Social Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique European University Viadrina

Understanding, criticising and changing society

Migration and displacement, racism and authoritarianism, social inequality, economic and ecological crises as well as cultural conflicts over gender norms present urgent challenges to our societies, often resulting in crisis-ridden conflicts. How do these challenges and crises emerge, what are their social and cultural underpinnings, what are their consequences and how can we address them constructively?

The Master’s programme in Social Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique equips you with the theoretical foundations, comprehensive specialist knowledge, and practical skills needed to explore, understand, and critically analyse the social and cultural challenges confronting our societies. This programme combines social science theories and empirical social research methods with perspectives from social and cultural philosophy, as well as critical studies in art, media and history.

Within the programme, you can choose key topics such as migration and borders, capitalism and social inequality, gender and queer studies, ecological crises, or issues of racism, nationalism, and authoritarianism. These topics will be explored in seminars and practice-oriented research and teaching projects. You will gain knowledge of theoretical approaches and empirical-methodological tools used in social sciences. A teaching research project provides exciting opportunities for in-depth study and practical application.

As a graduate of the Social Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique programme, you will be able to research social challenges, crises, and conflicts, and to develop solutions for coexisting in communities based on critique of power, democracy, human rights, social justice and ecological responsibility.

The introductory module provides a foundation in social science theories and familiarises you with the methods of empirical cultural and social research.

Subsequently, you will select two specialisation modules (“topics”) from the following options:

• Borders and Migration, Racism and Authoritarianism
• Capitalism, Social Inequality, Ecological Crises
• Theory, Culture, Critique

During the course of your studies, you will enhance these specialisations by selecting two elective modules. You have the following options:

• specialise in one of your topics from the core curriculum
• the third topic from the core curriculum
• the interdisciplinary electives:
  • Central and East European Studies
  • Cultural History
  • Gender and Queer Studies
  • Philosophy and Arts in Times of Crises
• the Language and Practice module, in which you can enhance your practical experience and/or foreign language skills. You have the opportunity to learn a modern European foreign language, with all language courses at Viadrina Language Centre offered free of charge. Alternatively, you can build practice-related skills by completing an internship, attending courses on practical skills, or obtaining additional certificates.

A research project is a key component of your studies. In the project module, you will develop a research question based on one of your topics from the core curriculum and conduct your own research project under supervision of our teaching staff – this includes devising the research design as well as the application and analysis of data. Cultural-theoretical and philosophical teaching research projects are also possible. To experience practical implementation, field trips and collaboration opportunities with various external institutions are also on offer.

In the final phase of your studies, you will complete a Master’s thesis on a topic of your choice, followed by an oral examination (final colloquium).

The double degree programme is taught in cooperation with Université Paris 8 Vincennes – Saint-Denis. 

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.

To enrol in the Social Studies: Crises, Culture, Critique programme, candidates must possess a first professionally qualifying university degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits. This degree must include relevant achievements worth at least 30 ECTS credits in social or cultural sciences (social and cultural anthropology, economic and social geography, sociology, political science or philosophy).

Candidates must submit an officially certified copy of their first degree as proof. Additionally, to assess the relevance of the 30 ECTS, they must provide a transcript of records endorsed by their university.

Language requirements

All students must demonstrate English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). German language skills are not required upon enrolment but are beneficial for participating in courses offered in the programme that are taught in German.

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 within Germany (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.

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, travelling between Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder) by public transport is free of charge for students of 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.

The European twin city of Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice lies directly on the River Oder, linking Germany and Poland both geographically and culturally. With students from across Europe studying at institutions such as the European University Viadrina, the city offers a truly international atmosphere, affordable living and the unique opportunity to experience two countries in everyday life — all within walking distance.

Students also have numerous opportunities to play an active role in shaping city and campus life by getting involved in student initiatives, committees and non-profit organisations.

Berlin is just one hour away by train.