This English-taught Master's programme brings together social sciences, political science, cultural studies and economics to study Europe in an international context. Led by the Faculty of Social Science, the degree draws on staff and courses from Economics, History, Philology, and Philosophy & Education, giving you access to a broad range of perspectives and course options. The curriculum balances disciplinary depth with interdisciplinary approaches to better understand cultural, political and economic processes across Europe.
In the first year you follow core modules that build methodological and substantive foundations: Philosophy and European Law; European Economic History; Culture and Language; European Economics; European Policy and Society; and Empirical Research Methods. In your second year you specialise by choosing two of these fields to pursue in greater depth. The programme also includes a dedicated research seminar that culminates in a four-day study trip to Brussels, and you can optionally incorporate a two- to three-month internship during the second year to gain practical experience.
The combination of empirical research training, interdisciplinary content and a European focus prepares graduates for careers in policymaking, international organisations, research, NGOs, consulting and other roles that require nuanced knowledge of Europe's cultural and economic landscape. The Brussels seminar offers direct exposure to European institutions and networks, and the internship option helps you apply academic learning in a professional setting.
Program requirements (during the degree)
Curriculum overview The programme combines disciplinary breadth with practical and research-oriented training. It begins with an introductory colloquium that includes intercultural training and proceeds through five core modules, two research-methods modules, and a research-analysis module that is linked to a four-day study excursion to Brussels. Students then choose two specialisation modules — or one specialisation module plus an internship — before completing a final colloquium that prepares them for the Master’s thesis. The Master’s thesis (the programme’s final examination) is scheduled for the fourth semester.
Structure and learning outcomes Each module is formed from two study components (for example, seminars or lectures), with a total of 20 study components across the programme; every module is assessed by an examination. The curriculum is designed to develop interdisciplinary analytical skills (connecting culture and economy), methodological competence in social-science research, and the ability to design and carry out an independent research project. Specialisation options (or the internship alternative) let you deepen applied or thematic expertise, while the Brussels excursion and intercultural colloquium strengthen practical knowledge of European institutions and cross-cultural communication. Small-group seminars, targeted tutoring, and regular faculty consultation hours support academic progress and the successful completion of the thesis.
Requirements (at a glance)
You should hold a Bachelor’s degree (or recognized equivalent) in a related discipline — for example political science, social science, economics, international relations, cultural studies, literature and language studies, history, or philosophy — with strong academic results. The programme expects your undergraduate studies to provide a solid, relevant foundation for advanced interdisciplinary study in European culture and economy. You must have achieved at least a 2.3 grade on the German grading scale (or the equivalent evaluation for non‑German degrees).
In addition to your major, your previous coursework must include at least 20 credit points in subjects outside your main field to demonstrate breadth relevant to the ECUE curriculum. Your application must include language proof and standard application documents; please consult the MA ECUE website for exact formats, deadlines and any further detail on how documents from non‑German institutions are assessed.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers that require nuanced understanding of European cultural, political and economic contexts. Typical paths include roles in European and international organisations, public administration, policy analysis, non-governmental organisations, cultural institutions and research-oriented positions.
The programme also provides a solid foundation for consultancy or policy advisory work and for further academic study (PhD) by equipping students with interdisciplinary analytical skills and empirical research methods.
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