History and Culture of the Baltic Sea Region University of Greifswald

All basic and obligatory courses are held in English, except for the language courses, which are taught in the respective foreign language. In the optional studies segment, there may be courses that are offered in German only, depending on the field of study selected.

The MA programme in History and Culture of the Baltic Sea Region (HiCuBaS) is designed for students who want to specialise in the culturally and historically complex Baltic Sea region. It consists of interdisciplinary seminars and lectures that train students for various fields of activity, e.g. cultural exchange or working for companies and NGOs in the Baltic Sea region. The focus of the programme lies on the humanities, especially on history, cultural studies, literature, and linguistics.

15 January for the following summer semester
15 July for the following winter semester

The first part of the programme consists of an introduction to cultural studies as well as to current interdisciplinary research on the Baltic Sea region.

The second part of the programme consists of language courses. Students can choose from a wide range of languages of the Baltic Sea region, including German (for students who have no command of German or who want to improve their skills in German as a foreign language), Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Polish, Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian. Courses are offered from beginner to advanced levels (A1 to C1). However, the acquisition of these languages requires an advanced level of German (B2 or higher).

The third part of the programme is made up of lectures and seminars on the history as well as on languages and literatures of the Baltic Sea region from a comparative perspective.

Furthermore, there is an optional studies segment in which students can choose from lectures and seminars taken from other Master's programmes at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, including but not limited to courses on Lower German, History, Art History, Music, German, Baltic, Finnish, Scandinavian, or Slavonic studies.

Last but not least, the programme includes an obligatory semester abroad. Students can study at partner universities throughout the whole Baltic Sea Region. This international study unit can be used to specialise further in a single culture or field of study or to widen the individual scope of study by adding disciplines with a focus on the Baltic Sea region that are not part of the curriculum in Greifswald.

Credit points can also be acquired via optional internships during the stay abroad, but internships do not form an integral part of the study programme.

No tuition fees

A semester fee of 109 EUR (or 135 EUR for first-year students) must be paid every semester.

Around 920 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses. The following link provides a fair picture of life in Greifswald, including living costs, daily expenses and leisure expenses: https://www.uni-greifswald.de/en/study/prior-to-studies/costs-and-financing/.

In order to study this Master's programme at the University of Greifswald, the applicants must hold a BA degree or equivalent academic qualification (successfully finished three-year full-time study programme) and have sufficient proficiency in English. As the focus of the course programme is on history and cultural studies (including languages and literatures), we primarily invite applicants from these fields of study. Applications from other scientific backgrounds are possible only in exceptional cases.

Knowledge of English (B2 level, testified by certificates such as FCE, TOEFL (CBT) 213, TOEFL (iBT) 80, TOEFL (PBT) 550, TOEIC 785, IELTS 6.0, or at least seven years of classes in English as a foreign language at school) is a necessary requirement.

Basic knowledge of German (A1) is desirable, but not a necessary precondition to enrol in the study programme. Students with no or limited knowledge of German are advised to take courses in German as a foreign language as part of their study programme (modules language skills I and II). Students with advanced skills in German (B2 or higher) can also take courses in other languages of the Baltic Sea region, including Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Estonian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Polish, or Russian.

15 January for the following summer semester
15 July for the following winter semester

The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships and scholarships for outstanding social engagement. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results.

Students from countries outside the EU or EEA can work for four months per year (120 days full-time or 240 days part-time) without a work permit. Although Greifswald is a small city, there are some part-time jobs for students in the service sector (e.g. as a waiter/waitress or a language teacher) or at the university as a student assistant. For job opportunities, please check the following website: https://www.uni-greifswald.de/en/university/information/jobs/.

In order to make moving to Greifswald easy, students enrolled at the university may rent single or double rooms or choose individual apartments available within the six student residences managed by the "Studierendenwerk" (Student Services). Accommodation is also available for those with mobility impairments.

Private apartments are available throughout town at a wide variety of prices, sizes, and locations. Many students find living together in a “WG” (shared flat) to be an ideal arrangement since they can share the expenses for heating, electricity, Internet, etc.

The following link provides detailed information on accommodation in Greifswald: https://www.uni-greifswald.de/en/life/accommodation/accommodation-in-greifswald/.

The University of Greifswald provides extensive support for international students and doctoral candidates. The International Office assists with admissions, visas, and integration. The Language Centre offers German courses, while student initiatives like LEI organise events to foster social connections. The Social and Psychological Counselling Service supports students facing personal or financial challenges. Doctoral candidates benefit from the Graduate Academy, which offers workshops, advisory services, and networking. The Welcome Centre helps international researchers with non-academic matters, ensuring a smooth transition into life in Greifswald.

Founded in 1456, the University of Greifswald is one of the oldest universities in Germany, blending centuries of academic tradition with a modern, international outlook. Located in the north-east of the country, close to the Baltic Sea, the university offers a unique academic environment where innovation and personal engagement go hand in hand.

Today, more than 10,000 students from over 90 countries are enrolled at the university. With approximately 250 professors, the student-to-faculty ratio is exceptionally favourable, allowing for close and personal contact between students and academic staff. This supportive atmosphere is one of the defining features of studying in Greifswald.

The University of Greifswald is recognised for its research strength and academic diversity, particularly in life sciences, environmental studies, medicine, and the humanities. A broad range of degree programmes and research opportunities are complemented by a growing number of English-taught courses, making the university increasingly attractive to international students.

Through strong global partnerships and active participation in exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, the university promotes an open and international academic culture. The International Office offers comprehensive support with admissions, visa procedures, and integration into university life, ensuring that international students feel welcome and well-prepared.

Student life at the University of Greifswald is vibrant and diverse. A wide variety of student initiatives, cultural groups, and international associations offer opportunities to connect with fellow students and get involved. The LEI (Local Erasmus Initiative) organises events and activities designed to bring international and local students together.

The university also encourages an active lifestyle. With numerous sports facilities and over 100 university sports courses—from fitness training to team sports—students can stay active and healthy alongside their studies. The surrounding natural landscape provides additional options for outdoor recreation.

At the University of Greifswald, studying means more than attending lectures. It means being part of a close-knit academic community where students are seen, heard, and supported. The combination of high academic standards, international openness, and a personal learning environment makes the University of Greifswald a unique place to study.

Greifswald is a friendly and vibrant university town in northeastern Germany with a population of around 60,000. Just three kilometres from the Baltic Sea and surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, it offers a peaceful yet engaging environment—perfect for studying and student life.

The town is well connected to popular destinations like the islands of Usedom and Rügen, known for having some of Germany’s most stunning beaches. Berlin, the capital of Germany, is just a two-and-a-half-hour train ride away, making weekend trips and cultural excursions easily accessible.

Greifswald is compact and student-oriented, making it easy to get around by bike or on foot. With a rich cultural scene, cosy cafés, and plenty of green spaces, it’s easy to feel at home here.

The weather is varied but generally mild. Winters can be cold, occasionally dropping to -10°C, with fresh winds from the sea—though heavy snow is rare. Summers are pleasant, usually between 20 and 25°C, and the region of Western Pomerania is known as one of the sunniest areas in Germany.

Greifswald is often described not simply as a town with a university, but as a university with a town. The university plays a central role in the cultural and social life of the city. This close-knit atmosphere creates a welcoming and inclusive environment that helps students feel at home from the very beginning.