Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies

Certificate Programme

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Key facts

Qualification

 University certificate

Duration

2 Semesters

Teaching language 

German & English

Start of studies

Any time during the winter and summer semesters

Eligibility

Master’s and PhD students across Germany, as well as working professionals

Costs

 Free for students; fees for non-students

Application period

Open all year round

The programme

The only certificate programme in Germany in Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies provides you with in-depth knowledge of society, culture, politics and the multifaceted crises in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. 

You will develop the ability to analyse complex interrelationships comparatively and to contextualise them from a perspective that is not centred on Russia. Over two semesters, you will gain an understanding of Ukraine’s historical developments and its role in Europe. In terms of content, you will benefit from an interdisciplinary perspective that combines approaches from social, cultural, legal and economic academic disciplines. 

You will acquire or improve your Ukrainian language skills and expand your expertise through a Ukraine-related work placement.

USPs

Why study with us?

  • Interdisciplinary and a solution-oriented programme
  • Open for master students, PhD students and employed
  • Provides experience on Ukrainian research and gives practical expertise
  • Offers integrated language course and a Ukraine-related internship

Career prospects

The Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies programme prepares you for a range of professional fields, such as:

  • International NGOs, think tanks, research, public affairs
  • European institutions and projects relating to Ukraine and Eastern Europe
  • Companies in the fields of business, technology and defence, with a focus on reconstruction
  • Migration, integration and counselling work
  • Legal analysis and advice on war crimes and human rights violations
  • Political education, remembrance work and cultural management

Application & enrolment

If you would like to participate in the certificate programme, please send the following documents to: kiu-certificate@europa-uni.de.

Required documents:

  • letter of motivation describing your academic background and interest in Ukrainian Studies
  • the semester(s) in which you wish to participate
  • overview of previous courses, summer schools, or other academic activities related to Ukraine
  • information about your knowledge of Ukrainian
  • curriculum vitae
  • certificate of enrolment (or confirmation of future enrolment)

Knowledge of Ukrainian and prior academic experience related to Ukraine are not prerequisites for participation. Students without prior academic experience or knowledge of Ukraine are also welcome to apply.

Start: Students may begin the programme in any semester.

FAQs

The programme is primarily intended for Master’s students at the European University Viadrina. Master’s students from other universities may also participate as auditors.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in social sciences, cultural studies, law, economics, or media studies.

No. Prior knowledge of Ukrainian is not required. All participants take a Ukrainian language course as part of the programme.

The programme can typically be completed within two semesters.

Yes. The programme is designed as a supplementary qualification that can be completed alongside an ongoing Master’s programme.

Courses are held at the European University Viadrina and in cooperation with Humboldt University of Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin.

Yes. A Ukraine-related internship is a mandatory part of the programme.

Students at Viadrina can take the courses as part of their regular studies. Students enrolled at other German universities may participate free of charge but must register as auditors. You can find the information on registering as an auditor here.

Programme structure

The certificate programme comprises 30 ECTS credits. 

  • Specialisation Module 1 History and Culture of Ukraine: minimum 3 ECTS
  • Specialisation Module 2 The State and Society of Ukraine: minimum 3 ECTS
  • Specialisation Module 3 Conflict, War and Multiple Crises in a Global Context: minimum 3 ECTS
  • Additional courses across modules: 9 ECTS
  • Ukrainian Language Course – 3 ECTS
  • Ukraine Lecture Series – 3 ECTS
  • Internship – 6 ECTS

 Additional information can also be found in the certificate regulations.

Ukraine Lecture Series

Each semester, the Competence Network for Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies Frankfurt (Oder) – Berlin (KIU) organises a lecture series dedicated to a thematic focus of the semester. The upcoming semester theme is: ‚Transitional Justice

Lectures are delivered by invited scholars, researchers, and experts in Ukrainian Studies from Ukraine, Germany, and the international academic community.

 

Ukrainian language course

Participants complete a Ukrainian language course worth 3 ECTS credits as part of the programme. Students whose native language is Ukrainian may alternatively take a German, English, or Polish language course of equivalent scope.

 

Internship

A study-related internship connected to Ukraine is a mandatory part of the programme. Internships can be completed in areas such as: politics, public administration, media, culture, civil society, business, research and academia. 

The internship is self-organised, carries 6 ECTS credits, and must be completed as either: a four-week full-time internship (35–40 hours per week), or an equivalent part-time placement. 

If needed, KIU can provide students with a list of organisations offering internship opportunities.

Module 1: History and Culture of Ukraine 

Comprises courses on historical, linguistic, literary, artistic and cultural studies topics relating to Ukraine.

 

Module 2: The State and Society of Ukraine 

Comprises (comparative) courses in political science, social sciences, law, media studies and economics relating to Ukraine.

 

Module 3: Conflict, War and Multiple Crises in a Global Context 

Covers conflicts, wars and crisis dynamics relating to Ukraine in an international context.

To the links

Student Advisory Service

susann-worschech-3616 (1)

Dr. Susann Worschech

Academic Coordinator