Freie Universität Berlin

MA in East European Studies

East European Studies (EES) is the world´s only online Master program on Eastern Europe. It focuses on the political, economic and judicial developments in Eastern Europe and is designed for professionals who want to obtain a degree whilst staying on the job. EES combines online self-study with four week-long in-house classes in Berlin. We ensure individual guidance and supervision by dedicated scholars and experts from within and beyond the region – some bring international perspectives, as well as boundless localized knowledge. EES offers a holistic educational approach: expertise in relevant knowledge fields, development of your e-competencies, and honing of your soft and intercultural skills.

Our training will help you achieve qualifications relevant for higher positions in governmental agencies, multinational corporations, NGOs, and international organizations.

With EES you will enjoy the following benefits:

• A degree from a German University of Excellence
• An innovative digital learning environment, accessible from anywhere around the world
• In-house classes in the fascinating city of Berlin twice a year
• Supervision by dedicated scholars and experts from around the world
• Training on soft skills that help you become a powerful communicator and negotiator
• Excellent career opportunities in Eastern Europe and the global arena
• A sustainable network of peers and alumni around the world

Admission requirements

Applicants for this program must hold a first university degree (B.A., M.A., diploma, state examination, or equivalent) preferably obtained in - but not limited to - the humanities and social sciences, including political science, law and economics. Applicants in other fields of study are encouraged to apply, although such applications will be subjected to close review.

In addition, applicants must have at least one year of relevant postgraduate work experience and need to be fluent in English. If English is not your native language, a language certificate verifying English proficiency is required. For the "Test of English as a Foreign Language” (TOEFL) a score equivalent to or higher than 550 points for the paper-based test, 213 points for the computer-based test or 79 points for the internet-based test is required. Alternatively, we accept the "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) and the "Cambridge Certificate" at the same level of language proficiency.

To successfully complete the program, applicants need to have reliable access to adequate electronic equipment – specifically internet access and a computer capable of working with multimedia course materials.

Applicants must provide a certified translation for all documents written in any language other than German or English.


Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin (FU) is one of Germany's leading research-based universities. Founded in 1948 according to the principles "Truth, Justice, Freedom" and based on its history as a reform-oriented university, it continues to display a modern and international character. Today, the university offers courses with more than one hundred subjects to over 35,500 students.

FU Berlin is the largest of the three universities in Berlin with about 570 professors, 4,000 graduate students and 1,000 doctoral candidates each year. Its academic profile is comprised of a broad range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Freie Universität Berlin is one of eleven German “Universities of Excellence”.