Conflict and Democracy European University Viadrina

Designing change: Working through conflicts to shape democratic futures

Are you interested in how political and societal conflicts can be productively transformed in order to help strengthen democracies? Do you want to understand what makes liberal democracies vulnerable to authoritarian tendencies and what a resilient democracy of the future might look like? Are you curious about how international law and politics can enable effective international cooperation in the future, even in the face of rising authoritarian regimes, geopolitical challenges, and global crises?

The Master’s programme Conflict and Democracy combines political and legal sciences with applied conflict research. It is designed based on the premise that conflicts within democratic societies and between democratic and authoritarian entities shape our present and future. Such conflicts are inevitable and indispensable components of pluralistic coexistence and fundamental for the practical viability and further development of democratic structures. In the Master’s programme, you will learn how to capture and analyse the political dimensions of such conflicts, understand the various societal and constitutional dimensions involved, and acquire hands-on methods for managing societal and political conflicts. Your studies will combine a scientific-analytical perspective with practical and future-oriented skills.

As a graduate of the Conflict and Democracy programme, you will have demonstrated expertise in analysing and addressing political and societal conflicts at a local, national, European and international level. You will be familiar with the political and legal frameworks and governance mechanisms of democratic societies. You will be knowledgeable about scientific research methods and possess practice-oriented skills for managing conflicts within and on democracy.

The introductory module provides a foundation of political science, law and applied conflict studies.

This sets the stage for three specialisation modules that enhance your knowledge in the mechanisms of interest negotiation and conflict regulation within democracies, as well as in national and international politics:

• In the module Politics of International Conflict and Democracy, you will explore the causes of war and peace, persistent international conflicts, the role of international organisations in conflict resolution, narratives and identity in international politics as well as international security policy.
• The module Politics of Domestic Conflict and Democracy examines the unfolding, institutionalisation, and management of political and social conflicts within democratic and authoritarian systems. Key topics include state and conflict forms, populism as a political strategy, political dynamics and processes in democratic and authoritarian states as well as capitalism and social structure.
• The legal module Legal Regulation of Conflict focuses on topics such as the rule of law, European legal traditions, transitional justice, international climate justice, collective labour law, and the international humanitarian law.

The practice module Navigating Conflict within and about Democracy enables you to gain real-world knowledge and practical skills in interest-based conflict management within societal and political contexts. This includes conflict analysis, communication, negotiation, mediation, dialogue design and dilemma management.

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

• Specialise in the modules on political science or law from the core curriculum
• Pick interdisciplinary electives:
  • Central and East European Studies
  • Cultural History
  • Gender and Queer Studies
  • Philosophy and Arts in Times of Crises
• Pick the module on Language and Practice, 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.

In the concluding 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 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 Conflict and Democracy 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 sciences, political science or law.

To assess the relevance of the 30 ECTS, candidates 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 as part of 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.