Intercultural Communication and European Studies (M.A.)
Fulda, Germany
DURATION
4 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English, German
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Sep 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Oct 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 360 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* no tuition fees; only a semester contribution of approximately €360
Key Summary
Introduction
The Master's degree program in Intercultural Communication and European Studies (ICEUS) enables students to qualify for international and intercultural professional fields.
The program includes courses in the social sciences, political sciences, communication sciences, and law. Topics include culturally reflective communication, European politics and European law, globalization, transnational governance(Model United Nations conferences), culture and media, etc.
The languages of instruction are German and English. The degree program offers both practical experience and research opportunities.
Intercultural Communication Also in Everyday Study Life
Every year, around 30 international and German students come together on this program. It is not uncommon to have 10-15 different nationalities in a study group. Here, intercultural communication and cooperation can not only be learned in theory but also experienced in practice. This is another reason why we attach great importance to getting to know each other and team building at the beginning of the program.
Internship Abroad and Excursions
The program includes an internship abroad as well as field trips to Bad Liebenzell / Strasbourg and Brussels. Here, students visit European institutions and hold discussions with local experts. The internship abroad is prepared as part of the degree program.
Counselling and Orientation
If you are interested in the ICEUS Master's program, there are various ways to obtain information or advice: Online InfoSessions, a taster day at the department, contact with the degree program coordinator, or information material. We also put you in touch with current students who are happy to share their experiences.
Why study in Fulda?
Many Possibilities
Fulda University of Applied Sciences with its eight departments offers around 60 Bachelor's and Master's programs. The selection is large and ranges from technology, computer science, business, and law to nutrition, health, society, and culture. In addition to traditional subjects such as business administration or electrical engineering, we also offer innovative degree programs such as Nutrition, Health Sciences, or Renewable Energies.
Applied Sciences - the Combination of Theory and Practice
Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences. This means that studying with us is not just about theory, but also has a lot to do with practice. This is reflected, among other things, in the close relationship between the university and regional organizations and companies, for example, when it comes to internships or theses. The International Careers Service of the International Office also offers international students and graduates a comprehensive range of information and advice on the topics of internships and career entry - paving the way to your future career.
Dual Study Programs - a German Success Story
More practice is not possible. As a student in a dual study program, you attend courses at the university and work in a company. In this way, you gain specialized knowledge that you can apply directly, gain the necessary experience for the transition into work, and also earn money. Some degree programs even include complete vocational training. This means you study in a discipline and learn a profession at the same time.
State-of-the-Art Equipment and the Latest Technology
Where could technicians, scientists, or engineers apply their acquired knowledge better than at the workplaces typical for their work? Fortunately, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has a wide range of so-called "labs" for authentic experimentation, real research, and repeated application. This Audio/video, NetLab, Renewable Energies Lab, Raw Materials Science Lab, Microbiology Lab, and Skills Labs simulate real working conditions and thus help students acquire the skills for their future profession.
From Preparatory Program to Doctorate
At Fulda University of Applied Sciences, you can follow the complete path of higher education. If you still lack some knowledge, you can catch up on it in a preparatory program. If you want to complete a Master's degree or even a doctorate, all doors are open to you. Since 2016, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has been the first university in Germany to have the right to award doctorates independently.
Thriving Internationality
Of the approximately 9,000 students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, about 1,500 are not from Germany, but from over 100 different countries. The mix of languages, cultures, and perspectives not only creates an international atmosphere on campus and in the refectory but also enriches the courses and (student) life in the city.
Short Distances and Personal Contact
A great advantage of small towns and small universities is the short distances and personal contact between students and their lecturers. Despite its now 9,000 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences still has a familiar atmosphere. People know each other and meet regularly. If you need support, you don't have to look far and the contact persons are easy to reach.
