Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe | Interdisziplinäre Studien zum östlichen Europa (MA) (German Option) Justus Liebig University Giessen

Nearly all courses are held in German.
Some courses can be held in English and/or some Slavic languages.

The Giessen Centre for Eastern European Studies (GiZo) is the regional studies research and teaching centre for Eastern Europe at the Justus Liebig University of Giessen. 

By combining cultural and social science research on Eastern Europe, the centre provides an excellent basis for interdisciplinary research on the region. The GiZo offers an accredited, two-year, full-time Master's degree programme, the Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe Master of Arts. The programme is notable for its interdisciplinary and international nature as well as its emphasis on applied research.
The course of study is conducted in German, and it provides students with the professional competence and expertise to analyse, reflect upon, and evaluate social, political, legal, and cultural developments and relations in the Eastern European region (also Turkey and the Turkic-speaking regions of the former Soviet Union). The wide range of disciplines and courses offered allows for an individual curriculum and the opportunity to build a research-based as well as job-oriented profile.
The curriculum consists of one major subject (50 CP) and two minor elements (20 CP each). The programme concludes with a Master's thesis (30 CP) based on the student's major, but the thesis may also include additional interdisciplinary topics.

Students can choose from the following subjects:

• Majors: Slavic studies OR History of Eastern Europe
• Minors: Slavic studies, history of Eastern Europe, Turkic studies, law, political science, economics, sociology

• For the following winter semester: 15 July (with possible extension)
• For the following summer semester: 15 January (with possible extension)

More information: https://www.uni-giessen.de/internationales/studierenjlu/bewerbung/gs
International applicants should apply via www.uni-assist.de as soon as possible.

The study programme includes 120 ECTS, which will be accumulated over the course of two academic years. There are five modules that have to be completed in the major subject, whereas the two minors consist of two modules each. All modules have to be completed during the first three semesters. The Master's thesis concludes the programme and is to be written in the fourth semester.
Module titles (selection): Interdisciplinary Module on Eastern Europe; Language Module; Slavic Languages & Cultures; Turkish: Politics, Society, and Language; Conflict & Cooperation in Europe; European Law: Institutional Principles & Eastern Enlargement
A complete overview of the programme's organisation can be found on the website of the JLU: https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/mug/7/pdf/7_36/05/7_36_05_8/7_36_05_8_2ae_2021, https://www.uni-giessen.de/fbz/zentren/gizo/gizomaster.

The curriculum of the study programme does not explicitly require an internship, but it is highly recommended that students do internships. Additionally, required project work can be replaced by an internship in an Eastern European-related institution or enterprise in Germany or abroad.

No tuition fees

402 EUR (winter semester 2025/26, varies slightly with each semester)

The current semester contribution can be found here: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/org/admin/departments/b/5/studoffice/sc.

Approximately 900 EUR

A) BA degree (or an equivalent, officially recognised degree) related to the humanities or social sciences, with proven knowledge in the chosen major subject (20 CP) and one of the chosen minor subjects (10 CP) would be preferred. Applications with other BA degrees may also be under consideration.

B) Language skills (details see below)

1) Since most of the courses are held in German, very good language skills in German are absolutely mandatory: https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/internationales/studierenjlu/sprachkenntnisse/zulassung.

2) Very good knowledge of one Slavic language is required for the Major in Slavic Studies, of one Eastern European language for the Major in Eastern European History.

• For the following winter semester: 15 July (with possible extension)
• For the following summer semester: 15 January (with possible extension)

More information: https://www.uni-giessen.de/internationales/studierenjlu/bewerbung/gs
International applicants should apply via www.uni-assist.de as soon as possible.

Financial aid for international students at JLU in the closing phase of their degree:
Partial scholarship are available for three to six months: 300 to 450 EUR per month (funding phase starting April or May every year). A Presidential Commission will decide on the awarding of the scholarships based on academic achievements, indigence, social or intercultural commitment, recommendations from academic staff and compliance with formal requirements. More information: https://www.uni-giessen.de/en/international-pages/study/grants/closingphase?set_language=en

https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/ueber-uns/karriere/stellenangebote/studentische-hilfskraefte

http://jobboerse.asta-giessen.de/

Students may apply for a room in a shared flat or a single room in the halls of residence or search for private accommodation. More information via www.uni-giessen.de/acc

Career Service and special opportunities for international students: www.uni-giessen.de/en/faculties/research-centers/zfbk/career_services/

https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/internationales/studierenjlu/imma