European University Viadrina reforms study programmes
Individual support, social relevance and an international focus with an Eastern European connection if desired – that's what a degree programme at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) is all about. From the winter semester 2026/27, Viadrina will be offering five new Master's degree programmes and one new Bachelor's degree programme. Overall, the degree programmes will be more closely aligned with the needs of students and the focus on Eastern Europe will be strengthened in all faculties.
"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 degree programmes: individual, international and close to the issues of the current polycrisis
The new Cultural Studies Bachelor's degree programme Culture and Society 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.
The Faculty of Cultural Studies will be offering four new Master's degree programmes from October 2026: Central and Eastern European Studies, Conflict and Democracy (together with the Faculty of Law), Language and Media Studies and Social Studies – Crises, Culture, Critique.
The new Master's programmes are aimed at Bachelor's graduates who want 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 programme, students acquire theoretical foundations, in-depth specialist knowledge and practical skills and thus qualify both for specific professional fields and for continuing their academic education as part of a doctoral programme. In addition to the existing Digital Entrepreneurship degree programme, the European New School of Digital Studies (ENS) will also offer a Master in Digital Studies. 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 degree programmes 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 degree programmes at the Faculty of Cultural Studies – just like for all other undergraduate and non-degree programmes at Viadrina. The new degree programmes (with the exception of Digital Studies) are admission-free; enrolment is therefore possible without a numerus clausus (NC). Enrolment for the new degree programmes is possible from 1 June (Digital Studies from 1 May); studies start in October 2026.
Further information: www.europa-uni.de/studium
Reform of existing degree programmes
From October 2026, the Faculty of Law will be offering a Master's degree in German and European Law (LL.M.), the only one of its kind in Germany, which is integrated into the State Examination in Law programme. It complements the existing Bachelor of Laws degree and offers students a legal degree regardless of the outcome of the state examination.
The new certificate programme "Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies", which Viadrina offers as part of the Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies (KIU) coordinated by Viadrina, will start in the summer semester of 2026. The certificate is open to all interested parties: it enables Viadrina Master's students and guest students 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 reformed study programmes and conditions: "With the new study programmes 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 Viadrina's degree programmes
In total, Viadrina will be offering over 25 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in the winter semester 2026/2027.
For an overview of the entire range of degree programmes: www.europa-uni.de/studienangebot
Advice and contact
Study advisors are available by email, telephone and WhatsApp - all contacts are listed on www.europa-uni.de/studienangebot under the respective study programmes.