Cultural and Social Studies (B.A.)

Module 1: Introduction | Module 2: Consolidation (15 ECTS credits each) 

• Overview of disciplinary approaches to studying culture and society in a lecture series by professors of the faculty
• Accompanying seminar that focuses on the acquisition of basic academic writing competences in the context of cultural and social sciences
• Consolidation Module – two courses in general cultural sciences

These modules are taught entirely in English.

Elective Module 3 | Elective Module 4 (30 ECTS credits each)

Choose two of three modules in the programme’s focal areas and attend four courses in each:

• EUROPE/S – History, Culture, Politics
• MEDIA – Image, Text and Language
• DIFFERENCE – Migration, Gender and Diversity

You can attend courses in English and/or German. Please note that you have to acquire at least 6 ECTS credits in German (orally or in written form).

Module 5: Optional Module (12 ECTS credits)

You can deepen your focus on one of the topics offered in modules 3 and 4 by attending two more courses in one of these modules.

OR

You can take two courses in Economics at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics of Viadrina

OR

You can take two courses in „Digital Societies“, offered in cooperation with the European New School of Viadrina

 

All three options are available in English and German.

Module 6: Methods, Academic Writing and Research Skills (12 ECTS credits)

The module focuses on methods in science to ensure access to academic standards as they are common in the social and cultural sciences in Germany. It contains the following three elements:

• Peer-writing class (ideally to be attended in the beginning)
• Attend a colloquium in one of the four academic disciplines (mostly in German)
• Programme-specific, interdisciplinary colloquium in which you write and present an exposé of your BA thesis

Module 7: Language Skills (36 ECTS credits)

For students without German backgrounds:

• German (at least B2)
• Students are strongly advised to reach C1 level if they plan to continue their studies in Germany
• Another foreign language (B1), (C1) if this is English
• Students with Anglophone backgrounds are excluded from choosing English as a foreign language

For students with German backgrounds:

• One foreign language which is not English (B2)
• One other foreign language (B1), (C1) if this is English

Module 8: Practical Skills (18 ECTS credits)

This module provides practical skills and preparation for the job market through:

• Compulsory internship of at least four weeks (6 ECTS credits):

• by means of a three-months internship abroad, students can fulfil the obligation of the mandatory stay abroad (earning the module's total of 18 ECTS credits at the same time)
• students with non-German background can do a three-months internship abroad (ideally in a German-speaking environment) or in Germany

• Other practical skills courses, e.g. workshop or seminars at the Viadrina in German (also an additional opportunity for students who learn German to practice their language skills)

BA Thesis (24 ECTS credits) and Final Exam (6 ECTS credits)

• The thesis can be written in English or German
• The oral exam (60 minutes) can be held in English or German

Curriculum (Template) BA Cultural and Social Studies

(according to the Study and Examination Regulations from 30 June 2023, amended on 19 April 2023)

You can find more information in the Study and Examination Regulations (legally binding German version or non-binding English translation). Please note that the Study and Examination Regulations have been amended on 19 April 2023 (Amendment, currently only in German).

Module Structure BA Cultural and Social Studies

(according to the Study and Examination Regulations from 30 June 2021, amended on 19 April 2023)

Course Catalogue BA Cultural and Social Studies

(according to the Study and Examination Regulations from 30 June 2021, amended on 19 April 2023)

1. University entrance certificate ("Abitur" or equivalent)

On the online platform anabin, you can check whether your international degree(s) qualify as an equivalent.

 

2. Proof of English language proficiency on a B2 level according to the Common European Framework of References for Languages

We accept the following tests:

• TOEFL (IBT not ITP): at least 80 points
• Cambridge English Advanced: level B2
• Cambridge English First: grade C
• IELTS (IELTS for Study): at least 6.5
• UNIcert II certificate

We do not accept the following proofs/tests:

• Language education at school (including A-levels)
• APIEL
• TOEIC
• BULATS

Please submit your application between 1 June to 15 July via uni-assist. Viadrina's international office provides further information on the application procedure for international students.

Please note that you have to submit a certified translation of all documents that are not issues in German or English.

The application period for students, who want to apply for advanced semesters runs from 1 June to 15 September (for the winter semester) and from 1 December to 15 March (for the summer semester). All applications for advanced semesters need to be submitted online through viaCampus, regardless of the applicant's citizenship and the country in which they received their university entrance certificate. This also applies to applicants who do not hold a German citizenship and received their university entrance certificate outside Germany.

Please send the following documents until 20 September (winter semester) or 15 March (summer semester) to the admission office („Zulassungsamt“):

• the completed and signed application for enrolment (available on viaCampus after completing your online enrolment),
• a certified copy of your university entrance qualification,
• a health insurance certificate*,
• a self-addressed, stamped envelope, size DIN A4, for sending the student ID card (chip card) and returning your submitted documents,
• f you have previously studied in Germany: certificates of enrolment from German universities showing the semesters of study and university semesters you have completed to date,
• if you have previously studied in Germany: a certificate of exmatriculation from your last German higher education institution,
• proof of payment of the semester fee (e.g. printout of the online transaction),
• a copy of an ID document showing your surname, first name, date of birth, address and the date of validity. You have the option of blacking out all other details. This copy of the ID is used exclusively for identification purposes and protects against identity theft.
• the confirmation of placement in an advanced semester. Please apply for placement in an advanced semester to the programme’s examination board at the same time you apply for enrolment through viaCampus.

 

 

* Notes on student health insurance

For enrolment, we require proof of your insurance status - either legally insured or exempt from compulsory insurance. Please contact a statutory health insurance company and either get insured there (e.g. as a student) or get a confirmation that you are exempt, so that your insurance status can be reported electronically to the Viadrina. The chip card or a paper certificate is not sufficient.

In order to report your insurance status, the health insurance companies may require the sender number of the Viadrina: H0001747.

Students,

• from 30 years of age
• in further education courses
• who are enrolling for a doctorate
• who are enrolled at the College

do not receive a student tariff. They can insure themselves voluntarily at the regular rate. The electronic health insurance certificate is not required for these students.