East and Central European Studies
Degree
Mono-bachelor, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Combined bachelor, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Standard time for completing course
6 semesters
Start of study
see https://www.hu-berlin.de/en/studies/counselling/course-catalogue/Standardseite?set_language=en; with or without numerus clausus
Mono-bachelor:
In total 180 credit points (CP*) are required.
Mandatory modules: 120 CP
Mandatory elective modules: 40 CP
General elective modules: 20 CP
* One credit point is calculated to equate to an average workload of 25 to max. 30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at lectures.
Language skills
Previous knowledge of the languages to be studied is not required. During your studies, you will learn two languages of the region, which you can choose freely according to the current range of courses on offer or any previous knowledge you may already have.
Study programme abroad
Study abroad periods are strongly recommended, and ‘learning agreements’ may be concluded with the faculty for this purpose.
Why study East and Central European Studies at HU?
The joint Bachelor's degree program in East and Central European Studies at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin offers an undergraduate degree program in which you will acquire interdisciplinary regional expertise. East and Central Europe form a region that geographically encompasses East Europe and the eastern parts of Central Europe as well as Southeastern Europe and Russia with its Eurasian links to the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is closely linked to Germany in economic, political and cultural terms. The region is characterized by ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity and is a prime example of the interweaving of histories and societies - both in a fruitful way and in conflict. Expertise in Eastern and Central Europe is therefore highly relevant. The study program combines insight into historical backgrounds and current developments with a global understanding of intercultural and transnational contexts. A better knowledge of East and Central Europe and its languages prepares students for the challenges of our time.
Course objectives
- They gain in-depth knowledge of the region of East, Central and Southeast Europe and are able to understand it from different analytical perspectives.
- You will be able to relate this knowledge to other regions of the world and learn about the global social challenges that arise from this.
- You will acquire comprehensive practical language skills in at least two languages of the research region and acquire a high degree of intercultural and communicative competence.
- You will gain initial insights into interdisciplinary work and research, as various subject areas are involved in the course.
- You will qualify for jobs in the German-language and international print and media world, in public relations, in organizations, foundations and associations, in cultural, publishing and academic management, in further education and science, etc.
- They develop a critical understanding of important theories and methods of the degree program and are familiar with the principles and general principles of academic work and good academic practice.
Content of studies
The best way to find information about course content is to use the course regulations (www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. _/2025 - will be published in due time) and the annotated university calendar (hu.berlin/vorlesungsverzeichnis). You can also consult the Course Advisory Service.
Mono-Bachelor's course with 180 CP
Mandatory modules (120 CP)
Basic Studies
Modul E 1: Introduction to the Course, 10 CP
Modul E 2: History and Culture, 10 CP
Modul E 3: Language and Culture, 10 CP
Modul E 4: Political Economy, 10 CP
Modul E 5: Literature and Culture, 10 CP
Language Practice
Modul SP 1: Language Practice I, 5 CP
Modul SP 2: Language Practice II, 5 CP
Modul SP 3: Language Practice III, 5 CP
Modul SP 4: Language Practice IV, 5 CP
Modul SP 5: Language Practice V, 5 CP
Modul SP 6: Language Practice VI, 5 CP
Specialization
Either the module SPEZ 1 or the module SPEZ 2 must be taken.
SPEZ 1: Semester abroad, 30 CP
SPEZ 2: Domestic Semester, 30 CP
Mandatory elective modules (40 CP)
Four modules must be selected from modules WP 1 to WP 7. At least 20 CP from modules WP 1 to WP 5 must be completed at Freie Universität Berlin:
Modul WP 1: (Eastern) Europe: Transregional and Global, 10 CP
Modul WP 2: Transformations, Developments, Upheavals, 10 CP
Modul WP 3: Spaces, Memories, Identities, 10 CP
Modul WP 4: Power, Violence, Protest, 10 CP
Modul WP 5: Additional Language Qualification, 10 CP
Modul WP 6: Practical Orientation, 10 CP
Modul WP 7: Internship, 10 CP
General elective modules (20 CP)
……………………….
General course offerings for students coming from other courses of studies
The Department of Slavic and Hungarian Studies at Humboldt University offers the following modules for the interdisciplinary compulsory elective area of other Bachelor's degree programs and subjects:
Modul ÜWP 1: East and Central European Studies, 10 CP
Modul ÜWP 2: Additional Language Qualification, 10 CP
Master’s degree
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in East and Central European Studies, you can study the Master's program “Transregional Studies” at the HU or “East European Studies” at the FU. You may find further courses offered by the HU in the course catalog (hu.berlin/master).
Important addresses
Department of Slavic and Hungarian Studies: Dorotheenstr. 65, www.slawistik.hu-berlin.de, Tel. + 49 30 2093-73350
Course Advisory Service: Dr. Kazalarska, room 5.26, Tel. +49 30 2093-73367, ba-osteuropa@hu-berlin.de
Applications: www.hu-berlin.de/interessierte
Links to job market: careers information centre, Hochschulteam calendar of events
Version: July 2025
Contact for questions or feedback regarding this page: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de