European Studies European University Viadrina

The Master in European Studies (MES) is a multilingual, interdisciplinary Master's programme (MA) at the three faculties of the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder). The MES programme offers courses in German, English, French and Polish from the various faculties of the Viadrina in four areas — Culture, Politics, Law and Business / Business and Law.

The degree programme offers students the opportunity to develop an individual profile, set their own specialisations and conduct disciplinary or interdisciplinary research. To strengthen their international profile, students can study abroad for a semester or apply for one of the three integrated Double Master's programmes.

The degree programme teaches the basics of European Studies and also enables individual in-depth study in one of the central areas offered. Practical knowledge and foreign language courses are also included. The standard period of study is four semesters, starting in both the winter and summer semesters.

The introductory courses Introduction to European History (basic module 1), Politics of European Integration (basic module 2), European Economic Policy (basic module 3) and European Law (basic module 4) are compulsory for all students. A total of 24 ECTS credits are earned here.

The choice of the central area – Culture, Politics, Economics or Law - is based on your first degree programme and allows you to specialise in a particular discipline. You must acquire 12 ECTS in the central area.

You choose two out of a total of six compulsory electives: Governance in Europe; European Economic Law; Migration, Ethnicity, Ethnocentrism; City, Region and Border in Europe; Culture, History and Society in Europe; Economic Policy in Europe. The choice is independent of your central area. Depending on your interests, the degree programme is therefore more discipline-oriented or interdisciplinary. You will earn a total of 24 ECTS (12 ECTS per compulsory elective area).

In order to complete the practical module you must complete an internship of at least four weeks. You can earn the remaining ECTS credits by completing an extended or additional internship, but also by participating in business simulations, project seminars, workshops and similar activities. Here you will gain a total of 18 ECTS credits.

In the foreign language module you can bring in knowledge of a modern European foreign language at the level UniCERT I (not English), UniCERT II (not English) or UniCERT III (also English). You will receive 12 ECTS for this.

The Master's module comprises your final thesis and an oral examination (usually a defence of the thesis). You will write your Master's thesis at a chair within your chosen central department. A total of 30 ECTS credits are earned here. Examples of topics that our students have worked on in their Master's thesis can be found on the programme website.

The courses are offered by the three faculties of the Viadrina, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Business and Economics. The political science courses are based on the curriculum of the Faculty of Cultural Studies.

The double degree programmes are taught in cooperation with Sciences Po Strasbourg, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and Bilgi University in Istanbul.

In order to complete the practical module you must complete an internship of at least four weeks. You can earn the remaining ECTS credits by completing an extended or additional internship, but also by participating in business simulations, project seminars, workshops and similar activities. 

The Career Centre supports you in finding and organising both study-related mandatory internships and voluntary internships. It offers tips and information during your search and application process and advises you on planning and legal matters.

Furthermore, a number of practice-oriented classes are offered in fields such as intercultural management, political consulting as a profession, press and public relations and simulations of UN negotiations.

Admission to the Master's programme "European Studies" requires a completed university degree. The content of the first degree programme determines the assignment to one of the four central areas. The requirements for admission to the individual areas are as follows:

• Culture: at least 30 ECTS in history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, literature and linguistics or related subjects
• Politics: at least 30 ECTS in political science, social science, sociology, anthropology, social geography or related subjects
• Law: First State Examination in Law or 30 ECTS in law courses
• Economics: at least 30 ECTS in mathematics, statistics, business informatics, microeconomics or macroeconomics

Note: In order to enrol in the Master of European Studies, you only need to fulfil the requirements for one of the four central areas.

The languages of instruction for the programme are German and English. Proof of appropriate language skills (German C1 and English B2) must be provided before starting the programme. This requirement is waived for native speakers.

A certificate of your current German language skills at B2 level must be submitted as a certified copy together with the application documents. The certificate of the required German language skills at C1 level must be submitted as an officially certified copy or in the original by the time of enrolment at the latest.

If the DSH 2 or an equivalent qualification is not available at the time of application, applicants can take an internal DSH test at the Viadrina Language Centre if they have already proven language proficiency at B2 level at the time of their application. If the DSH test is passed, enrolment is granted. If the DSH test is not passed, admission to the programme is not possible.

In the foreign language module you can bring in knowledge of a modern European foreign language at the level UniCERT I (not English), UniCERT II (not English) or UniCERT III (also English).

Each semester, each student has to pay a semester contribution. It is composed of a social service contribution and a student contribution and is collected for the following purposes:

• social service contribution
• student body fee
• registration fee
• free ticket for public transport (mandatory)
• student ID / chip card (paid only once)

The semester contribution is currently approx. 380 EUR.

Depending on which type of accommodation one chooses, monthly rent is usually around 300 EUR. In addition, monthly food and living expenses generally come to about 250 EUR. In total, one needs about 750 EUR each month to live comfortably.

The semester contribution includes a ticket for public transport within Germany (high-speed trains not included).

At present, it is possible to find an acceptable and well-paid job in Frankfurt (Oder) or especially in Berlin, which can be reached within one hour. Thanks to the semester ticket, the trip to Berlin and public transport within Berlin is free of charge for students at the European University Viadrina. 

There are also students jobs available at the European University Viadrina.

The European University Viadrina has developed special financial support programmes for international students.

The Career Centre at the European University Viadrina helps students to get acquainted with all the requirements for their future professional life.

Our team supports the students by:

• Giving advice on jobs, internships and/or applications
• Keeping in touch with employers
• Publishing job offers as well as internship opportunities
• Organising workshops which provide our students with important skills for their studies and their future careers
• Supporting internships abroad with Erasmus+ or PROMOS funding

The European University Viadrina offers very good and affordable student accommodation in single room apartments or apartments with two to five rooms. Prices vary between 200 and 350 EUR. All prices include a broadband Internet connection, electricity and warm water. Student residences are furnished. Each tenant has access to a common kitchen, which is well-equipped. Lockable refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are provided by the student service as well.

Study Europe. Experience the World. Shape Society.
At the Viadrina, you will study individually and receive personal support at the interface between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you will study in small groups and engage directly with your lecturers. Our hands-on degree programmes in the fields of culture, law, economics and digital transformation offer you a pan-European perspective. This will enable you to acquire unique expertise to shape the society of tomorrow.

Pan-European perspective
A cross-border campus at the interface between Western and Eastern Europe: here you can study future European challenges relating to digital transformation, culture, law and economics.

Study individually
Personal support from the start of your studies to your graduation, manageable study groups, individual focus: we offer you the ideal conditions for success in your studies.

International network
Everyday student life with people from more than 100 countries, stays abroad, worldwide double degrees and foreign language courses: with us, you can build your international, individual and professional network during your studies.

Committed community
Short distances, direct contact, participation and commitment: join our strong community. Numerous initiatives and projects are waiting for you, allowing you to help shape the university and our twin city Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice.

Focus on society
Hands-on relevance and project-oriented teaching: with us, you will learn to tackle complex social challenges and contribute to shaping a successful future.