Intercultural Communication and European Studies: Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Since 1999, the Fulda University of Applied Sciences offers a four semester Master's degree programme in Intercultural Communication and European Studies (ICEUS).

Programme Aims

The aim of the programme is to prepare university graduates for careers in supranational organisations or in national organisations that are active internationally, especially in Europe. Such organisations may be NGOs, professional and industry associations, public institutions or administrative bodies. For positions in these organisations, applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively with speakers of other languages and other cultural backgrounds and must have profound knowledge of organisational structures and of the background, structures and future perspectives of European integration. Programme participants also acquire the means to deal with the special challenges of the enlargement of the European Union.

Job Opportunities

Succesful programme participants are awarded the academic degree of "Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication and European Studies". Programme graduates are qualified for a broad spectrum of positions in supranational organisations or in national organisations with international activities, especially in Europe, for example in NGOs, professional and industry associations, public institutions or administrative bodies.

ICEUS graduates are able to communicate effectively with speakers of other languages and from other cultural backgrounds and are thus ideally suited for frontline positions. This resource is enhanced by in-depth knowledge or organisational structures and of the background, structures and future outlook of European integration. ICEUS graduates will find additional career possibilities in the expansion of the European Union into East-Central and Eastern Europe.

Study Programme

ICEUS is a postgraduate degree programme. Admission requirements include an initial academic degree in social, cultural or legal studies and good proficiency in German and English.

The Master's programme is divided into 4 areas. Students attend lectures and seminars in all 4 areas. Particular focus falls on the areas of Intercultural Communication und European Studies.

1. Intercultural Communication:
   Theory of intercultural communication, ethnography of communication, communication awareness training, simulation of intercultural situations, use of new media, consolidation of second foreign language
2. European Studies:
   Historical development of the European integration process, organs and decision-making processes of the EU, European public policies, fundamentals of European and public international law, social structures, history of European ideas and mentality, political and cultural developments in European countries from a comparative perspective
3. Organisations and Internationalisation:
   Globalisation, international conditions of organisational activities, tasks and organisational structures of international organisations of state, market or intermediate character, modern approaches to innovation and change management and organisational development
4. Integrated Studies:
   This field of study comprises all study areas, interdisciplinary classes, and discussion panels on current developments as well as activities to facilitate academic life and career entry