European Studies (MA) Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

The European Studies – European Policy Analysis Master’s programme prepares students to analyse, evaluate, and influence the policy-making process of the European Union. It does so by combining insights from political science, sociology, cultural studies, and economics.

When applying for this degree, prospective students have to choose between one of two specialisations:

• European Social and Economic Policy Analysis (EPA)
• European Social and Cultural Policy Analysis (CPA)

By linking an interdisciplinary academic education with practice-centred teaching formats, students will learn to think critically about today's challenges and develop practical solutions based on sound knowledge. In addition to the core academic component of this course of study, students will gain skills in communication, teamwork, and knowledge transfer so that they will be ideally prepared for the job market.

We provide learning opportunities in small groups that cater to your personal interests and needs in an interactive, welcoming learning atmosphere, along with personal supervision from an engaged EUS team!

First semester: Disciplinary and methodological basics
The first semester is devoted to gain or brush up on essential academic knowledge relevant for European Studies. Students will enrol in thematic introductory lectures and seminars according to their specialisation and take modules on research methods.

Second semester: Introducing European policy analysis
In this semester, students study the core module introducing policy analysis. Pending on the selected focal point, students are introduced to economic policy analysis or intercultural communication. The core courses are complemented by elective courses based on the individual students' preferences.

Third semester: Transfer of academic approaches in practice and beyond Europe
In the second year, students take courses in which they apply their academic knowledge in a concrete policy context. In the transfer module, students apply the technical and methodical knowledge via a critical confrontation with practitioners in the field of EU policy making. Elective courses widen the analytical perspective to contexts beyond the EU and cover global politics, economics, and cultures.

Fourth semester: Independent policy analysis
In the last semester, students apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge in an interdisciplinary group project. The projects focus on specific, self-selected policy problems and will be presented in a student-organised conference. Each student concludes the programme with a Master's thesis.

As part of the Master's programme, an internship / work placement is not obligatory, but it may be done voluntarily.

Proof of completion of a Bachelor's degree (180 CP - ECTS) in social sciences, economics, cultural or media studies, or a closely related field

For European Social and Economic Policy Analysis:

• Min. 15 CP in quantitative methods of social sciences or economics

For European Social and Cultural Policy Analysis:

• Min. 40 CP in political or social sciences, history, cultural studies, language, or media studies

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.