Russian and East Central European Studies

The Master's Degree in Russian and East Central European Studies at the University of Passau offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive program designed to deepen students’ understanding of the historical, cultural, political, and economic developments in Russia and its neighboring East Central European countries. This program prepares students for careers in international relations, cultural diplomacy, journalism, academia, and business by providing them with a solid foundation in regional studies combined with language proficiency and research skills. Throughout the course of study, students engage with a wide range of topics including history, literature, political science, economics, and sociology, enabling them to analyze complex socio-political issues from multiple perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through lectures, seminars, and project work, often involving case studies, field trips, and internships. Language training is an integral component, allowing students to attain advanced proficiency in Russian and other relevant languages of the region. The program also encourages cross-cultural understanding and offers opportunities for international mobility, including joint degrees and exchange programs with partner universities across Russia and East Central Europe. Students benefit from the expertise of renowned faculty members who are specialists in their fields and who utilize a variety of teaching methodologies to foster critical thinking and independent research. Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to pursue further academic research, work in governmental or non-governmental organizations, or enter the private sector with a specialized regional focus. The combination of regional expertise, language skills, and interdisciplinary training makes this program at the University of Passau a unique gateway to careers involving Russia and East Central Europe on a global scale.

Educational organisation

Your performance throughout the programme is evaluated by way of module assessments. In order to obtain the degree, you must pass a certain number of prescribed modules. However, you will be given the freedom to decide at which point in your degree programme you wish to complete specific modules.
This also means that you need to rely on your organisational skills as you will have to put together your own timetable every semester, avoiding timetabling conflicts between courses that may be administered by different faculties. Nonetheless, the student committees and other units of the university will be on hand to advise you on timetabling issues and module selections.

Study abroad unit(s)

A long-term stay in Eastern Europe is recommended. This can be organised within the framework of a research project or in cooperation with Eastern European institutions. Students are responsible for the preparation and organisation of their periods of study or work abroad. However, general information and assistance in selecting scholarship programmes as well as information about our partner universities and exchange programmes is available from the International Office.
E-mail: international@uni-passau.de
See: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/

Internships

There is no formal internship requirement for students completing this programme.
If you wish to complete a voluntary internship, you are responsible for searching for an internship, clarifying the outline and making all necessary arrangements. We recommend that students complete an internship, as it allows them to gain valuable work experience in a selected occupational field whilst still at university, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills acquired in their studies. This also allows them to reflect upon their career aims and establish contact with potential future employers.
Your primary contact for all employment-related matters is the Careers Service.
For more details, please see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/careerservice/

Forms of assessment

Courses and seminars operate on the assumption that students will do a good deal of preparation and follow-up work outside of the classroom. They will receive some support from the respective lecturers but, nevertheless, conduct this work independently.
Modules are assessed during or at the end of each semester. European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits are awarded when the respective module has been passed and the required coursework submitted. Assessments and coursework are usually graded. The forms of assessment include written and oral examinations, student presentations and written reports, essays and papers, or a combination of the above. A thesis must be written as part of the programme.

Course objectives

The knowledge and the skills acquired will prepare students for occupations in academia and research as well as in fields such as business, culture, administration, and politics. Students can work for international organisations, political consulting firms, foreign service, cultural institutions in Germany as well as abroad. They can also work for international governmental and non-governmental organisations and institutions as well as in museums and in the media.

Language requirements

You should provide proof of language proficiency - usually by way of certificates - in a Slavic language (equivalent to B2 CEFR), and either German (e.g. DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN 4×4) or English (language certificate equivalent to C1 CEFR).

Academic requirements

To apply for this degree programme, you should have a good first university degree in cultural studies or a related subject, earned after a three-year undergraduate programme, with an overall average mark equivalent to 2.5 or better on the German marking scale or ranked among the best 50% of your cohort.
For an overview of the German marking scale, visit http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/coming-to-passau/information-for-new-students/marking-system/.

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee amounts to 70 EUR per semester. This comprises the student association contribution of 52 EUR and the semester bus pass, which costs 18 EUR.

Costs of living

As a bare minimum, you should budget for about 660 EUR per month for accommodation, food, transport and other activities. Your actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
Rent: 180-350 EUR
Food: 150-250 EUR
Public transport: included in the semester contribution
Books/other: 50-100 EUR

Job opportunities

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand. The iStudi Coach will answer all of your questions about finding work or placements in Germany or abroad.
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/istudi/
Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they would like to work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

Funding opportunities within the university

In general, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance; applicants' financial situations are only taken into consideration to a minor degree and scholarships (especially those from the university) are not usually awarded before the commencement of studies. If you intend to apply for a scholarship while you are still in your home country, please contact the German Embassy or the German Consulate at your earliest convenience.
http://www.uni-passau.de/studium/waehrend-des-studiums/kosten-finanzierung/stipendien/

Arrival support

Twice a year, at the beginning of each semester before lectures start, the International Office holds orientation weeks for new international students. These are designed to help students settle in, make new friends quickly, and get to know important contact people. All international exchange students are required to attend the orientation weeks, and attendance is strongly recommended for international degree-seeking students.
More details: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/intl-orientation-weeks/

Services and support for international students

The International Office provides advice, information and assistance. Under the student buddy scheme, each international student is paired off with a German student buddy who helps the international student with all organisational and personal matters.
For more information, please see http://www.uni-passau.de/international or write to international@uni-passau.de.

Accommodation

Most students in Passau live in privately rented flats, often shared with other students. A number of rooms are also available in our halls of residence. Some of these halls of residence are within walking distance of the university and others are more conveniently reached by bicycle or bus. However, all of our halls of residence are less than thirty minutes from the university.
A room on the private market costs about 200-350 EUR a month. Landlords usually require a deposit of one or two months' rent when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your room in good condition.
The International Office can arrange for accommodation for either six months (one semester) or one year (two semesters). However, this service is subject to availability.
Rooms in halls of residence cost 200-270 EUR per month. These are fully furnished, with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
For more details, see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/campuslife/accommodation/