfectly matches your interests and goals. You can choose from a wide range of fields, including literature and linguistics, cultural studies, law, economics, political science, history, area studies, or social anthropology.
Language learning is a key component of the programme. All students are required to study two foreign languages. If you are not from an Eastern European country, at least one of these languages must be from Eastern Europe—for example, Russian, Polish, Czech, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Hungarian, Romanian, Yiddish, Bulgarian, or Slovak. Conversely, students from Central or Eastern Europe must learn at least one Western European language, such as German as a foreign language, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Greek, or Swedish.
Project work plays a central role in the curriculum. Together with your peers, you’ll plan and carry out a project, often focusing on a lesser-known European country under the theme “Do you know…?”. Through these projects, you’ll develop practical skills that are invaluable for your future career, including project management, teamwork, public relations, cross-cultural communication, and presentation techniques.
The programme also features interdisciplinary seminars tailored specifically to the East-West Studies focus. These seminars explore a variety of topics related to Europe, offering unique insights and perspectives.
Additionally, students are expected to gain international experience, whether through an internship abroad, studying at one of our partner universities, or participating in summer schools. This ensures you graduate with both academic knowledge and a global mindset.
Students are required to spend two months in European countries that are not their native country. They gain international experience by participating in internships, summer schools or study trips. We regularly offer study trips to different Eastern European countries for our students.
Students from Western European countries are obligated to spend these two months in Eastern European countries. Since students from Eastern Europe are already studying in a Western European country (Germany), they are free to choose any European country with the exception of their own native countries.
The participants in the programme are encouraged to do internships in companies and institutions according to their intended careers. Gaining work experience is very important and can be a very useful complement to the programme, so the accreditation of an internship as a part of the programme is possible. Students are assisted with finding an appropriate internship.
Student service fee: approx. 200 EUR per semester (includes a public transport ticket valid for the entire semester)
You will need a minimum of about 1,000 EUR per month (including rent, food, clothing, insurance, books, and study materials).
Higher Education entrance qualification (equivalent to German "Abitur")
BA degree, based on at least three years of studies in a humanities subject (e.g. philological, cultural), social studies, economics, or law, or certificate of an equivalent qualification, evidencing exceptional marks in one of the above-mentioned disciplines
Students from EU member states and Switzerland do not need a work permit. Students from non-EU states who are registered at a German university are allowed to work 140 days per year.
Please note that almost all employers require good German language skills.
The International Office will try to assist students in finding a room in a student dormitory. The price for a room in a student dormitory ranges from approx. 300 EUR to 450 EUR per month.
For more information about student housing, please contact international.accommodation@ur.de.
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