This Erasmus Mundus joint Master's is a transdisciplinary, international and inter-university programme recognised as a Programme of Excellence and supported by the EU. It approaches “Euroculture” as a broad, multi-faceted phenomenon—examining how Europe is expressed and experienced from both within and beyond its borders—and situates those developments in a global context. The course traces cultural and social change, identity formation and value systems in Europe, responding to enlargement, deeper integration and growing cultural exchanges and conflicts.
Designed for students from Europe and non-EU countries, the programme has focused since its launch in 1999 on norms, values and identity-building processes across Europe. Teaching and study take place through a partnership that brings together three faculties at the University of Göttingen and eleven partner universities across Europe and further afield (including partners in India, Japan, Mexico and Canada). As a result, students gain first-hand exposure to different languages, academic perspectives and cultural practices through structured mobility.
Beyond theoretical understanding of contemporary Europe and EU institutions, the curriculum equips students with practical, career-relevant skills such as project management, intercultural communication, and the preparation of research projects and professional project proposals—preparing graduates for research and professional roles where informed knowledge of present-day Europe is important.
This four-semester, mobility-focused master’s programme is delivered by a consortium of eleven partner universities. Students start at the Göttingen campus (their designated “home” university) in semester one and move to a different European partner university (“host” university) for semester two. The programme combines coursework across institutions with a strong emphasis on independent research and international exchange.
A highlight of the curriculum is a seven-day intensive programme at the end of the second semester where all students and staff convene to present and discuss independent research projects — an opportunity to consolidate comparative knowledge, receive feedback, and network across the consortium. In the third semester students choose between a professional route (an internship with institutions or organisations) and a research route (additional coursework at one of the participating universities). The research route can be taken at one of eight European partner universities or, for European students, at one of four non‑European partner universities. In the fourth semester students return to either their home or host university to continue and complete their remaining study components.
Key learning outcomes
Program structure — core requirements
Applicants must hold a completed first‑cycle degree (e.g., a BA or BSc) with a good overall grade in a field relevant to Euroculture. Relevant disciplines include the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences—examples are European Studies, History, Theology, Linguistics, Philology, Literature, Philosophy, International Relations, Political Science, Law, Economics, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology—or any other study programme you consider relevant to Euroculture. If you are unsure whether your background fits, you are encouraged to get in touch for guidance.
Selection is based on a combination of academic achievement and personal/professional suitability. The admissions committee evaluates academic records and potential, motivation for the programme, language proficiency, related work or international experience, and personal competencies that indicate you can thrive in an interdisciplinary, intensive, and group-oriented learning environment. Applicants are also asked to provide academic—and where possible, professional—references. For full details see: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/31861.html
Winter Semester (International)
1 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 March 2026
Graduates are equipped for careers where in-depth knowledge of contemporary Europe and EU institutions is essential. Typical career paths include roles in international organisations, governmental and intergovernmental institutions, cultural and heritage organisations, NGOs, policy analysis and advisory positions, and positions in communication or project management that require intercultural competence.
The programme also prepares students for academic and research trajectories (e.g., PhD studies) through its research track, thesis work and training in research methods. Practical internship experience further enhances employability in public, private and non-profit sectors.