Classes are offered in German and English. Participants can choose either language to write assignments and the Master's thesis.
Applications can be submitted from 24 April through 15 August for the following winter semester. We welcome early applications!
The programme introduces students to interdisciplinary aspects of East European studies. Graduates of the Master's programme will be able to independently analyse and interpret developments and situations in Eastern, East-Central and South-Eastern Europe (hereinafter collectively referred to as Eastern Europe) and contextualise them within their respective political, social, economic, historical, and cultural frameworks. They will also be capable of evaluating these developments from a multidisciplinary perspective. In spatial terms, the concept of Eastern Europe used here includes post-Soviet Eurasia as well as East-Central and South-Eastern Europe. Furthermore, graduates of the Master's programme will be able to deal with regionally-related questions and tasks across disciplines and to draw practice-related conclusions. They have also acquired comprehensive knowledge of the respective disciplines and analytical methods and are able to analyse national, transregional and global processes. Graduates know the foundations and general principles of scientific work as well as good scientific practice and can take these into account in scientific activities.
The Master's programme builds on a first university degree (BA or equivalent qualification) and is designed primarily but not exclusively for students with a first degree in political science, sociology, cultural studies, history, or economics or related fields.
The Master's programme in East European Studies consists of the basic area, the interdisciplinary profile area, the area of applied East European studies and the area of language acquisition. Students choose between two profiles: "Institutions and Power" or "Spaces and Constructions".
Graduates possess knowledge of at least one East European language as well as professionally relevant social, in particular intercultural as well as diversity and gender-specific competences, which provide them with an understanding of national, transregional and global processes. Graduates have higher-level skills and competences, including moderation and presentation skills, critical and conflict skills as well as problem-solving skills.
The Master's programme provides the academic foundations and practical experience for later work as an expert on Eastern Europe in the following areas, among others: politics and political consultancy, social policy and social work, business and economic consultancy, foreign service and international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), culture, tourism, state and municipal planning and administration, media, adult education, publishing and librarianship and academic institutions.
The research landscape in Berlin offers significant advantages for the East European Studies Master's programme. The Institute for East European Studies maintains many partnerships with other Berlin universities and numerous academic networks in Berlin-Brandenburg. Students benefit not only from the institute's geographical proximity to East Central and Eastern Europe but also from its academic relevance and influence in regional studies research. The Institute for Eastern European Studies hosts numerous externally funded projects, in which students actively participate.
The programme consists of the following elements:
Students choose between two profiles:
1. Institutions and Power: Thematic content includes the functioning, stability, and instability of authoritarian orders in historical and global contexts; legacies of authoritarian orders in young democracies; sub-national political regimes; post-socialist transformation trajectories; political-economic models of development in historical and international comparison; social policy, socio-cultural change, and inequality; culture and economic growth; bureaucracy and public goods; natural resources; and comparative and international economic policy. Theoretical content includes theories of social change, comparative economic systems, comparative autocracy research, rational choice, and constructivist and interpretative approaches in the social sciences. The programme also deals with methodological content such as quantitative and qualitative methods, causal inference, formal models, archival research, observation, interviews, and focus groups.
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2. Spaces and Constructions: The thematic content includes nation-building and nationalism, memory culture, and popular and everyday culture as well as folklore from a cultural anthropological perspective. It also includes globalisation processes, the history of knowledge and science (including environmental and economic history), transfer and reception history, and geopoetics and geopolitics. The theoretical contents encompass semiotics, rhetoric, gender and queer studies, postcolonial studies and imperial history, genre and media theory, ecocriticism, discourse analysis, and history. In addition, methodological content such as comparison (comparative empire studies, modernisation, and industrialisation from a historical comparative perspective), history of ideas and concepts, global history, and world literature will be covered.
The Master's thesis should demonstrate that students can independently undertake and present a research task using scientific methods. After successful completion of the study programme, the Master of Arts (MA) university degree will be awarded.
A study semester abroad is recommended for all students.
An internship of eight weeks can be completed during the programme, for example, during the summer break between the second and third semesters. The internship can be done abroad. Students are assisted in finding an appropriate internship. However, the internship is not mandatory.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 326.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 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 900 to 1,300 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 (FU 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.
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in history, culture, economics, politics, sociology, or related fields; English (B2) and German (C1) language skills
More information on the application procedure
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in German and English.
German: C1 CEFR – TestDaF 4, or DSH 2, or equivalent
English: B2 CEFR – TOEFL 500 (PBT), 170 (CBT), 80 (iBT); IELTS 5.0; or equivalent
Applications can be submitted from 24 April through 15 August for the following winter semester. We welcome early applications!
Candidates holding a German degree apply through the FU application portal.
Candidates with a non-German degree apply via uni-assist e.V.
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, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
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 size of the city.
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.
Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 33,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, Law, Global History, Physics, English Studies, Biodiversity, and Cognitive Neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin.
As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.
A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Center.
The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.
In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the southwestern part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.
Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.
Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.
Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.
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