Viadrina revises study programme - New study courses and integrated master's degree in law

"Studying Europe, utilising global opportunities, shaping society - this is what we at Viadrina stand for. Our aim is to educate people who provide the impetus to tackle pressing social challenges. To this end, we offer an internationally oriented degree programme that is geared towards the interests and needs of our students. Students and their academic success are at the centre of our committed academic community," says Viadrina President Prof Dr Eduard Mühle.

The new study courses: individual, international and close to the issues of the current polycrisis

The new Cultural Studies Bachelor's degree programme Culture and Society, which will be offered from October 2026, is aimed at prospective students who want to understand social conflicts, change and challenges in Europe and the world and contribute to successful coexistence. The major-minor model is new: students choose a specialisation (major) and an additional subject (minor) at the beginning of their studies and thus design their studies according to their interests to a high degree of individuality.

Four new Master's degree programmes will be offered by the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences from October 2026: Central and Eastern European Studies, Conflict and Democracy (jointly with the Faculty of Law), Language and Media Studies and Social Studies - Crises, Culture, Critique.

The new Master's degree programmes are aimed at Bachelor's graduates who would like to deepen their expertise in dealing with social issues of the current polycrisis: from the foundations and perspectives of Europe, to questions of social coexistence in modern societies, conflict resolution in democracies and dealing with artificial intelligence and social media.

During the four-semester Master's degree programme, students acquire theoretical foundations, in-depth specialist knowledge and practical skills, qualifying them for specific professional fields as well as for continuing their academic education as part of doctoral studies. In future, the European New School of Digital Studies (ENS) will offer a Master in Digital Studies in addition to the existing Digital Entrepreneurship study course. This familiarises students with the interactions between digital technologies, media, culture and politics.

All new Master's degree programmes can be studied in English and are therefore also attractive for international students. On request, individual study courses can be offered as international double programmes: Here, students complete their studies in two countries and receive two degrees.

No admission restrictions, no tuition fees - Enrolment possible from 1 June
There are no tuition fees for the new study courses at the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences - just like for all other undergraduate and non-continuing education courses at Viadrina. The new study courses (with the exception of Digital Studies) are admission-free; enrolment is therefore possible without a numerus clausus (NC). Enrolment for the new study courses is possible from 1 June (Digital Studies from 1 May); the programme starts in October 2026.

Further information: www.europa-uni.de/studium

Reform of existing study programmes

From October 2026, the Faculty of Law will offer a Master's degree in German and European Law (LL.M.), the only one of its kind in Germany, which is integrated into the Staatsexamen in law study course. It complements the existing Bachelor of Laws degree and offers students a legal degree regardless of the outcome of the Staatsexamen.

The new certificate programme "Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies", which Viadrina offers as part of the Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU) competence network coordinated by Viadrina, will start in the summer semester of 2026. The certificate is open to everyone: it enables Viadrina Master's students and Guest Participants to take an in-depth look at Ukraine, its history, culture and society. It is offered jointly by Viadrina, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Berlin and includes internships and language courses in addition to academic work.

Viadrina President Prof. Dr Eduard Mühle on the revised study courses and conditions:
"With the new study courses and the study reforms, we are strengthening good teaching, individual learning and study conditions, offering space for individual development and the experience of a committed academic community. And we are strengthening the students' pan-European perspective: Those who wish can acquire in-depth expertise on Eastern Europe at all Faculties." With its global network of university partnerships, numerous international double degrees and a multicultural, multilingual campus, Viadrina remains a gateway to the world. "This enables our students to establish an international private and professional network during their studies."

About the study courses offered at Viadrina
In total, Viadrina will be offering over 25 Bachelor's and Master's degree courses in the winter semester 2026/2027.

For an overview of the entire range of degree programmes:
www.europa-uni.de/studienangebot

Student Advisory Services are available by email, telephone and WhatsApp - all contacts are listed on www.europa-uni.de/studienangebot under the respective study programmes.

Translated by DeepL and edited