Agreement for international programme Inclusion Studies

Bielefeld University has signed the agreement for the new multiple degree master course “Inclusion Studies”. From the winter semester 2027/2028, the English-language degree programme will be offered jointly with the partner universities of Ostrava (Czech Republic) and Ștefan cel Mare in Suceava (Romania). Graduates receive a degree from all three universities. Bielefeld University, University of Ostrava and Suceava University are partners in the European university alliance NEOLAiA. Rector Professor Dr Angelika Epple signed the agreement in Bielefeld.

“A degree programme with qualifications from three European universities: The development of this innovative study model was only possible thanks to the close cooperation with the European partners within the NEOLAiA university alliance. In Bielefeld, we are sharpening our international courses offered with this new English-language Master’s programme. With this degree programme, we are setting new accents and impulses in research, teaching and studies on inclusion,” says Professor Dr Angelika Epple, Rector of Bielefeld University. At Bielefeld University, the degree programme is part of the Faculty of Educational Science.

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Professor Dr Angelika Epple, Rector of Bielefeld University (front left) signs the agreement, next to her Professor Dr Michaela Vogt, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Diversity and Society (front right). Also present (back from left): Dr Markus Symmank (International Office), Professor Dr Anna-Maria Kamin and Despina Henke (both Faculty of Educational Science), Stefanie Güther (Department of Studies and Teaching), Professor Dr Saskia Bender and Professor Dr Barbara Thiessen (both Faculty of Educational Science). Not in the picture: Bastian Simon (Department of Studies and Teaching).

The Master’s programme is primarily aimed at Bachelor’s graduates from NEOLAiA partner universities with a suitable Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Educational Science or Social Sciences). Students from outside the university alliance can also apply. The programme follows a structured course: Students spend the first semester in Ostrava, the second semester in Bielefeld and the third semester in Suceava. In the fourth semester, they write their Master’s thesis and are free to choose one of the three partner universities as their place of study. This means that students from the participating universities complete two firmly integrated stays abroad. Funding via Erasmus+ is possible.

Graduates acquire a Master’s degree from all three universities. They combine academic expertise in the field of inclusion with international and intercultural experience. Appointments open up in education, research or international organisations, for example in the coordination of the implementation of inclusive standards.

The application period differs from the usual application periods at Bielefeld University and is scheduled for mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027.