European Studies

The Magdeburg European Studies Bachelor's programme is an interdisciplinary course of studies focussing on European integration with a particular emphasis on the European Union. Aspects of EU policies and politics, law, economy, and European cultural diversity are central to the programme. Special attention is given to the "new" member states (accession 2004 or later). The course of study lasts six semesters including a semester abroad. Language courses (Western as well as Eastern European languages), studies abroad and a six-week internship in an institution outside the university are compulsory. The Bachelor Plus programme lasts eight semesters and includes a year abroad (studies and internship). The course will strengthen the learning skills, problem-solving capacities, intercultural competencies and social skills of the students.

Educational organisation

Compulsory Modules:
Module 1: Central and Eastern Europe and European Integration: History, Processes, Perspectives
Module 2: Introduction to European Studies
Module 3: The European Spirit, History and Gender
Module 4: Culture, Language and Communication in Europe
Module 5: European Integration
Module 6: Sociology of European Integration
Module 7: Constitutional, European and International Law
Module 8: Introduction to Management
Module 9: Game Theory
Module 10: International Business and Economics

Further programme components:
Language Module
Study Abroad Semester
Internship / Work Placement
Bachelor's Thesis

Study abroad unit(s)

In the BA course, studying one semester at one of our partner universities abroad is obligatory. It is also possible to extend the stay abroad to two semesters within the framework of the Bachelor Plus programme (duration of four years instead of three years in total). One year at our partner university Babes-Bolyai in Cluj-Napoca (Romania) is required to achieve a double degree at both universities.

Internships

A work placement of six weeks is obligatory.
Programme coordinators will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examination (4-6 credit points)
Assignment
Presentation
Handout, minutes, excerpt
Scholarly project
UNIcert® examinations

Course objectives

The study course aims at preparing graduates for their professional careers. Graduates will be qualified for positions for which generalists rather than disciplinary specialists are needed. The profile of graduates can be summarised as follows: the transdisciplinary curriculum ensures the graduates qualify for areas of work in which exchange and cooperation with other fields is vital. In addition, mastering English and languages of Central and Eastern Europe will offer them opportunities in the international sector, in particular with regard to the new member states (accession 2004 and later) of the European Union, responding to the tendency of large organisations and companies operating internationally to demand more language skills and accept Bachelor's degrees. Although career opportunities will vary according to the particular fields in which graduates have focused their studies, the following areas of work appear to be of particular interest: civil service / public administration, economic enterprises (management, marketing, public relations etc.), special interest groups, foundations, national and international NGOs, media, public relations, and the education / culture sector.

Language requirements

International applicants should have German skills commensurate with level B1. English is recommended at level C1.

Academic requirements

Higher Education Access Certificate (equivalent to "Abitur", e.g., A levels)

Enrolment fees

Currently 94.50 EUR per semester
The semester fee covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive a semester ticket for free use of public transport, student discounts in the campus cafeteria, etc.

Costs of living

A minimum of 700 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, costs of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Part-time work as a research/student assistant is possible (maximum: 40 hours per month).

Funding opportunities within the university

Scholarships cannot be provided for new students. The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results.
http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/finances/

Arrival support

We are happy to assist our new students. Before arrival, a welcome package with relevant information will be sent to admitted students. The IKUS students' initiative (http://www.ikus.ovgu.de) provides an arrival pick-up service within Magdeburg upon request, and they assist in dealing with administrative issues such as visa and bank affairs, health insurance, etc.

Services and support for international students

The International Office and the programme coordinators assist students in any way possible. IKUS is a student network which helps international students and guests new to Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. If you have questions or problems in finding a place to live, or if you have concerns with the Foreigners' Registration Office or with a bank, do not hesitate to ask IKUS!
An alumni network as well as the student organisation INES (International Network for European Studies) are further options for support.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 220-350 EUR per room (approx. 12-35 square meters), depending on size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation request can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/accommodation/accommodation-request/.
The Student Union 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 relatively short supply.