Free University of Berlin Masters: Courses, Career Opportunities, Admission Process

Free University Berlin offers a diverse range of master’s degree programs across various fields, including humanities, sciences, and education. With over 190 courses available, many are taught in English, making them accessible to international students. The university is known for its high academic standards and research opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in education, research, technology, and more. The admission process is specific, requiring proof of prior academic qualifications and language proficiency, with specific deadlines for applications. Studying at FU Berlin is particularly budget-friendly because it does not charge tuition fees, allowing students to focus on their education without the burden of high costs.

University Name	Free University of Berlin
Course	Master courses
Acceptance Rate	15%
QS World Ranking 2025	#97
Approx Tuition Fees	None in most of the courses
Courses Offered	Both undergraduate and graduate courses
Application deadline for the Spring semester	Nov 1, 2024
Official Website	https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html

Also Read: All About Free University of Berlin

Why Choose Free University of Berlin Masters?

Pursuing a Free University Berlin master offers a unique combination of academic excellence in one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Here are some key reasons to consider pursuing a master’s degree at Free University Berlin:

Academic Excellence

• FU Berlin is one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence, known for its demanding curriculum and high academic standards.
• The university offers over 150 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines.
• It has a strong reputation, particularly in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and computer science.

International Environment

• FU Berlin attracts students from over 150 countries.
• It offers numerous programs taught in English to cater to international students.

Research Opportunities

• FU Berlin is a research powerhouse with excellence within disciplines and encouragement for interdisciplinary work.
• The university provides targeted support for young researchers.

Education

• Tuition is often waived at German public universities like FU Berlin.
• The university offers a range of funding opportunities and scholarships.

Read More: Masters in Berlin Germany

Programs Taught in Masters at Free University of Berlin

The university provides over 190 degree programs, allowing students to specialise in various subjects, including smaller, niche areas like Egyptology and Bioinformatics. Refer to the below table in detail:

Master of Science at Free University Berlin

FU Berlin MS programs are designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for careers in research, technology, and industry. Refer to the table below:

Free University of Berlin Masters of Science Degrees	Syllabus	Duration
Applied Landscape and Field Archaeology	Important topics to be covered – Practical training in the modern landscape, field archaeology methods, evolution of natural, and cultural landscapes and settlement processes. Various techniques, including 3D recording, geoinformation systems, and modern surveying technologies.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Biochemistry		Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology	Important topics to be covered – How to collect, evaluate, and interpret data on evolution, ecology, and biodiversity professionally, understanding complex ecological and evolutionary processes, methods of modern and classical research in the fields of biodiversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Bioinformatics	Important topics to be covered – Paradigm shift taking place in medicine and biological sciences. Evaluation of masses of biological data, the use of computers, combined with accurate mathematical models and efficient algorithms is essential. Mathematical methods and models, to recognise relevant biological questions, and to correctly analyse the results of the models in a biological context.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Biology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Chemistry	Important topics to be covered – Inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry along with courses in such related natural sciences as physics or biology as well as courses outside the natural sciences (language courses, for example).	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Cognitive Neuroscience	Important topics to be covered – Perception, learning, memory, decision-making, consciousness and language, research and development, applied learning of a large array of methodological skills, including planning and programming of neurocognitive experiments, conducting experiments using functional magnetic electroencephalography (EEG), resonance imaging (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and the statistical analysis of experimental data.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Computational Sciences	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Computer Science	Important topics to be covered are electronic processing, storage, and transfer of data, theoretical computer science, practical computer science, technical computer science, and applied computer science.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Data Science	Important topics to be covered are processing, analysing, and interpreting large digital data sets, aspects of modern data science in mathematics, statistics, computer science, and machine learning, and taking application-related issues into account.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Economic Systems	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Economics	Important topics to be covered – Advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in line with the latest international research.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Finance, Accounting and Taxation	Important topics to be covered are finance, accounting (financial accounting, managerial accounting or auditing), taxation, and supplements (especially law and related fields in business economics).	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Geographical Environmental Research	Important topics to be covered – Scientific theories, models and methods of space structures and processes regarding the development of the natural and cultural landscape as well as the water cycle in natural and anthropogenically influenced systems.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Geographies of Global Inequalities	Important topics to be covered – Connections between global dependencies and ruptures, health, mobility, racism, urban research, poverty and inequality, work and labour markets, multispecies relations, livelihood research, global governance, socio-ecological transformation and gender.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Geological Sciences	Important topics to be covered – Natural resources and risks to habitable areas, earthquakes, climate change, tsunamis, biodiversity) and resources (water, hydrocarbons, natural gas, rare earths, ores, building materials, etc.)	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Information Systems	Important topics to be covered – Business analytics, e-business, IT entrepreneurship, operations research and decision support systems.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Management & Marketing	Important topics to be covered –	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Mathematics	Important topics to be covered are analysis, discrete mathematics, algebraic/complex geometry, numerical mathematics, differential geometry, or topology.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Meteorology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Pharmaceutical Research	Important topics to be covered – Discovery and development, testing therapeutic compositions/formulations, investigating drug release systems, and determination of drug effects.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Physics	Important topics to be covered – All Scientific methods of physics topics	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration	Important topics to be covered – Planetary exploration with space probes, remote sensing of the Earth with satellites, planetary geology, planetary physics & dynamics, computational modelling of planetary processes, exoplanets and planetary habitability, laboratory work and excursions	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
PsychologyFocus on Clinical Psychology and PsychotherapyFocus on Work, Organisational and Health Psychology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Public Economics	Important topics to be covered – Economic disciplines of public finance, economic policy, and macroeconomics, fundamentals of theoretical models and econometrics.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).

