Degree
Master of Arts
Semester fee
71
Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
4
Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
Yes
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.
The program in detail
Structure
Semester 1: Expanding on knowledge acquired in BA program
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.
Semester 2: Research 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".
Semester 3: Expanding on intercultural experience
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.
Semester 4: Final phase
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.
Rankings and assessments
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
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.
Overview of partner universities
Practical connection
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.
Career possibilities and professional fields
Career prospects
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.
Alumni testimonials
"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
Campus
Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.
What sets the KU apart
Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.
It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.
Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?
No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.
As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.
This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.
Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation.
Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?
With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.
A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.
Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.
The location
![[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten](/fileadmin/22/Studiengaenge/Bilder_fuer_Studiengangwebseiten/Biergarten.jpg)
Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities.
The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.
Advisory Service
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!
David
Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building
Domplatz 8
|
Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt
Application
Requirements
Bachelor
selection procedure: see examination regulations
selection procedure: see examination regulations
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
May 01
-
Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
Yes
Application
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.