Courses are exclusively taught in English.
31 January for the winter semester starting in October of the same year
The Graduate School is dedicated to a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis of North American societies from the early modern era to the present. Currently, the GSNAS’ research focus is on changing notions of “democracy” in North America.
The Graduate School provides closely supervised doctoral and post-doctoral education as well as excellent theoretical and methodological research training within the fields of Cultural and Literary Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics, while at the same time promoting interdisciplinary approaches and perspectives.
The study programme has been organised into eight interdisciplinary research areas:
Doctoral Curriculum:
The Graduate School aims at achieving a balance between specialisation in a field of choice and in-depth interdisciplinary training. The curriculum is designed to support these goals by combining interdisciplinary courses, team-taught by representatives of different disciplines from the social sciences and the humanities, and three courses on disciplinary research methods and one course on good scientific practice. Professional key qualifications are obtained in additional courses and workshops provided by the Dahlem Research School (DRS).
The first three semesters of the doctoral training programme offer an intense study period in which doctoral students critically assess the fundamental theoretical and methodological tools. Moreover, students review the latest research and critical debates in their respective fields. During this period, the mandatory coursework is to be completed, and students will be expected to have refined their research design and methodological approach. Close collaboration between the student and his/her dissertation adviser will be mandatory and will thereby individualise the training programme. Beginning with the fourth semester, the primary focus will be on independent dissertation research. Besides teaching one class at undergraduate level in the fourth or fifth semester, the last year will be reserved for completion of the dissertation.
The curriculum of the Graduate School includes the teaching of one BA/MA class at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies.
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.
At Freie Universität Berlin, the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship allows students of all nations and all parts of society to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month.
Applicants must have completed an advanced academic degree (Master's, "Magister" or equivalent) with above-average marks in one of the following disciplines or closely related academic programmes: American Cultural Studies, American Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics. For an overview of all necessary application documents, please see:
https://www.jfki.fu-berlin.de/en/graduateschool/application/application_procedure/index.html
All applicants who are neither native English speakers nor have earned a degree at a university with English as the sole language of instruction are required to submit certification of their English proficiency: minimum TOEFL scores of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) and 100 (Internet-based) or equivalent minimum CAE (A and B), CPE (A, B, C) or IELTS (7.0) scores.
31 January for the winter semester starting in October of the same year
Application platform (open from 1 October to 31 January) available at https://www.jfki.fu-berlin.de/en/graduateschool/application/application_procedure/index.html
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 aren't available due to team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries or the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for complex concerns.
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