European Studies

The Magdeburg European Studies Master'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). Language courses, studies abroad at our partner universities and an internship are optional. The Master's programme is open to holders of a Bachelor's degree in the disciplines involved.

Educational organisation

Compulsory Modules:

• Theories of European Integration
• European Multi-Level Governance
• European Law
• European Literary Culture
• Master's Thesis

Required Elective Modules (three out of seven):

• European Governance and Law
• European Societies and Transformations
• Culture and Mind
• Cultural Stereotypes
• European Historical Perspectives
• International Economy 1
• International Economy 2

Complementary Elective Modules (two out of three):

• Adjustment Module
• Language Module
• Internship

Study abroad unit(s)

Studying abroad is not obligatory but the organisation of the course offers the opportunity to spend one semester abroad. Study coordinators assist students in finding suitable programmes. Partial funding is provided by ERASMUS PLUS and / or DAAD (programmes "Go East" and "Eastern Partnerships"). A joint degree with Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca (Romania) is possible. In this case, the fourth semester is spent in Romania.

Internships

As part of the MA course, an internship/work-placement is not obligatory, but it may be done voluntarily.

Forms of assessment

Written and oral examination
Assignment
Presentations
Handouts, minutes, excerpts
Scientific project
UNIcert® examinations

Course objectives

Expertise in European integration as well as post-socialist transformations in Central and Eastern Europe, critical-reflexive access to data and methodical competence in social and cultural sciences, language skills, social and intercultural skills, contact to institutions of political and social life outside the university

The programme aims at preparing students for their professional career as well as a career in research and development. It examines areas in which Europe is dealt with as a complex subject of social, political, and cultural development and interconnectedness - inside and outside the European Union. In this context, the following areas of work are of particular interest: academic careers (in particular in the field of European studies, cultural studies and social sciences), national / European diplomacy, civil service / public administration, interest groups, foundations, national and international NGOs, media, public relations, the education / culture sector, and economic enterprises (management, marketing, public relations, etc.).

Language requirements

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

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Proof of completion of the BA course in a relevant field or equivalent qualification

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

Research/student assistant in part-time work (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

Before arrival, a welcome package with relevant information will be sent to prospective students. There is a pick-up service if desired. Please inform the student group IKUS (http://www.ikus.ovgu.de) of your arrival in advance. IKUS will meet you at the station in Magdeburg.
Furthermore, there is an orientation week at the beginning of the semester.
Our international coordinators are pleased to assist you any time. Apart from English and German, the first contact languages are Romanian, Polish, and Russian.

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 settling in. 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.