The Bachelor's degree program in Global Studies at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global processes, challenges, and opportunities. This program aims to equip students with the analytical tools and critical perspectives necessary to navigate and address complex global issues such as climate change, migration, conflict, development, and global governance. Through a combination of disciplines including political science, sociology, economics, history, cultural studies, and environmental science, students develop a holistic view of global phenomena and their interconnected nature.

The program emphasizes the importance of intercultural competence, fostering an awareness of diverse worldviews and cultural contexts. Students engage in comparative analysis and case studies that highlight different regional and global perspectives, encouraging a nuanced understanding of international relations and global development. The curriculum includes core courses in global politics, international economics, environmental sustainability, and social justice, complemented by regional studies and language courses to enhance intercultural communication skills.

Practical skills are also a key component of the program, with opportunities for internships, project work, and exchanges with partner universities worldwide. These experiential elements aim to prepare graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, policy advising, journalism, or further academic research. The program is characterized by a flexible structure, allowing students to tailor their selections according to their interests and career goals.

Faculty members of the program are experts in their respective fields, contributing to a dynamic learning environment that encourages critical thinking, debate, and innovative approaches to global issues. The university’s strong international network and interdisciplinary research centers support students’ academic and professional development. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will possess a valuable skill set to analyze global challenges, propose sustainable solutions, and contribute meaningfully to diverse international contexts. This degree builds a solid foundation for further studies at the master's level or entry into the global job market, fostering active global citizenship and responsible leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Master

The GSP builds its curriculum upon two dimensions which both widen and deepen the academic training of the students. On one level, students reflect upon globalization processes, their meaning, causes and consequences through four modules. Each module sheds light on different theoretical and empirical aspects of globalisation, stemming from different fields of the Social Sciences. This contributes to the systematic analysis of globalisation within a rich, cross-disciplinary framework.

On another level, these four modules are integrated with the different approaches and views on globalisation from five campuses: Albert-Ludwigs-University (Freiburg), Chulalongkorn University (Bangkok), FLACSO Argentina (Buenos Aires), Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi) and University of Cape Town (Cape Town). The programme thereby creates space for comparative and dialogical forms of scientific inquiry and academic cooperation. In this way, the GSP deals not only with the current social science research agenda worldwide, but also bridges the gap between academic inquiry and the contemporary real world by sending the students abroad.

Consequently, the transdisciplinary coherence of the Global Studies Programme does not arise from a misunderstood interdisciplinary dialogue between different social scientific subjects. On the contrary, unlike a neokantian understanding of the social sciences would suppose, it rather comes from a realist understanding of the selected real objects of research which are the conflictual cultural and societal experiences of globalization processes in different world regions:

1. Processes of globalization which appear in different conceptual maps seen from the North, the South and the East (module 1: Globalization)
2. Structures and institutions of a hierarchical world-system whose macrodynamics generate the scope for decentralized actors and structures of action (module 2: Global Governance)
3. Scientific and everyday world views and identities in which violent ethnic, political and religious answers to cultural or economic homogenization and geographical distribution are mirrored, as well as the search for a fair world order (module 3: Cultural Change)
4. Interdisciplinary mixed methods of inquiry which are required to decode these processes (4: Methodology)

Application: Master of Social Sciences

To apply for the Global Studies Programme – a two-year Master degree programme in Social Sciences – you need the following documents:

1. Application form. Please use our application form (pdf-file).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Motivation letter: Essay (approximately 1200 words)
4. Copy of passport (1 page)
5. Certified proof of your Bachelor of Arts and other relevant testimonials for the programme mentioned in your CV
6. Certificate of English language
7. Two letters of recommendation. 

The University of Freiburg offers a comprehensive financing framework for students enrolled in the Global Studies program. Tuition fees for international students are generally structured in accordance with the university's standard fee rates, which are subject to change annually. Currently, tuition fees for non-EU international students amount to approximately 1,500 to 3,000 euros per semester, depending on the specific program and degree level, while German and EU students benefit from minimal or no tuition fees due to subsidies and government support. In addition to tuition, students should budget for mandatory semester contributions, typically ranging from 150 to 300 euros, which cover administrative costs, public transportation tickets, and student services.

Students are encouraged to explore various funding options to support their studies. Scholarships are available through the university's scholarship office, as well as external organizations and foundations dedicated to promoting international education and research. These scholarships may cover partial or full tuition, living expenses, or research costs. Additionally, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships targeting international students, including those studying at the University of Freiburg.

Part-time work is a common mode of financing studies in Germany, with international students permitted to work up to 120 full days or 240 half-days annually without a work permit. Many students find employment in university facilities, local businesses, or research projects, which can supplement their income while providing valuable work experience. The university's career center offers guidance and job placement services to assist students in finding suitable part-time employment.

Living costs are an important consideration, with expenses including accommodation, food, health insurance, study materials, and leisure activities. Monthly living expenses typically range from 800 to 1,200 euros, varying based on housing choice and lifestyle. Freiburg is known for relatively affordable costs compared to larger German cities, making it an attractive destination for international students on a budget.

Students are also advised to consider financial planning early in their studies to ensure adequate funding throughout their academic program. Many students combine several sources of income, including personal savings, family support, scholarships, and part-time work, to finance their education and living expenses. The university provides resources and counseling to help students develop effective financial strategies and access available funding opportunities. Overall, financing a global studies degree at the University of Freiburg involves careful planning, utilization of scholarships and employment opportunities, and prudent management of living expenses to fully benefit from the academic experience.

The Global Studies program at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues. It emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural competence, and an awareness of global interconnectedness. The program covers a broad range of topics including international relations, global governance, economics, culture, and sustainability, equipping students with the analytical skills necessary to navigate and address today's global challenges.

Students in the program engage with diverse perspectives through a curriculum that integrates political science, sociology, history, and other relevant disciplines. The program encourages a multidisciplinary approach, fostering an understanding of the political, social, economic, and cultural factors that shape global developments. Additionally, students have opportunities for practical experience through internships, projects, and exchanges, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, consulting firms, or further academic pursuits. Faculty members are experts in their respective fields, offering personalized mentorship and facilitating an engaging learning environment. The curriculum is also tailored to develop language skills and intercultural communication abilities, vital for effective engagement in international settings.

The program typically follows a modular structure, with mandatory core modules and elective options to allow students to specialize in areas such as international political economy, human rights, or sustainable development. Students also have the chance to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, expanding their academic and professional networks.

The University of Freiburg's global focus and diverse student body enrich the learning experience, enabling students to gain a nuanced understanding of the globalized world. The program promotes critical reflection on global inequalities, environmental issues, and governance challenges, preparing graduates to contribute thoughtfully and effectively in various international contexts. Overall, the Global Studies program at the University of Freiburg is an excellent choice for students interested in understanding the complexities of our interconnected world and making a meaningful impact on global issues.