Social Sciences (Global Studies Programme)

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a special focus on Global Studies at the University of Freiburg offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare them for understanding complex global issues. This programme explores the interconnectedness of political, economic, social, and cultural dynamics across different regions of the world. Students will examine topics such as globalization, international relations, development policies, human rights, migration, and environmental challenges from multiple perspectives. Emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills, the curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging students to develop a nuanced understanding of global processes and actors. The programme fosters cross-cultural awareness and intercultural competence, equipping graduates to actively contribute to international dialogue and problem-solving. Students benefit from small class sizes and close interaction with faculty members renowned for their research in global studies and related fields. Besides core courses, the programme offers electives that allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests, including areas such as international law, global economics, and sustainable development. The interdisciplinary approach integrates insights from political science, sociology, history, and economics to provide a holistic understanding of worldwide issues. Practical components such as internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects are integrated into the curriculum, enabling students to gain real-world experience and develop professional skills. The programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths including international organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. With its emphasis on critical analysis, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness, the Global Studies programme at the University of Freiburg aims to educate responsible global citizens capable of addressing the pressing challenges of our interconnected world.

Educational organisation

The course of studies comprises three semesters on three different continents, each covering four modules. The four modules are globalisation, global governance, cultural change, and methodology. Each module corresponds to one course per semester. This is followed by an international internship and a final thesis semester. All courses are held in seminar-style and weighted equally.

Study abroad unit(s)

First semester: University of Freiburg
Second semester: University of Cape Town or FLACSO, Buenos Aires
Third semester: Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, or Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
Fourth semester: University of Freiburg
Between third and fourth semesters: internship in an international organisation

Internships

An internship of at least six weeks, between the third and fourth semesters, is a mandatory component of the programme.

Forms of assessment

Tests, essays, oral presentations, research papers plus thesis and oral exam

Course objectives

Graduates earn an interdisciplinary and intercontinental diploma. They will have gained varied disciplinary and regional perspectives on the phenomenon of globalisation. Students will be well acquainted both with theoretical tools coming from the mentioned disciplines as well as with different methods of qualitative research and techniques of data collection. Furthermore, they will have gained the intercultural experience of living on different continents and in a multicultural group of students. They will be ideal candidates for any international organisation, institution, corporation, government or administration service. Graduates will also be able to work in the fields of academia and journalism.

Language requirements

TOEFL test or equivalent - native speakers of English or applicants who can demonstrate that they have studied previously in an English-speaking country are exempt from this

Academic requirements

• Good proficiency in English
• BA above-average or equivalent in a social science discipline or a related subject
• Letter of motivation

Enrolment fees

University of Freiburg: approx. 150 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Participants must make sure in good time that sufficient funds are available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 800-900 EUR. Some details:

• Student accommodation costs approx. 280-450 EUR (monthly).
• Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR (monthly).
• Health insurance is available for approx. 45-90 EUR (monthly).
• Transport: A special student fare for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR (per semester).

Arrival support

Information on the town, the university, and formalities is distributed prior to arrival.

Services and support for international students

In addition to services and support offered by each coordinator of a course of study, the International Office organises a special four-day orientation session, which generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. This orientation session includes information about various aspects of everyday life (e.g. accommodation, work opportunities, etc.), presentations and visits to important institutions (e.g. the university library), and opportunities for socialising with other international students. During the semester, the "International Club", coordinated by the Studentenwerk (students' social services), offers a great variety of events, trips, and services for international students in cooperation with the International Office. Furthermore, the UNIKOS team, a group of international students who have been studying at Freiburg University for some time, give practical advice and can be approached for help in several languages.

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable place to live can take a little time. Only a small number of students can be offered a room in a student dormitory. The Studentenwerk (students' social services) is in charge of the student dormitories. Applicants must expect a waiting period. In addition to these dormitories, several independent dormitories are listed on the university website. The Studentenwerk also offers a list of available private rooms and the International Office can be contacted for further assistance in finding accommodation (http://www.international.uni-freiburg.de).