The Master’s program in European Studies approaches the cultural epochs of Europe and the relationship between Europe and non-European cultures in depth. The program is mainly research-oriented. In terms of content, the Master’s program in European Studies has two main pillars: on the one hand, it focuses on European languages, literatures and cultures; on the other hand, great importance is attached to European history, politics and traditions of thought.
In the first semester, students bundle and expand on the knowledge acquired the BA program. The central contents of the degree program are imparted in the module "Cultural Memory and European Identity". By choosing an area of specialization, students set an individual focus already in the first semester. Students can choose from the following areas of specialization: Literary Studies, Linguistics, Art History, History, Political Science and European Ethnology. In Literary Studies and Linguistics, an additional focus can be added by choosing a specific philology. Students can choose between English/American Studies, German Studies and Romance Studies. It is also possible to combine modules from several philologies. In the first semester, students also start studying the two foreign languages they have chosen, which is continued in the second semester.
This semester is entirely dedicated to research. In the "Academic Project" module, students conceptualize, organize and implement a workshop or an exhibition, for example. This specifically promotes skills for imparting complex theoretical content, in addition to the ability to reflect on cultural sciences topics. In recent years, students organized an exhibition on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (in cooperation with the Bürgerhaus Ingolstadt), as well as a workshop on "Cultural Narratives". Currently, students are planning a virtual excursion on the topic of "English-Scottish relations in the Brexit context".
The 3rd semester, which also includes the required stay abroad, is dedicated to intercultural experience. Here, students can choose their study location depending on the subject area they would like to focus on. In addition, students can already start working on their Master's thesis.
In the fourth semester, the module "Interculturality" helps students expand on their interdisciplinary skills. Furthermore, their knowledge in the specialization area is expanded further. The remaining time is available to the students for preparing their Master’s thesis.
KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others.
"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.
Studying abroad is an indispensable component of this degree program and is an important pillar for the expansion of students’ skills and experience. The degree program has 12 partner universities in seven countries. Students are also free to choose from the KU-wide range of partnerships.
The recently introduced internship is a new profile element of the Master's degree program in European Studies and provides for the enhancement of self-learning and teaching skills as well as for a connection between studies and professional life. The internship that can be completed either in Germany or abroad should last at least four weeks and provide students with an insight into practical work experience as well as an additional qualification related to their chosen field of work. In the past, students of the BA program in European Studies have completed internships for example in the EU Parliament, in museums, at car manufacturers, in tourist information offices or in German embassies abroad.
The Master's degree in European Studies qualifies graduates for work in international organizations, cultural institutions, in press and public relations work, in cultural management and, in general, in all areas in which a broad knowledge of cultural history, good foreign language skills and a pronounced ability to communicate are relevant. At the same time, holders of this Master’s degree have the possibility to subsequently obtain a doctoral degree and start their academic career.
Former students of European Studies, for example, work in publishing, in the management of regional/city cultural institutions or in marketing.
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"I studied in the Bachelor’s and Master’s program in European Studies at the KU Eichstätt. The studies were very interesting and varied: You always had the opportunity to find your own direction and to deepen your knowledge in your field of interest. Especially great was the opportunity to learn different foreign…
"I studied in the Bachelor’s and Master’s program in European Studies at the KU Eichstätt. The studies were very interesting and varied: You always had the opportunity to find your own direction and to deepen your knowledge in your field of interest. Especially great was the opportunity to learn different foreign languages and the required semesters abroad, during which you were completely free with regard to the destination and choice of subjects. I also liked the good contact to the other students and professors, which is only possible because of the University’s relatively small size.
In my professional career, the degree programs have helped me to be able to work in a variety of fields. For example, I work in the International Office of a university and also work as a Spanish teacher at a vocational school.”
The KU has two campuses: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt. Seven faculties are located in Eichstätt. The Ingolstadt School of Management (WFI) and MIDS (Institute of Applied Mathematics, Machine Learning and Data Science) are located on our Ingolstadt campus.
This degree program is taught on our Eichstätt campus.
The district of Eichstätt and the city of Ingolstadt are located in the heart of Bavaria. This central location also means that the KU is easy to reach. Eichstätt impresses with its unique combination of baroque architecture, modern amenities and the picturesque nature of the Altmühltal natural park.
Short distances and lavish green spaces characterize the KU campus in Eichstätt. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town.
Studying at the KU not only provides you with the specialist knowledge you need, but also aims to open up real future prospects for its students. We want to support our students in finding their own personal path to their individual dream future! The question is not "What career do I want to pursue?", but rather "Who do I want to be?"
Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!
The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.
Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!
Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.