Support Where It is Needed
We want to help international students with their transition to life in Germany and Fulda. To this end, we have developed various measures for the time before and during your studies. Special preparatory programs such as Pre-College and Pre-Study help you to improve your German language skills, acquire specialist knowledge, or get to know the German academic system. The Buddy program, the orientation week as well as field trips provide opportunities for encounters and exchange.
Historic City With a Central Location
With a population of around 70,000, Fulda is one of the smallest cities in Germany. However, it offers a high quality of life, short distances, public safety, and nature on your doorstep. Its central location and direct connections to trains, long-distance buses, and highways make Fulda an ideal starting point for getting to know the whole of Germany.
Free Time Activities
A historic city center, museums and theatres, restaurants, and bars, concerts, clubs and parties, hiking and cycling trails, and the mountains of the Rhön. The list of leisure activities in and around Fulda is very long. On campus, there are university sports, and events as well as student projects, film evenings, the University Days, and the International Evening. And if you want even more, the train to Frankfurt/Main only takes about 80 minutes...
Gallery
Ideal Students
ICEUS is particularly aimed at prospective students with a first degree in social sciences, European studies, political sciences, law, philology or similar, who wish to qualify for work in an international environment and who may already have international work or study experience, foreign language skills and a special interest in other cultures. The study programme is made up of German and international students.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
For the Preparation of Studies
Pre-Study: Scholarship for the Best
A scholarship is paid to the two best graduates of this preparatory program.
For Regular Studies
The Deutschlandstipendium
With the Deutschlandstipendium, the university, together with private sponsors from the region, supports those who stand out for their outstanding achievements or sustained social commitment. The scholarship amounts to 300$ per month and is paid for two semesters. The application phase runs from the beginning of June until 1 August.
Scholarship Databases
There are many different scholarships available - there is sure to be one that suits your particular situation and commitment.
Possible scholarship databases are:
- DAAD scholarship database
- StipendiumPlus (Association of Scholarships for the Gifted in the Federal Republic of Germany)
- My Stipendium allows you to search individually by creating your own profile and comparing it with the database.
- ELFI is the service point for electronic research funding information
- E-Fellows offers research and networking at the same time
If you need help to fund your studies at Fulda University, there are a number of options to choose from. For more information, please check the university website.
Curriculum
- M1 Intercultural Communication: Kommunikation, Kultur, Medien
- M2 European Studies: Geschichte und Gegenwart europäischer Gesellschaftsentwicklung
- M3 Intercultural Communcation: Handlungsfelder
- M4 Globalisierung und Internationale Organisationen
- M5 European Studies: Europäische Politikfelder
- M6 Sozialwissenschaftliche Methodenlehre: Theorie und Praxis interdisziplinärer Forschung
- M7 Praxismodul
- M8 ICEUS Vertiefungsmodul: Forschung, Entwicklung, Herausforderungen
- M9 Examensseminar und Kolloquium
- M10 Master’s Thesis
- M0 Cross Studies
The Master's degree program comprises the following specializations: Intercultural Communication, European Studies and Organisations, and Internationalisation. Students complete modules in all areas.
Intercultural Communication
Theory of intercultural communication, ethnography of communication, perception and behavior training, simulation games and the simulation of intercultural encounter situations, culture, and media, in-depth study of the second foreign language.
International Organisation
Globalization, international framework conditions for organizational action, tasks and organizational structures of international organizations of a state, market economy or intermediary nature, cross-border cooperation
European Studies
European history of ideas and mentalities, historical development of the European integration process, EU bodies and decision-making procedures, European policy fields, fundamentals of European and international law, social structures
Social Science Methodology
Qualitative social research, data collection, data processing, and data analysis in qualitative social research
In the first two semesters, ICEUS students have around 20 to 24 lessons (45 minutes each) per week. After the second semester, the compulsory internship of (at least) 10 weeks is completed. The third semester offers a selection of in-depth courses and prepares students for the Master's thesis. The Master's thesis itself is written in the fourth semester. As a rule, these can be written in German or English.
