German-French Business, Labour and Social Law

The integrated, bilingual German-French study programme will be run during the first semester at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, where media studies, cultural studies, comparative media studies, and critical theory feature prominently. Students will spend the second semester at the University of Vienna, Austria, where theories of subjectivity, gender studies and modern culture will be prominent. The third semester at the University of Nantes, France, will focus on sociological analysis of cultural politics and sociology of arts as well as on problems of translation. The fourth semester is dedicated to the preparation of the Master's thesis.

Educational organisation

The programme comprises 120 credit points. Students are expected to complete credit hours in courses from areas such as cultural sociology and history, media and communication, intercultural and comparative media studies. They will develop an integral command of the methods and techniques pertinent to current cultural and media studies. Special emphasis is placed on independent and self-guided academic research and team projects.
This is a joint degree programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

One semester at the University of Vienna, Austria, and one semester at the University of Nantes, France, for students registered at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf; one semester at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany, and one semester at the University of Vienna, Austria, for students registered at the University of Nantes

Internships

During the third semester in Nantes, France (obligatory) and during the second semester in Vienna (optional)

Forms of assessment

Active participation and documented individual activity (e.g.: papers, short presentations, group presentations), finals and Master's thesis are required.

Course objectives

Students will be given a thorough understanding of the characteristics and development of cultural phenomena and processes in the media with special emphasis being placed on operational levels in the field. They will develop skills in analysing a variety of historical, literary, and cultural contexts. Graduates of the programme qualify for professional opportunities in cultural management, journalism, advertising and public relations, as well as in academia, the media and various aspects of international relations.

Language requirements

A good command of German and French is expected. Continual language courses will be offered. During semester breaks, intensive language training in both languages will be offered at the host university prior to commencing studies. Additionally, profound knowledge of English is considered an asset.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Arts or equivalent programme (of at least three years) in fields such as art studies, literary studies, film studies, theatre studies, or related subjects such as cultural history or social sciences with an aggregate mark of at least 2.3.
Applications must be accompanied by a personal statement (not exceeding two pages or 4,000 characters) providing information on reasons for applying and expectations for the Master's programme. In addition, a draft of a scientific project (not exceeding three pages or 6,000 characters) possibly to be implemented in the course of the Master's programme, has to be submitted. Applications in writing have to be submitted electronically as well to: kultur@uni-duesseldorf.de.

Enrolment fees

A semester fee of approx. 280 EUR is required upon registration/enrolment as a student or doctoral researcher. This fee covers transport by bus, tram, and regional trains within North Rhine-Westphalia for the entire semester as well as the use of student facilities.

Costs of living

Students or doctoral researchers should calculate monthly expenses amounting to at least 800 to 900 EUR in order to live in a modest way, including costs for housing, food, health insurance, semester fee, study materials, etc.

Job opportunities

A limited number of campus jobs are available. Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 240 half days or 120 full days per calendar year without a work permit.

Funding opportunities within the university

During studies at the host university, students receive a monthly scholarship amounting to 250 EUR provided by the "German-French University" (DFH).

Arrival support

Students:
The International Student Orientation Service iSOS is a team of trained student tutors, mostly senior international students who advise and assist international students on various issues such as accommodation, financial aid, laws relating to foreign nationals, etc. However, students are responsible for obtaining their visa and residence permits themselves.
See: http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international
E-mail: isos@uni-duesseldorf.de

Doctoral researchers:
Finding your feet in a new country and becoming part of a new (scientific) culture can be difficult. The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in finding accommodation, getting residence permits, financial aid, enrolment process at the university, etc. Please contact us in good time before your arrival and we will help make your research stay at Heinrich Heine University (HHU) a success.
See: http://www.hera.hhu.de
E-mail: hera@hhu.de

Services and support for international students

The International Office (IO) organises iSOS - the International Student Orientation Service (http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/international) - as an initiative for international students. IO provides information and assistance on other aspects of international exchange. The welcome week helps you get started at HHU, offering intercultural workshops, lectures on Germany's political and educational system, cultural activities, and guided campus and city tours. A tutorial programme is designed to familiarise you with the university system, supporting you in structuring your studies, revising study material, and prepare exams. The buddy programme (Mate-For-You) "matches" new international students to local students with similar interests. All other services of HHU (e.g. language courses, workshops in transferable skills, and career service) are of course open to international students.

The Heine Research Academies will assist international doctoral researchers in all concerns of their research stay at HHU. The Heine Research Academies will help you get connected with other researchers by offering a comprehensive information and networking platform for young researchers at HHU. With a complementary programme including workshops on transferable skills as well as interdisciplinary and subject-specific topics, we promote your individual scientific career.

Accommodation

On-campus student accommodation is available, as is private accommodation near campus. For further information, please check http://www.stw-d.de or send an e-mail to info@stw-d.de.
Depending on the type of accommodation, the monthly rent in Düsseldorf usually ranges from around 220 to 450 EUR for a basic apartment or a room in a shared apartment ("Wohngemeinschaft"). Doctoral students can contact the Heine Research Academies (http://www.hera.hhu.de) for information and support concerning accommodation in Düsseldorf.