European Studies

The main objective of the programme is to convey sound and specialist knowledge of European public and private management. The course consists of 10 modules providing students with an interdisciplinary approach to key factors of European integration. The main topics to be covered are: the institutional system of the EU, EU economic integration and business in the EU, management systems in the EU and the management of European funds, European business law, policy-making in the EU as well as the EU in an international dimension. The modules are divided between lectures and seminars. Lectures provide a thorough grounding in the essentials of European business and management, policies and law. In the seminars, students will develop specialist knowledge on a variety of topics including "Theories of Integration", "Competition policy in the EU", "Starting your own company," "The Crisis of the EU"; "Neighbourhood Policy of the EU", "International Teamwork" or "Doing Business in the EU", "Marketing in the EU" etc.

Educational organisation

The programme places great emphasis on improving the students' cross-cultural and analytical skills. A seminar in cross-cultural communication familiarises students with recent developments in the field and a class on research skills and methods will improve the students' ability to tackle a problem scientifically and to master the art of researching, writing good research papers and presenting them well.
The Intensive Seminar in Brussels (organised jointly with our European partners, with students and lecturers from several European universities, with visits to the European organisations etc.) and an ongoing programme in Bremen called "Meet the Europeans" provide ample opportunity to come into close contact with representatives from EU administrations, European-based organisations and enterprises, to take part in European cultural activities and to visit EU-sponsored projects in the region. A three-day visit to Berlin offers additional insights into German culture and politics. An orientation week at the beginning of the academic year offers orientation and assistance.

Study abroad unit(s)

Every year, MES students spend an intensive week in Brussels with visits to the European organisations and institutions.

Internships

The third semester is an internship semester. Programme advisers will offer assistance on how to find appropriate internships. We offer a course on "Career Planning" plus further support (CV check etc.) to help students prepare for their professional future.

Forms of assessment

On completing the course work (essays, written and oral exams, presentations in seven modules, totalling 70% of the final average grade), students write a Master's thesis in one of the core areas. For the Master's thesis (30% of the final average grade), candidates are expected to use their theoretical understanding to deal with a European topic in a methodologically correct manner. The time allotted is twelve weeks. Candidates may propose a theme or project of their own choice.
Students will receive a total of 60 ECTS credits for the two semesters including the Master's thesis, plus an additional 30 credits if they do an internship during the third semester.

Course objectives

With Europe integrating at an accelerated speed, it has become increasingly important for European and international university graduates to develop an in-depth understanding of the central issues facing Europe at all levels of the economy and administration and to acquire the tools to work with European institutions.
Our objective is to prepare students for European leadership roles in the private and public sector. We have designed the programme to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date study of economic and political dynamics in Europe. Studies in European private and public management, in European economics, law and politics, an intensive seminar in Brussels plus a period of practical training offer an ideal combination for acquiring theoretical knowledge, management education, practical skills and European expertise.
The programme is of great value to non-European students as well as EU experts will also be in demand in their countries.
The programme provides sound preparation for careers in European and international businesses, institutions and administrations or for further European research. Graduates have a broad field of opportunities to choose from, including economic and legal adviser activities, positions in private and public management, lobbying activities, political offices and functions and in the diplomatic services. Students from outside Europe find excellent job opportunities worldwide with companies, banks, and organisations cooperating with European partners.

Language requirements

Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency with the TOEFL exam (minimum of 220 points computer-based or 560 paper-based) or comparable results or an equivalent test like the IELTS (at least 6.5) or TOEIC (at least 880 points).

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a German or international degree (qualified Bachelor's degree) in Public Policy or Management, Economics or Business, Political Science or Law or a comparable degree with at least the German mark Good (2) or ECTS mark B. Fluency in English is required. The complete application documents can be submitted between 1 January and 31 May (non-EU students) and 1 January and 31 July (EU students) for the coming winter semester. Students will be notified as soon as possible after sending in their applications. Late applications will be put on a waiting list.

Applications must include: a registration form (available on http://www.graduatecenter.de), a curriculum vitae, a photograph, proof of university degree, a letter of recommendation from an employer/university teacher, an essay outlining the candidate's interest in the programme and career goals, address and telephone number (e-mail address, if available) to which all correspondence should be sent.

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Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

No enrolment fee as such is currently charged. You will, however, have to pay a semester contribution to the student social funds, administrative costs and a semester ticket. Currently, this fee is approx. 300 EUR per semester.

Costs of living

Food/meals: approx. 300 EUR/month
Warm food and snacks are least expensive at the university's cafeterias.
Local transport is included in the enrolment fee. Students receive a semester ticket, which is a pass for free access to buses, trams, and regional trains servicing Bremen and the surrounding area.
Academic expenses: about 30 EUR/month
The University Library (with three locations) is free of charge.
Health insurance: approx. 80 EUR/month
Living expenses: approx. 700 EUR/month (including rent)

Job opportunities

Non-EU students are allowed to work outside the university for a total of 120 full-time or 240 part-time days per year.
Some student jobs at the university are available, in the library or as student assistants in various projects.

Arrival support

Students will benefit from services offered by the International Student Assistance (ISA), a private service company working for the University of Applied Sciences Bremen, including tutorial support, help with visa applications, regular social and cultural activities and gatherings, a pick-up service from the airport or train station plus an accommodation arrangement service. An orientation week will offer assistance in mastering registration, opening a bank account, finding one's way around in Bremen and on campus.

Services and support for international students

The University of Applied Sciences Bremen organises an orientation week, offers intensive tutoring and counselling, organises social activities such as German cake tasting, visits to museums and outdoor activities. It also offers German language courses plus an introduction to German politics, history, culture and economics, organises guest lectures and excursions (including a visit to the football club Werder Bremen), and provides help with visa applications, an accommodation arrangement service plus a pick-up service from the airport or train station upon arrival. Our career development programme gives students orientation and helps them to apply for internships and jobs.
At the end of the academic year, the festive graduation ceremony at a concert hall in the city-centre will bring together graduate students, families, and friends.

Accommodation

Living and studying in another country is both exciting and interesting, but at the same time it also necessitates organisational and administrative work. Our international applicants and students do not need to worry about this. Our Student Service (ISA) looks after them right from the start and answers all questions with regard to their planned study visit in Bremen beforehand. The international student assistance (isa@hs-bremen.de) takes on the task of finding accommodation, gives support with visa applications, clarifies insurance queries and helps students in their dealings with authorities both at home and abroad. This service is available to students free of charge. Furthermore, ISA allocates tutors to students and regularly organises excursions and events during their period of study in Bremen. The rent for a single room is approx. 250 EUR.