Interdisziplinäre Studien zum östlichen Europa / Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe (M.A.)

The aim of the Master’s programme is to impart interdisciplinary cultural competence related to Eastern Europe as well as comprehensive methodological competencies in various academic disciplines. Cultural, historical, legal, political, and economic processes in Eastern Europe are analyzed, reflected upon, and evaluated. Students will learn the independent acquisition, application, and critical evaluation of models and theories, as well as develop their academic judgment and linguistic expression and communication skills. Students will be enabled to carry out independent analyses of complex issues and to plan, implement, and evaluate their own projects on Eastern Europe.

What will I learn?

The outstanding features of the Master’s programme are:

• early introduction to interdisciplinary research on Eastern Europe right from the beginning of your studies
• career- and practice-oriented training through project work and internships
• research and teaching covering all regions of Eastern Europe
• the combination of disciplines related to Eastern Europe with Turkology and the discussion of the question of this region's belonging to Europe (currently available in the German-taught track)
• a broad chronological scope in teaching on Eastern Europe, from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century
• close cooperation with the Herder Institute in Marburg and the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), funded within the framework of the Excellence Initiative, which offers outstanding MA graduates excellent opportunities for further qualification.

The main subject comprises 50 CP, whilst the two minors are worth 20 CP each. Subjects with the same name must not be combined. In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of the degree programme, the Master’s thesis should draw on two subject areas, with the majority of the content coming from the student’s main subject. However, the thesis may also be written solely as part of the main subject.

Information on the course structure and modules

A description of the course structure and module content can be found in the Special Regulations for the degree programme (Appendices ‘Study Plans’ and ‘Module Descriptions’)

The Ukraine track within the Master’s programme aims to provide students with interdisciplinary cultural competence relating to Eastern Europe, with a focus on Ukraine, as well as comprehensive methodological skills across various academic disciplines. The course analyses cultural, historical, legal, political and economic processes in Eastern Europe, with a focus on Ukraine. The aim is to enable students to learn how to independently assimilate, apply and critically evaluate models and theories, whilst also developing their academic judgement and their ability to express themselves and communicate effectively. Students should be equipped to carry out independent analyses of complex issues and to plan, implement and evaluate their own projects on Eastern Europe, with a focus on Ukraine.

The key features are:

• an early introduction to interdisciplinary Eastern European studies right from the start of the degree programme
• career-oriented and practice-based training through project work and work placements
• research and teaching covering Ukraine’s historical, political, linguistic and cultural interconnections within Eastern Europe
• the broad chronological scope of teaching on Eastern Europe, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century
• close cooperation with the Herder Institute in Marburg and the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture – funded under the
• Excellence Initiative – which offers outstanding MA graduates excellent opportunities for further study.

The degree programme also offers an advanced language teaching programme in Ukrainian (and, if desired, other Slavic languages) and provides an opportunity to explore Ukrainian culture.

Thanks to the wide range of possible combinations, graduates can go on to work in fields such as academia, publishing, journalism, the media, cultural and political institutions, and the business sector.