European Studies (BA) Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
- Duration
- 6 semesters
- Language of instruction
- GermanEnglish
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- View details
- Language level required
- English: B2German: C1
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- BA
- Duration
- 6 semesters
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- A Diploma supplement will be issued
- Yes
Language of instruction
- German
- English
Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in German and English (see section on "Language requirements").
Students can choose to write the Bachelor's thesis in German or English.
Programme description
The European Studies Bachelor's programme at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg has an interdisciplinary social science profile focussing on European integration with a particular emphasis on the European Union. The disciplines included cover the following: political science, sociology, economics, history, and foreign languages. The regular BA programme covers six semesters, including a semester abroad. Language courses (including Western European and Eastern European languages), a semester abroad (usually the fifth semester), and a six-week internship at an institution outside of the university are compulsory.
Programme structure
Compulsory Modules:
- Introduction to European Studies
- European Societies
- European Multilevel Governance
- Basics of Historical Science
- Introduction to Economics
- Intercultural Competence
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Qualitative Methods
- Language modules
- Semester abroad
- Internship
- Bachelor's thesis and colloquium
Elective modules in social sciences (20 ECTS) and economics or social sciences (10 ECTS). Elective courses in the field of European Studies during the semester abroad (30 ECTS).
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Language training provided
- Training in intercultural skills
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
A semester abroad is obligatory. Students can choose from a large number of partner universities. The compulsory course on Intercultural Competence helps students prepare for their semester abroad.
The Bachelor's programme comprises integrated language modules (20 ECTS), a mandatory semester abroad (30 ECTS) and a preparatory course on intercultural communication before going abroad (5 ECTS).
Integrated internships
An internship of six weeks is obligatory. Programme coordinators will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Applications from applicants with a foreign higher education entrance qualification must be submitted by 15 July via uni-assist.de.
Applications from applicants with a German higher education entrance qualification must be submitted by 15 September via the OVGU university portal.
Academic admissions requirements
Higher education entrance certificate (equivalent to German "Abitur", e.g. A-levels)
Certificate of English language proficiency at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
For international students: Certificate of German language proficiency at level C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Language requirements
German language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
|
Total: Passed
|
Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD)
|
Total: DSD II
Reading: C1
Listening: C1
Writing: C1
Speaking: C1
|
UNIcert® Deutsch
|
Total: UNIcert® III
|
TestDaF
|
Total: TDN 4
Reading: TDN 4
Listening: TDN 4
Writing: TDN 4
Speaking: TDN 4
|
Goethe-Zertifikat
|
Total: Goethe-Zertifikat C1
|
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)
|
Total: DSH-2
|
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® II
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 4.5 / 6
Reading: 4.5 / 6
Listening: 4.5 / 6
Writing: 4.5 / 6
Speaking: 4.5 / 6
|
telc English
|
Total: telc English B2
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 70 / 90
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6.5 / 9
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: B2 First
|
How to apply?
uni-assist
You can apply via uni-assist, the application processing service for international students.
Click hereCosts and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
Currently, the semester fee is 311.30 EUR. It covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (student union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive the "Deutschlandsemesterticket" for free use of public transport throughout Germany, along with student discounts in the campus cafeteria and more.
Cost of living
A minimum of 992 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, cost of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses. In comparison with many other towns and cities, the rental prices in Magdeburg are still relatively low. There are no tuition fees for the majority of programmes, and the semester fee already includes the cost of bus and tram travel within Magdeburg. The following link provides a fair picture of the cost of living in Magdeburg: Finance.
Part-time employment
It is possible to find a part-time job as a research or student assistant at one of the faculties or in the university administration (maximum: 80 hours per month). Other opportunities are student jobs at different companies, restaurants, and shops. Information on how to find a job can be found on our website: Career Service.
Scholarships and financing information
The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results. Scholarships cannot be provided for new students.
Additionally, you may check the following overview:
Scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
- Help with finding accommodation
Course-specific language courses available
- English
- German
Accommodation
The "Studentenwerk" (student union) in Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 200 EUR to 500 EUR per room (approx. 12 to 35 square meters), depending on the size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation application can be found on the website of the Studentenwerk.
The Studentenwerk assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in somewhat short supply.