The article discusses the challenges and developments of Empirical Cultural Studies in the context of higher education and neoliberal economisation. It addresses the tensions between hegemonic educational requirements and the idea of an “unconditional university” (Derrida), which should function as a place of free academic research and critical thinking. Expectations of the university as an extended workbench and that of cultural studies as a place of social observation are juxta-posed. Paradoxically, the Bologna reform makes the required practical relevance more difficult. The article argues in favour of a return to the fundamental values of science and a stronger integration of theory and practice in order to provide students with a realistic vision of their studies and their future career opportunities.