Skip to main content


Course: Eastern European Studies M.A.

  • Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

The interdisciplinary Master's degree programme in Eastern European Studies teaches regional expertise for Eastern, Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe in four semesters. The accredited degree program has been run in close cooperation with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich since 2004.

The Master's programme is an advanced course of study in which academic content and methods can be deepened and specialisations can be set. Requirements for this are the degree of an undergraduate Bachelor's programme or a comparable first professionally qualifying university degree. In addition, certain content is often specified as an aptitude requirement. The detailed provisions are set out in the respective Examination Regulations. A completed Master's programme entitles the holder to a doctorate.

The most important facts at a glance

Qualification
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Type of study
full time
Standard study period / ECTS
4 semesters (120 ECTS)
Admission
Selection Procedure, Eligibility Test
Start of studies
winter semester
Language of tuition
German, English

Program Profile

Have you already studied east europe in your BA programme or outside the university and want to deepen your knowledge in an interdisciplinary, subject-specific and practical way? Then the MA in Eastern European Studies is the right choice for you. You will study one specialisation area and one supplementary area from our range of subjects. In addition, there is a project course over two semesters, intensive language courses, a summer school in Eastern Europe and a professional internship related to Eastern Europe.

Is this the right program for me?

We are looking for students who are open to interdisciplinary work and have a passion for Eastern Europe. You also need a first very good to good university degree, at least basic knowledge of an East European language and an excellent command of German and English.

What makes this program special?

  1. Interdisciplinarity and practical relevance
    The degree program is designed to promote interdisciplinary academic skills. As part of the project module, for example, you will realise an interdisciplinary mediation project that is presented to the university and/or urban public. This will qualify you for responsible activities in a wide range of careers.
  2. Eastern Europe in Regensburg
    In Regensburg you will be studying at one of the most prominent locations for Eastern European Studies in Germany. Requirements for academic research, teaching and infrastructure such as the Leibniz Institute for East and South East European Studies (IOS) and the Bohemicum - Centre for Czech Studies offer optimal conditions for studying the region.
  3. Cooperation with the LMU Munich
    Eastern European Studies is carried out in close cooperation with the degree program of the same name at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. Students in each year complete the project module, the theory and methods course and the summer school together with their fellow students from Munich. The degree programme coordinator is based in Munich. This contributes to networking and facilitates access to Munich institutions such as the Eastern European Department of the Bavarian State Library.

What can I do with this degree?

Since 2004, we have been training experts in east europe who work in a wide range of fields in academia, journalism, foundations, communications and the private sector. Many graduates are active in our alumni association AMUROST e. V. and will be happy to tell you more about their careers.

Alumni association AMUROST e. V. (external link, opens in a new window)

“Within a small, highly motivated cohort, the Master's programme in Eastern European Studies in Regensburg not only provided me with sound specialist knowledge, but also opened up intensive access to the region and valuable insights into science and science communication through a wide range of scholarship opportunities for stays abroad, excellent language training and close links to research projects on site - e.g. as a student assistant.”

Gresa Morina, Communications and PR Officer at the Adenauer School of Government, University of Cologne

“The Master's programme in Eastern European Studies not only gave me an insight into many different areas, but also the opportunity to take part in numerous excursions. This diversity has made me a generalist, which benefits me greatly in my job as an international project manager.”

Astrid Heindel (assistant professor at the Energy Technology Centre at HAW Landshut)

“The Master's programme in Eastern European Studies was an incredibly enriching and important experience for me, which optimally prepared me for my doctorate in Eastern European history. Small study groups, an intensive project course with close supervision and an in-depth summer school in Eastern Europe characterise the degree program for me.”

Melanie Hussinger (research assistant in the history of Eastern and Central Eastern Europe, Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg)

Structure of the Program

Program Structure

Students of Eastern European Studies choose a specialisation area and a supplementary area. The following specialisations are available:

  1. History and social anthropology
  2. Linguistics, literature and cultural studies
  3. Law and economics

The total scope of the MA degree program is 120 ECTS credits spread over four semesters (Standard Period of Study). At the end of the programme there is a Master's thesis and an oral examination. The programme is completed with the academic degree of Master of Arts. A doctorate is then possible.

Further information on the structure (external link, opens in a new window)

Study Plans

The degree programme is divided into four areas:

  1. Interdisciplinary compulsory area
    • Project module (15 ECTS credits)
    • Theory and methods course (3 ECTS credits)
    • Summer school (6 ECTS credits)
    • Work placement (6 ECTS points)
    • Language training (15 ECTS points)
  2. Specialisation area
    Modules totalling 27 ECTS credits
  3. Supplementary area
    Modules totalling 18 ECTS credits
  4. Concluding module
    Master's thesis and defence (30 ECTS credits)

Module Overview

The module catalogue provides an overview of the compulsory and constrained elective modules to be taken.

To the module catalogue

Internship

The compulsory work placement can be completed in Eastern Europe or at an organisation in Germany with a connection to Eastern Europe.

Information on the compulsory internship (German version) (external link, opens in a new window)

Internationalization

All students attend a summer school in an east european country. Internships and study visits abroad are also supported. The University of Regensburg has a worldwide network of renowned partner universities that students can utilise.
Information on stays abroad from the International Office

Requirements

Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedureno
Pre-registration procedureno
Eligibility Test / Aptitude Testyes
Placement Testno
Subject-Specific Language Requirementsyes
German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualificationyes
Other Requirementsyes

Binding information and current information can be found in the brief overview (German version) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of the Registrar's Office or in the examination regulations applicable to you Examination Regulations.

Details Requirements

Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test

The Eligibility Test is a one- or two-stage process: you submit your documents via an online application portal by 15 June. Either a decision on admission will be made on the basis of your documents or you will be invited to a selection interview via Zoom in the second stage.

Further information on the Eligibility Test (German version) (external link, opens in a new window)

Subject-Specific Language Requirements

At least basic knowledge of an east european language (level A2 CEFR), knowledge of English at least at the level of five years of schooling.

Admission for internationals

German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification: At least level B2 CEFR

Other Requirements

A relevant first professionally qualifying university degree (at least a Bachelor's degree) with a grade of "good" or "very good" (for lawyers at least "fully satisfactory").

Academic Advising

Course-related information and advice

If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject-specific requirements, the application procedure and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the

Course-related information and advice (external link, opens in a new window)

General Student Advisory Service

The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study, to the course of study, to successful graduation.

If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.

General Student Advisory Service

To top