European Studies

Over the course of one year, this compact, postgraduate Master's course provides comprehensive knowledge on the European Union, its structure and institutions, as well as on the European integration process. It prepares students for practical work in the context of European affairs.

The interdisciplinary approach of the programme provides knowledge in the following areas:

• The EU as a legal community
• The EU as an economic community
• The EU as a political community
• Historic, cultural and social foundations of European integration

The course is offered jointly by Freie Universität Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin, and thus brings together knowledge of European Affairs on the part of scholars from Berlin's universities.

Educational organisation

One academic year - 1 October until 30 September - consists of two semesters. The graduation ceremony traditionally takes place in October.

• Foundation semester (1 October until 31 January):

During the first semester (winter semester), the students attend compulsory courses covering the basic principles of European Integration in the areas of law, economics and politics. Starting with the winter semester 2015/16, all compulsory courses are held in English. A variety of elective courses round off the semester, which is closed with an oral exam. Traditionally, the semester ends with a one-week trip to Brussels and Luxembourg, where the students are offered the opportunity to visit EU institutions.

• An internship lasting between 8 and 12 weeks (1 February - 30 April)

• Advanced semester (2 May until 15 July):

The second semester consists of block seminars designed to deepen the knowledge acquired during the first semester and its practical application. Additional seminars on soft skills, preparing for EU open competitions and job application training are offered.

• Final exam (July - September):

The final degree requirement is a written Master's thesis, which must be completed within two months (eight weeks) and defended in a final oral exam.

Part time studies

The ideal typical study progress in the part time model of the programme:

• In the first part-time semester, students complete the module "Institutional Foundations of European Integration" as well as the first part of the module "The European Union as a Legal Community" and "The European Union as a Political Community". The one-week excursion to Brussels and Luxembourg and the internship round off the semester.

• Over the course of the second part-time semester, the two modules "The European Union as a Legal Community" and "The European Union as a Political Community" are completed. In addition, students complete the first part of the module "The European Union as an Economic Community", "Selected Issues in European Integration", and "Interdisciplinary Competence", respectively.

• During the third part-time-semester, students finish all three modules: "The European Union as an Economic Community", "Selected Issues in European Integration", and "Interdisciplinary Competence".

• The fourth part-time-semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The final thesis assessment by two supervisors is followed by its defence in the form of an oral examination.

In individual cases, this standard schedule can be adjusted in accordance with requirements specified by the candidate. Such changes will have to be discussed and agreed with the programme coordinator before the start of the course.

Study abroad unit(s)

Due to the short duration of the programme, no semester abroad is scheduled. Nevertheless, we encourage our students to undertake their internship abroad.

Internships

There is a compulsory internship of eight to twelve weeks between February and the end of April. We encourage our students to undertake their internships abroad.

Forms of assessment

Each module is completed with an examination, the form of which may vary (e.g. oral exam, presentation, exam written in class, take-home exam, written paper). For each module a certain number of ECTS points (credit points according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) are awarded. A total of 60 ECTS can be obtained in the programme.

Course objectives

The one-year Master's programme offers an international, interdisciplinary, and practical approach to the legal, economic, and political aspects of the European Union and European integration. It aims at preparing highly qualified graduates for (leading) positions in areas relating to Europe and the European Union at both national and international levels. Our graduates work in European and national public institutions, think tanks, NGOs, consultancies, and many other organisations.

Language requirements

German native speakers must provide proof of their English skills and proof of a third language besides German and English. International applicants must provide proof of their German and English skills.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

• An academic degree with above average marks, particularly in the fields of law, economics or political science. We also welcome applications from students from a variety of other academic backgrounds. Should you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
• Post-graduate work experience relating to European integration. Professional experience can also be obtained via internships or student jobs. If you are uncertain whether you fulfil the admission criteria, please feel free to contact us.
• Very good knowledge of German and English

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

None

Costs of living

Approx. 650 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Since our Master's degree is an intensive, one-year programme, part-time jobs are not recommended if students choose to study full-time.

Arrival support

For information about arriving in Berlin, we advise you to take a look at the website of the city of Berlin, https://www.berlin.de/berlin-im-ueberblick/en/.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the "Studentenwerk Berlin", which offers rooms in student residences or on the private market. We strongly advice you to look for accommodation prior to your arrival in Berlin, as the housing market has become more competitive in recent years. More information about accommodation via the "Studentenwerk" can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/.
A good starting point for looking for a "WG-Zimmer" (room in a shared flat) is: http://www.wg-gesucht.de.
When looking for accommodation, please note: most classes take place in our "Villa" in Dahlem, close to Freie Universität's main building. However, if you want to move close to the "Villa", please be aware that this is a very quiet neighbourhood outside the city centre. Therefore, as the campus is easy to reach by public transport, most students chose to live a little closer to the city centre.