International Programmes 2025/2026

Berlin Architecture, Culture and City Marketing, 1750 – Present Berlin Architecture, Culture and City Marketing, 1750 – Present

Freie Universität Berlin • Berlin

Course location
Berlin
Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
Date(s)
  • 18 July - 15 August 2026 (Registration deadline of course provider: 19 June 2026)
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee is applicable in addition to the tuition fee. The programme fee includes a social programme open to all students. A reduced programme fee applies to early-bird registrations.

Target group

The course is open to students from any subject. While basic knowledge of architecture and architectural history is welcomed, it is not necessary.

Description/content

Please visit our website (www.fubis.org) for an overview of all courses offered and for possible updates to the course programme.

About this course

This course seeks to examine the meaning and significance of “architecture” in one of the most historically significant cities of Europe. Berlin has been subject to many waves of renewal – some gradual, some democratic and some totalitarian – all leaving their marks on its buildings.

While we may notice or like the appearance of particular buildings we encounter daily or as tourists, their size often gives the impression that they have always been there. Still, these buildings are the culmination of many individual, social and communal decisions. Each building reflects the prevailing ideas of the time in which it was built. Therefore, the course will include formal and stylistic analysis of the architecture, while also focusing on the historical, ideological and individual context of the works through the prism of the following question: what message was this building meant to convey? From this perspective, the course provides a broad overview of the development of public and private architecture in Berlin during the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

Several walking tours to historically significant buildings and sites are included, such as Unter den Linden, Gendarmenmarkt, Potsdamer Platz, Holocaust Memorial, Humboldt-Forum, etc. The course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the interdependence between Berlin’s architecture and the city’s social and political structures throughout its historical development. It views Berlin as a paradigmatic example of the pathways and complexities of a European capital in modern times.

Recognised language exams offered (e.g. DSH, TestDaF, TOEFL)
No
Other degrees / qualifications awarded
Certificate of participation
ECTS points (max.)
6
Average number of hours per week
12
Average number of participants per group/course
18
Dates and costs
  • 18 July - 15 August 2026 (Registration deadline of course provider: 19 June 2026), costs: EUR 1,300
This price includes
  • Course fees
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee is applicable in addition to the tuition fee. The programme fee includes a social programme open to all students. A reduced programme fee applies to early-bird registrations.

Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
Language requirements

Participants must be able to speak, read and write English at an advanced intermediate level.

Submit application to

http://www.fubis.org/5_geb/anmeldung/index.html

Is accommodation organised?
Accommodation is arranged by the organiser.
Type of accommodation

FUBiS arranges appropriate off-campus accommodation for the duration of the programme as an optional service on request. Accommodation options can be chosen during the registration process. Accommodation is subject to availability.
Prices range between 600 EUR and 1,500 EUR (subject to change).

Meals

There is an on-campus dining hall ("Mensa") where students can get breakfast and lunch at a reasonable price.

Is a social and leisure programme offered?
Yes
Description of social and leisure programme

FUBiS offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which are included in the programme fee, e.g.:

  • guided tour of the Reichstag building
  • river boat tour through the centre of Berlin

In addition, FUBiS offers optional excursions (for an extra cost) within Berlin as well as to other popular German cities.

Free internet access
Yes
Support in visa matters
No
Pick-up service from train station/airport
No

Freie Universität Berlin

University location

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