Program Outcome
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
International Career Paths
As experts in intercultural communication and Europe, ICEUS Alumni work for international organizations, European Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, and multinational companies or in politics, media, and administration. Others continue their academic career in a PhD program, e.g. at the Fulda Graduate Centre of Social Sciences.
Student Testimonials
Why study at Fulda University of Applied Sciences
Choosing where to study is crucial for your future: Where will I meet fellow students who will become friends for life? How can I live and possibly work for the next 5 years? Do I feel comfortable in the local community?
We are convinced that Fulda offers something for everyone, whether you are a nature lover or a city dweller. In the centre of Germany, at the foot of the Rhön and the heart of life.
- Lots of selection: Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers around 60 study programmes and continuing education courses. The programmes range from nutrition, health, social and intercultural studies to technology, business and law.
- Quality of Life: Fulda is a beautiful town in the centre of Germany at the foot of the Rhön. The historic centre of the baroque city has a special charm. The green spaces such as the castle gardens or the Fuldaauen are wonderful places to relax from university studies and meet fellow students. It's not only nice to live here, it's also affordable.
- Modern University: Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers its students modern seminar rooms and laboratories. Modern resources with state-of-the-art technology are extremely important for good training. Students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences study and work in modern facilities with high-quality resources.
- Unique Campus: The campus of Fulda University of Applied Sciences is always worth a visit. Those who study here and can enjoy the extensive grounds are lucky. The campus is home to both charming historical buildings and award-winning modern architecture. The centrepiece is the plane tree courtyard between the library, cafeteria and Student Service Centre. But the sports facilities, the campus garden and the many cosy seating areas are also popular meeting places for students.
- Innovative Teaching and Research: Fulda University of Applied Sciences is one of the strongest research universities for applied sciences. This benefits not only researchers but also students at the university. Innovative research characterises teaching in Fulda and offers students and doctoral candidates the opportunity to participate in exciting research projects.
- International: Of the approximately 8,800 students at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, around 1,800 do not come from Germany, but from over 100 different countries. This creates an international atmosphere on campus, which enriches the courses and student life in the city. The university nurtures many international collaborations with universities and facilities. These partnerships enable students to complete semesters abroad or internships abroad.
- University Community: One of the great advantages of small towns and small universities is the short distances and personal contact between students and their lecturers. Despite now having almost 9,000 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences still has a family feel. People know each other and meet up. With numerous support and counselling services, students can seek help with the various challenges of everyday student life.
- Shaping the Future: Fulda University of Applied Sciences is known for its practice-oriented teaching and research. If you want to make a difference and are looking for a task with meaning, Fulda is the right place for you. Together with its students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences wants to make a positive impact and take responsibility for a good future.
- Leisure Programme: A historic city centre, museums and theatres, restaurants and bars, concerts, clubs and parties, hiking and cycling trails, the mountains of the Rhön. The list of leisure activities in and around Fulda is very long. University Sports, music (big band and university choir), student projects, film evenings, university festivals and the International Evening are all on offer on campus.
And if you want even more, you can be in Frankfurt, Kassel or Würzburg in no time at all by train. - The best reason: You are the best reason. With your university studies in Fulda, you are investing in yourself and your future. Your goals and interests take centre stage. The employees at Fulda University of Applied Sciences are there to support you with a comprehensive range of counselling services. Secure your place now.
Program delivery
The programme duration is four semesters - always starting in the winter semester.
The first two semesters are regular study semesters. Excursions to Bad Liebenzell and Strasbourg in the first semester and to Brussels in the second semester are core parts of the European Studies modules.
Between the second and third semester (during the lecture-free period), you complete a work placement (internship) of at least 10 weeks. In the third semester you will pursue more in-depth studies.
The Master's thesis is written in the fourth semester. You do not necessarily have to remain in Fulda during this period. However, the thesis defence must be held in Fulda.
The languages of instruction in this degree programme are German and English.