Master of Arts at Free University Berlin

MA programs are designed to provide a deep understanding of cultural, historical, and social dynamics, providing graduates with analytical skills and critical thinking. Refer to the below table to have a detailed understanding:

Free University of Berlin Masters of Arts Degrees	Syllabus	Duration
Applied Literary Studies – Contemporary Literature	Topics covered – Understanding of institutional, esthetic and economic aspects of contemporary literary production and reception.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Arabic Studies	Topics covered – Classical Arabic literature in its social environment, History of the Arabic language, Arabic palaeography and book culture, Transmissions of knowledge in Arabic literatureArabic scholarship, Literature from al-Andalus, Folklore and traditions of the Arabic-speaking world, Contemporary and popular Arabic culture, Modern Arabic prose and poetry	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Archaeology of the Ancient World	Topics covered – Prehistoric Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Mediterranean region, Eurasia, and Southwest Asia.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Art History in a Global ContextFocus on AfricaFocus on East AsiaFocus on Europe and America	Topics covered – 1. In-depth regional focus and the acquisition of detailed knowledge in the areas of visual arts and visual culture (cinema, advertising, architecture, photography).2. Knowledge cultures of China, Korea, and Japan. The object of study is Eastern Asian art of all genres, from the Neolithic to the present. Painting, calligraphy, sculpture, new media art, architecture, and garden art as well as the applied arts are all included.3. Image production is not intended as art – and architecture from different regions and cultures.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Chinese Studies	Topics covered – Methods and theories from the social sciences, linguistics, and humanities.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Classical Archaeology	Topics covered – Comprehensive expert knowledge, visual and media competence, the ability to reconstruct, academic working methods, and methodological and analytical skills.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Classical Philologies	Topics covered –
Culture and Media Management	Topics covered – Networking in the art and cultural, media, foundation and political landscapes, as well as the creative and digital industries	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Dance Studies	Topics covered – Disciplines and the arts	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Digital Studies of Ancient Texts	Topics covered – Ancient Near Eastern or Egyptian written sources, languages, and writing systems, and offers domain-specific courses that apply methods from philology, cultural studies, history, linguistics, and literature	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Dutch Studies in International Context	Topics covered – Dutch studies in an international context	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
East European Studies	Topics covered –	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Egyptology	Topics covered – Society, economy, history, religion, architecture, art, literature, language, etc. In-depth knowledge of both subject matter and methods in Egyptological subject areas, research methods and relevant theoretical frameworks.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
English Studies: Literature, Language, Culture	Topics covered – literature, linguistics, and cultural studies of the English-speaking world except North America. Awareness of historical context and the relationships of literature to other texts and media.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Film Studies	Topics covered – History, aesthetics, and the theory of film and/or audiovisual media	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Gender, Intersectionality and Politics	Topics covered – Historical, socioeconomic, cultural and political preconditions as well as the regional specifics of gender structures and complex social inequalities, analyse political processes, interactions, structures and institutions	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
General and Comparative Literature	Topics covered – Systematic study of poetry and aesthetic issues, history and poetics of European literature.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
German LiteratureFocus on Medieval LiteratureFocus on Modern Literature	Topics covered – 1. early literature, literary theory, cultural studies, and associated historical issues, early German literature.2. awareness of theoretical issues, methodological, and analytical skills	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
German as a Foreign Language: Teaching Cultural Studies	Topics covered – Linguistic level of language teaching	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Global East Asia	Topics covered – Local, national, regional and global contexts in and around East Asia	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Global History	Topics covered – Discipline of history, area studies, cultural, and social history,	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
History	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
History and Cultures of Ancient Western Asia: Focus on Archaeology of Ancient Western Asia	Topics covered – Analyses of archaeological data	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
