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Bachelor's programme

European Studies (BA) Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

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Duration
6 semesters
Language of instruction
German
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
View details
Language level required
English: B2
German: C1

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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

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: C1

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

English: B2

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 here

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs 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.

Contact

Main contact

Political Science

Name
Dr Johannes Gerken
Address
Zschokkestr. 32, 39104 Magdeburg
Email
E-mail

Additional contact

Name
Prof Dr Eva Heidbreder
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.