Ecumenical Studies (Extended)

Political Science: relevant modules focus on contemporary political issues and governance in Europe, especially, as they pertain to the wider spectrum of integration theories, and on the institutional and policy development of the European Union since the ratification of the Treaties of Rome.
Economic modules cover the economic, monetary and financial aspects of the EU, and analyse the Union's internal market against the backdrop of economic globalisation and the international trade regime.
Legal modules deal with the constitutional principles of the European Union, the sources and application of EU law, the regulation of industry sectors such as electronic communications, energy and logistics as well as the legal structure of the internal market and the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU and other EU institutions.
The focus on governance in the EU deals with the interaction between political, economic, and legal factors and the dialectical structure of actors and factors in creating the institutional arrangements and policy fields in today's EU. Regulatory issues cover regulation policy and corresponding legal prerequisites in various fields, such as electronic communications, logistics, water, and energy.

Why choose our programme?

• Learn about current EU trends based on academic competence.
• Benefit from research-based teaching with a practical approach.
• Meet an international faculty of renowned academics and practitioners.
• Gain enormous career opportunities with your post-graduate Master's degree.
• Study in English at one of Germany's most prestigious universities.
• Make friends in a small, international, and diverse student group of fellows at the Center of European Integration Studies (ZEI).
• Open to post-graduates of different profiles from across the EU and around the world
• Excursions to the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Frankfurt as well as to the German government in Berlin
• New: additional certificate in intercultural competences
• Benefit from networking through Europe Dialogues and Business Talks.
• Take part in our diverse and exciting alumni network.
• Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and high quality infrastructure at ZEI.
• Take advantage of the cosmopolitan city of Bonn, the German UN capital (19 different agencies), headquarters of DHL/Deutsche Post and Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Welle and many national and international organisations, state agencies and companies.

Educational organisation

During the two semesters from October to June, students attend six basic modules of 30 hours each and five specialised modules, each consisting of three topics and comprising 36 hours each. Basic modules provide students with a general knowledge and an overview of the subject. Specialised modules provide detailed knowledge on issues of special importance. The programme comprises four field trips to European and German institutions, organisations and companies, a career development programme as well as business talks, in particular, with practitioners from the private sector and alumni.
From June to August, students write their Master's thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

On a voluntary basis during a voluntary internship

Internships

ZEI supports students who want to pursue an internship after completion of the programme.

Forms of assessment

Forms of assessment: exams and papers
For successful completion of each module, MES awards 4 ECTS, for the Master's thesis 16 ECTS.

Course objectives

The development of the EU has increased the need for comprehensive expertise in European affairs as well as in the sources and effects of integration at all levels of government and in the private sector in the EU. The transformation process includes and affects the development of EU institutions and their interplay with national institutions in EU member states. Political decisions and legislative acts in the EU continuously generate new regulatory frameworks. The interplay of governance and regulation constitutes today's reality in the EU.
ZEI's Master's programme is a research-based response to this development. It enables European and non-European graduates to become experts in the interplay between political, legal and economic aspects that constitute today's life in the EU and influence the EU's relations with other parts of the world.
It prepares students for an international career in EU institutions, international organisations, national administrations, NGOs and global companies.

Language requirements

Fluency in English
(Please check our website for details: https://www.zei.uni-bonn.de/education/master-of-european-studies-mes?set_language=en)

Academic requirements

• Graduate degree from a university
• familiarity with the EU (history, institutions, and functioning)
• work experience of at least two years or
• 240 ECTS credit points plus work experience of one year

Enrolment fees

Covered by tuition fee

Costs of living

We recommend a budget of around 800 EUR per month for accommodation, living expenses, public health insurance, books and miscellaneous purchases.

Job opportunities

Due to the intensive format of teaching contents, working while participating in the programme is not recommended.

Arrival support

The programme coordinator and student assistance at ZEI support students with information about their stay in Germany and assist with organisational issues for the programme prior to students' arrival. The programme coordinator can arrange accommodation in student dorms.

Services and support for international students

• Career Development Programme (application training, personal profiling, preparation for EU and international entry-level competitions, intercultural training sessions)
• personal consulting on career track and application strategies
• close contact with professors and directors of ZEI
• support via the programme coordinator and student assistances
• support via the International Office of the University of Bonn
• reading materials, computer facilities of the highest technical standard, libraries

Accommodation

ZEI's programme coordinator and student assistance help students find accommodation in one of the student dormitories. Accommodation is also available on the private market.