History and Cultures of the Ancient Near East: Focus on Ancient Oriental Studies	Topics covered – Cultures and languages of the Ancient Near East, roughly covering the area of modern Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, from the end of the 4th millennium BC to the Hellenistic Period.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Integrated Chinese Studies	Topics covered – In-depth study of  Modern and contemporary China and the historical process, History and cultural studies or law, economics, humanities and social sciences.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Integrated Japanese Studies	Topics covered – Cultural studies or social studies on Japan	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Integrated Korean Studies	Topics covered – Knowledge of selected phenomena, developments and processes in Korea are conveyed and discussed in a broader, also transregional context.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Interdisciplinary Latin American Studies	Topics covered – Social and Cultural Anthropology, History, Literature and Cultural Studies, Brazilian Studies, Gender Studies, Sociology, Political Science and Economics with subject specialisation and the development of region-specific competencies.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East	Topics covered – Arabic literature, the cultural and intellectual history of the Arabic-speaking world, Qur’an–Tafsir–Hadith, Old and Middle Iranian philology, Iranian religions, Iranian history, Iranian literature and linguistics, Islamic history, Islam in Europe, Judaism and Islam, Jewish history of knowledge, comparative Semitics, Eastern Christianity, Arabic linguistics and dialectology, Aramaic linguistics and dialectology, Turkic literature and linguistics, etc.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Iranian Studies	Topics covered –	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Islamic Studies	Topics covered – Fields of history, religious practice, philosophy, politics, law, culture, and theology.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Japanese Studies	Topics covered –  Cultural studies or social studies about Japan	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Jewish Studies	Topics covered – Arabic studies, Iranian studies, Islamic studies, philosophy, religious studies, Semitic studies, and Turkology.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Korean Studies/East Asian Studies	Topics covered – Analysis of gender relations in various social, political, and historical contexts	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Linguistics	Topics covered – Structural, historical, and applied aspects of European languages	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Media and Communication Studies	Topics covered – Journalism, public relations, advertising and entertainment as a form of public communication, media systems and media history, media use and media effects, research and methodology in communication studies.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Media and Political Communication	Topics covered – political communication, political communication management, Mediated (including digital) political communication, political communication management, political journalism in online and offline media, methods of empirical communication research, and findings of international political communication research.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Modern Greek Language and Literature	Topics covered – Fundamental, comprehensive, and solid academic skills and knowledge of Modern Greek language and literature as well as the pertinent historical and socio-cultural context, making advanced knowledge of Modern Greek literature, cultural studies, and linguistics possible.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Music, Sound, Performance	Topics covered – Media, Performance, Gender, and Postcolonial Studies	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
North American Studies	Topics covered – Politics, sociology, literature, economics, culture and history	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Philosophy	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Political Science	Topics covered – Methodological, and empirical political science	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Prehistoric Archaeology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Public History	Topics covered – Historical culture and historical learning operate, and acquire practical abilities	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Religious Studies	Topics covered – Artistic, philosophical, and intellectual history, and cultural traditions	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Romance Literatures	Topics covered – History of Romance literature, literary and cultural phenomena, Advanced knowledge of the principles of academic work	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Semitic Studies	Topics covered – Studies on modern Semitic language	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Social and Cultural Anthropology	Topics covered – Regional knowledge of Asian and African countries	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Sociology – European Societies	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Theatre Studies	Topics covered – theatre history, contemporary theatre/performance analysis, theory and aesthetics, and theatre/arts/media.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Turcology	Topics covered – pre-modern statehood and social organisation; modernisation under the conditions of global interdependence and power structures; political, social, and cultural approaches to plurality and diversity, gender as a social, cultural, and political category, migration, mass violence, and genocide, and approaches to historical and cultural heritage.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).

Master of Education at Free University Berlin

The program offers specialisations for primary school teaching, secondary school teaching, and career changers. The below table is for reference:

Degree	Syllabus	Duration
Biology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Chemistry	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Classical Greek Philology	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Computer Science	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
English Studies	How to meet professional standards of teaching, and how to develop the ability to sustain and grow throughout their career. literature and media, and learn to apply modern linguistic methods to various texts and discourses.	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Ethics/ Philosophy	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
French	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
German	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
History	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Italian	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Latin	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Mathematics	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Physics	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Politics/Political Education	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Primary Education	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Q-Master	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).
Spanish	–	Four semesters, which equates to (two years).

