European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The Master’s programme is primarily aimed at multilingual Bachelor’s graduates from the humanities, particularly from language and cultural studies, who have a strong interest in issues of multilingualism, interculturality, and language and cultural contact.

At its core, the programme focuses on developing advanced linguistic and cultural competence in at least two European linguistic and cultural areas, with practical applications in multilingual and diverse professional environments, as well as intercultural critical thinking for the analysis of diversity, cultural contact, and cultural transfer in Europe.

The joint programme offers students the opportunity to design their individual learning pathways within an international environment and a distinctly European framework. It is jointly developed by six long-established European universities within the European University Alliance EC2U, each contributing its own unique academic strengths and cultural perspectives.

The MA programme follows an interdisciplinary and research-oriented approach and, within a "multiple degree" framework, offers students the opportunity — depending on the chosen mobility pathway — to obtain multiple degrees from different European universities.

The curriculum comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits and consists of three compulsory modules (30 ECTS, taught in English), a range of compulsory elective modules (60 ECTS), and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Depending on the chosen mobility pathway, the compulsory elective modules are taught in the languages of instruction at the respective partner universities. The same applies to the Master’s thesis, which — subject to agreement and the partner university — may be written in one of the languages of instruction of the European University Alliance EC2U.

Between 30 and 90 ECTS credits have to be completed at another university within the EC2U Alliance in addition to the studies in Jena. A maximum of 60 ECTS credits may be earned at the same partner university.

Participation in the Multiple Degree programme is currently possible at the following universities:

• University of Coimbra (Portugal)
• University of Pavia (Italy)
• University of Poitiers (France)
• University of Salamanca (Spain)
• University of Turku (Finland)

Universidad de Coimbra
Università degli Studi di Pavia
Université de Poitiers
Universidad de Salamanca
University of Turku 

University Alliance EC2U

Subject-specific Bachelor's degree

Your first professional qualification (usually a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent) is in modern philology, translation studies, cultural studies, history, international relations or other fields of social sciences and humanities and was graded at least "good" (2.5 in the German grading system) or better.

You have also earned a total of at least 30 ECTS credits from courses in cultural studies or linguistics related to foreign languages, cultural areas, multilingualism, cultural contact or intercultural interaction.

Language requirements

Depending on your nationality and for the start of your studies (first semester) in Jena, you have language skills in:

• English at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference
• Language skills in at least two of the following languages at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference: German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian and Spanish, depending on the requirements of the selected partner universities
• German language skills at DSH-2 level, to be proven by international applicants and Germans with foreign university entrance qualifications

Stay abroad

You need to provide proof of a continuous stay abroad of at least three months after your high school graduation. 

During your online application, you will be asked to provide information about your mobility path. In your application, you must indicate at which partner universities you would like to study and provide the relevant proof of language proficiency.

Example: You plan to study one semester in Poitiers (France) and one in Salamanca (Spain). Please provide evidence of your French and Spanish language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Details can be found here: https://ec2u.eu/masters/european-languages-cultures-and-societies-contactExternal link.

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovative university situated in the heart of Germany. With a broad range of subjects, it contributes to shaping the future through excellent research and teaching. Its academic excellence is reflected in its "Light. Life. Liberty." profile, which delivers groundbreaking insights and sustainable solutions for future societies. Closely networked with leading research institutions, innovative companies and renowned cultural institutions, it drives interdisciplinary developments forward. With around 17,000 students and some 10,000 staff, it shapes Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and the future.