European Cultures

The undergraduate program aims at equipping students with both theoretical knowledge about the past and origins of European cultures and conceptual tools to analyse cultural phenomena of nowadays societies. 

Flexibly organized set of courses (only few are obligatory, most of them elective by students) may present in synthetic picture of cultural diversity of the Continent. Students will learn consequences caused by cultural phenomena for past and contemporary social life in Europe. Consequences, which were and are visible in various sphere of life: starting with everyday life, through economy, psychological background of social movements, up to political and administrative systems. Lectures focus on universal laws and manifestations of cultural life of human societies but with a clear emphasis on specific elements of European past and present day situation. 

Students will be invited to make a common journey through European cultural heritage to learn how to analyse and understand not only the meaning of fine arts' objects, but mostly social phenomena based upon cultural relations. Therefore the proposed curriculum of study is focused on analysis of communication systems, values' transfer mechanisms, meaning of symbolic structures used in both everyday life and politics, cultural and political history seen as an impulse for change in social life etc. Participation in the program should strengthen students' knowledge of European culture and civilisations in context of social life and social needs. 

Our students will have an unique opportunity to attend the interdisciplinary course, consisted of lectures and seminars of ancient archaeology, cultural studies, history of art, history of Poland and Europe, social psychology, cultural and classical pedagogy and others. After completing studies students can be able to translate different cultural codes of communications, organize cooperation between members of societies of different European cultures and promote understanding of cultural differentiation in social life as the only way to peaceful development in nowadays world.

A graduate will be a suitable candidate to vast range of workplaces demanding mediation between people and organizations of different cultural capitals: in Human Resources and Public Relations departments of multinational corporations and public administration, in cultural institutions and in tourism, last, but not least, in journalism. 

The European Culture program is intended for both European citizens as well as students from other parts of the world. The curriculum of the program is designed to open possibility for all interested in cultural life of the Continent to consciously participate in European social and cultural life. Which means that candidates are not expected to possess detailed knowledge of an academic nature, but to be open minded and curious enough to work together to understand cultural and social world around them. All courses will be provided in English. The rules concerning payment of tuition are regulated by the relevant rules of the University of Wrocław.

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 If you are thinking about studying this programme at the University of Wroclaw but still have questions book an online meeting with admission team. Just press the button below and choose a date that suits you. 

 

Entrance exams

1. Rules for applicants whose education certificates come from systems outside EU, OECD, EFTA, or without International Baccalaureate (IB)/European Baccalaureate (EB) diploma, or specific documents from China (高中毕业证书 / Gaozhong Biye Zhengshu) and Ukraine (СВІДОЦТВО / АТТЕСТАТ) recognized on the base of bilateral agreements - starting from 1.07.2025, according to new rules of admission.

Type of exam: Written exam in the form of an essay.

The purpose of the exam is to assess students understanding of cultural, historical, or artistic concepts, ability to analyze and interpret a chosen topic, and your skill in presenting logical, coherent, and critical opinions.

Topics for essay:

• A cultural phenomenon (e.g. an arts festival, a museum, the cultural heritage of living minorities, a city known for its multiculturalism)
• A historical event and its influence on history
• An important historical figure and their impact on the development of humankind
• A piece of art (the candidate may freely choose any piece of art from around the world; it can be a building such as a palace, monastery or church, a sculpture or a painting)

Formal requirements: 

• Length: 1,600 characters (excluding spaces)
• Language: English
• Required elements:
  • Introduction
  • Presentation of the chosen cultural/historical phenomenon
  • Identification of the main theme and context (cultural, or historical)
  • Content discussion
  • Description of key figures or motifs
  • Analysis and evaluation of the artistic, cultural, or historical aspects
  • Justified personal opinion, highlighting strengths and weaknesses
  • Conclusion

Evaluation criteria:

• Structure and organization of the text (0–5 points)
• Style and linguistic correctness (0–5 points)
• Substantive content (0–5 points)
• Originality of conclusions and argumentation (0–5 points)

The essay will be assessed on a scale of 0–20 points. A minimum of 10 points is required to pass. Admission will be granted to candidates with the highest scores within the established limit of available places.

We encourage to start preparing essay in advance.

2. In 2025 admission special admission rules apply to candidates holding documents from the EU, OECD, EFTA countries, as well as IB or EB diplomas, and to specific cases from China (高中毕业证书 / Gaozhong Biye Zhengshu) and Ukraine (СВІДОЦТВО / АТТЕСТАТ).

These candidates are not required to take a standard entrance exam. Instead, their qualifications are evaluated based on their previous education - according to old rules of admission.