Masters Degrees in European Studies, Germany

About the programme

This cross-disciplinary master's programme, which combines elements from the humanities and social science disciplines, offers you the chance to consolidate and expand the knowledge and competencies gained in your undergraduate studies in a social, cultural, business or economic discipline, lending it a (greater) European dimension. In this programme, you will be able to set your own study focus by choosing from a wide variety of subjects, including a number of European linguistic subjects and history, sociology, political science, geography, art history, East Central European studies and philosophy. To round off your profile, you will study, in depth, one or more of the following areas: foreign languages, media, intercultural communication, empirical research methods in social sciences, business administration, computer science and/or digital humanities.

Features

– Core subjects: linguistics, literary, cultural, socio-historical and geographic studies, intercultural communication and foreign languages.
– Shape your academic profile by choosing your own focus areas
– Subject-specific language programmes in eight languages with a special emphasis on economics/business or cultural studies
– Double degree options with the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) or Université de Strasbourg (France)
– Languages of instruction: German, English and, depending on your choice of cultural region, an additional European language

Career prospects

Graduates from the M.A. European Studies programme are sought after wherever in-depth knowledge of Europe, its societies, institutions and cultures is needed. The career choices open to you depend on your chosen focus areas and the work experience you gather while at university. For instance, you could work for the public authorities, supranational organisations, commercial enterprises, e.g. in the tourism or advertising industries, cultural organisations or education providers, to name but a few. The programme also prepares you for a research role in such organisations. To achieve the desired outcome, you must demonstrate a high level of independent thinking, determination and dedication, not only in your job but during your studies.
You will have the opportunity to develop your own individual study focus, which may later form the basis for your doctoral research, should you decide to continue with an academic career.

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Prepare for a global economy

The intercultural programme Chinese-European Economics and Business Studies provides students with key insights into major aspects of economic development in China and Europe. The skills taught include analyses of specific aspects of trade relations and financial flows, and an understanding of the social and economic interrelations between these two geo-political regions.

• Benefit from the international experiences in both study places: Germany and China
• Focus on Finance, Marketing, International Economics, Cultural Skills
• Including a compulsory semester in Chengdu/China at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE)
• Double degree available
• Cooperation network with representatives of key social and economic organisations and international companies

Content

This full-time Master programme comprises three parts:

• the first part builds and extends expertise in International Business and Economics,
• the second focuses on Chinese- European Business and Economics,
• and the third is dedicated to Cultural Studies and Language Learning.

Organisation

The Master programme takes two years in total. It begins in mid of September and ends two years later when students present their Master’s Thesis. The programme is divided into four semesters. The first two semesters are spent at Berlin School of Economics and Law. The third semester takes place at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. The fourth semester includes the writing of the Master’s Thesis. It can be studied in either location.

The master programme is taught entirely in English.

All core courses are given in a seminar style, using a wide range of case studies, presentations and discussions to provide an in-depth review of the material under consideration.

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Studying at ZEI offers you the chance to understand the EU and the critical interplay between governance and regulation. Taught by ZEI professors and a flying faculty of renowned experts from all over the EU, you will be a part of an international group of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You will have the opportunity to have your research published and be a part of the ZEI research team. You will train and develop important skills for your career. You will visit and experience the EU institutions first hand. You will make friends and contacts, which will stay with you throughout your life. You will become a part of the ZEI Alumni Network.

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Political science modules focus on contemporary political issues and governance in Europe, especially, as they pertain to the wider spectrum of integration theories, and on the institutional and policy development of the European Union since the ratification of the Treaties of Rome.
Economic modules cover the economic, monetary and financial aspects of the EU, and analyse the Union's internal market against the backdrop of economic globalisation and the international trade regime.
Legal modules deal with the constitutional principles of the European Union, the sources and application of EU law, the regulation of industry sectors such as electronic communications, energy and logistics as well as the legal structure of the internal market and the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the EU and other EU institutions.
The focus on governance in the EU deals with the interaction between political, economic, and legal factors and the dialectical structure of actors and factors in creating the institutional arrangements and policy fields in today's EU. Regulatory issues cover regulation policy and corresponding legal prerequisites in various fields, such as electronic communications, logistics, water, and energy.

Why choose our programme?

• Learn about current EU trends based on academic competence.
• Benefit from research-based teaching with a practical approach.
• Meet an international faculty of renowned academics and practitioners.
• Gain enormous career opportunities with your post-graduate Master's degree.
• Study in English at one of Germany's most prestigious universities.
• Make friends in a small, international, and diverse student group of fellows at the Center of European Integration Studies (ZEI).
• Open to post-graduates of different profiles from across the EU and around the world
• Excursions to the EU institutions in Brussels and Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Frankfurt as well as to the German government in Berlin
• New: additional certificate in intercultural competences
• Benefit from networking through Europe Dialogues and Business Talks.
• Take part in our diverse and exciting alumni network.
• Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and high quality infrastructure at ZEI.
• Take advantage of the cosmopolitan city of Bonn, the German UN capital (19 different agencies), headquarters of DHL/Deutsche Post and Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Welle and many national and international organisations, state agencies and companies.


During the two semesters from October to June, students attend six basic modules of 30 hours each and five specialised modules, each consisting of three topics and comprising 36 hours each. Basic modules provide students with a general knowledge and an overview of the subject. Specialised modules provide detailed knowledge on issues of special importance. The programme comprises four field trips to European and German institutions, organisations and companies, a career development programme as well as business talks, in particular, with practitioners from the private sector and alumni.
From June to August, students write their Master's thesis.

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