Also Read: Freie Universität Berlin Courses: Top Programs, Fees, Eligibility, and More

Cost of Studying Free University of Berlin Masters

Free University of Berlin Masters are essentially tuition-free for most students, with only a small semester contribution fee to pay. The main costs are living expenses, which are comparable to other major German cities.

Tuition Fees

FU Berlin does not charge tuition fees for most of its Master’s programs. Students only need to pay a semester contribution fee which covers administrative costs, social services, and a public transportation pass. This fee is approximately EUR 304.40 per semester as of 2024.

Exceptions

There are a few exceptions where tuition fees are charged:

• Some continuing education Master’s programs may have fees that vary depending on the specific program.
• Non-EU students studying in the state of Baden-Württemberg are required to pay a tuition fee of EUR 1,500 per semester.

Cost of Living

The estimated monthly living costs for students in Berlin range from EUR 934 to EUR 1,300. This includes:

• Accommodation: EUR 295 to EUR 749, depending on whether you choose on-campus or off-campus housing.
• Groceries: Around EUR 200 to EUR 250.
• Leisure Activities: Approximately EUR 200.
• Public Health Insurance: About EUR 95.
• Public Transport: Between EUR 0 and EUR 63, depending on your eligibility for discounts.

Also Read: Free Universities In Germany For International Students

Admission Process of Free University of Berlin Masters

The admission process for studying a master’s program at Free University Berlin involves several key steps designed to ensure that applicants meet the necessary qualifications. Here are a few essential points that students should keep in mind:

Eligibility Required

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification is required (All Master’s programs).
• For German programs proficiency in German is required, often proven through tests like TestDaF or DSH German Test.
• For a master’s degree, the English proficiency tests listed below are required.

Proficiency in English
Exams	Score
IELTS	Minimum score of 6.5
TOEFL	Minimum score of 90

Application Process

Applicants for Free University of Berlin Masters must submit their applications through the university’s online portal or uni-assist for those with degrees obtained outside Germany.

Documents Required

Common documents needed include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Proof of language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF).
• CV in a specified format.
• SOP detailing your motivation and goals.
• Letters of Recommendation

Scholarships for International Students at Free University of Berlin

Free University Berlin offers several scholarship opportunities for international students to support their studies.

Deutschlandstipendium

One of the main is the Deutschlandstipendium scholarships, which provide EUR 300 per month to talented students from all backgrounds. This scholarship is available for a minimum of two semesters and is funded equally by the Federal Government and private sponsors. Students must be enrolled at Free University Berlin and can apply during the designated application period, which for the 2024/2025 academic year runs from August 22 to September 12, 2024.

DAAD Scholarships

Also, the DAAD Scholarships are available for international students currently enrolled at Free University Berlin. These scholarships, part of the STIBET program offer a monthly grant of EUR 250 for ten months particularly aimed at students with special circumstances such as those with a refugee background or caregiving responsibilities. The application deadline for these scholarships is February 11, 2024.

Other Opportunities

While Free University Berlin does not directly award many scholarships, students are encouraged to explore funding options through external organisations and databases, such as the DAAD, which lists various scholarships for international students in Germany.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Germany

Free University of Berlin Masters Career Opportunities 

This table outlines various career paths associated with each master’s program reflecting the diverse opportunities available to graduates from Free University Berlin.

Degree Program	Career Opportunities after Free University of Berlin Masters
Master of Arts (M.A.)	Education (teaching, curriculum development)
	Research (academic and cultural institutions)
	Media and Communication (journalism, public relations)
	Cultural Management (museums, galleries, arts organisations)
	International Relations (diplomatic services, NGOs)
	Social Work and Community Development
	Language and Linguistics (translation, interpretation)
Master of Science (M.Sc.)	Technology and IT (software development, data analysis, cybersecurity)
	Research and Academia (positions in universities, research institutions)
	Environmental Science (consulting, conservation organisations)
	Health and Pharmaceutical Industries (research, regulatory affairs)
	Business and Finance (consulting, financial analysis, venture capital)
	Data Science and Analytics (data-driven decision-making in various sectors)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	Teaching in Primary and Secondary Education
	Educational Administration (school management, policy development)
	Curriculum Design and Educational Research
	Special Education (supporting diverse learning needs)
	Educational Technology (developing digital learning tools)
	Language Education (teaching foreign languages)

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