Masters Degrees (European Studies)

This interdisciplinary MA promotes the understanding of Europe in its political, social and philosophical dimensions. Choosing specialisms within European thought, society, history and politics you will develop discipline-specific skills and regional expertise, while the interdisciplinary programme structure encourages thinking across boundaries, gaining an expansive overview of the continent.

Degree information

The Modern European Studies pathway focuses on the emergence of modern Europe, the political implications of integration, and its transition from competing nation states and forms of governance to an expanding political and economic union. Students take complementary optional modules, which may be national, regional, or European in scope.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Two pathways are offered: Taught and Research.

The Taught pathway consists of two core modules (60 credits), four optional inter-faculty modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). The Research pathway consists of two core modules (60 credits), two optional inter-faculty modules (30 credits), and a dissertation (90 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma, two core modules (60 credits), four inter-faculty optional modules (60 credits), full-time nine months or part-time two years) is offered.

Core modules
-Questions of European Integration
-The Making of Modern Europe

Optional modules - for the latest information on optional modules available for this course, see the website: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/degrees/modern-european-studies-ma

Dissertation/report
All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words, or 18,000 words for the Research pathway.

Teaching and learning
Key aspects of European theory and culture are taught through participation in lectures and seminars. Through feedback sessions on presentations and essays, students are encouraged to reflect on, and improve, their own work. Assessment is through a combination of coursework essays, unseen written examinations, and the dissertation.

Careers

MPhil and PhD degrees often follow on from a Master's programme: both the Taught and Research pathways of the MAs offered by the Centre for Multidisciplinary & Intercultural Inquiry (CMII) are intended to allow this type of progression, as well as standing as degrees in their own right. Outside academia, potential careers may include politics, business, commerce, teaching, public relations, or journalism.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Migration Consultant, Bank of America
-Consultant of EU Affairs, Cypriot Embassy in Denmark
-MPhil in Eastern Europe, Università di Bologna

Employability
Graduates of this MA have used their extensive knowledge and understanding of European institutions, policies and society to obtain positions within the European Union. The high level of interdisciplinary training and research skills offered by the programme have equipped others for positions as researchers in UK and European universities, museums and non-governmental agencies. The emphasis on written and verbal communication, collation and presentation of research and analysis have provided transferable skills for the fields of accountancy, law and PR.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Centre for Multidisciplinary & Intercultural Inquiry (CMII) at UCL is unique in offering graduate students the opportunity to investigate Europe in its entirety, from European integration and public policy to European cinema and poetry.

The central London location offers easy access to the British Library, British Museum, Institute of Germanic and Romance Studies, German Historical Institute, Goethe Institut, Institut Français, and other similar research and cultural centres.

Less than three hours away from Brussels and Paris, nowhere enjoys such a range of resources and such a favourable location for the study of Europe.

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There is no better time to get to know Eastern Europe than right now. The region from the Czech Republic to Russia, Estonia to Bulgaria, Poland to Romania, shares a long tradition of communist rule. But that changed 25 years ago, and the seismic shift is still felt across Europe today.

Join us to study on the world’s only online master program in East European Studies. You can stay on the job while gaining the knowledge, professional skills and network you need to become a leader in your field. Choose full-time or part-time study and take advantage of our additional exchange programs and training opportunities.

Our master program will qualify you for higher positions in NGOs, multinational corporations and other international organizations within Eastern Europe, as well as in governmental agencies where your knowledge of Eastern Europe will make you an expert.

At the Center for Global Politics you will earn your master degree in a convenient blended learning program at Freie Universität Berlin, one of Europe's leading universities. You will do most of your studies online and join us in Berlin for short in-house classes twice each year with a diverse range of peers from around the globe. We will provide you with individualized guidance from our distinguished network of international faculty, headed by Prof. Dr. Klaus Segbers.

Come and learn to navigate complexity with us.

Program

East European Studies provides its students with knowledge of Eastern Europe. The advanced graduate degree program teaches the necessary skills for employment by public and private organizations in or concerning the region and also for further scientific work.

The program consists of three different components:
- the online modules offered via our online learning management system
- one-week (Monday through Friday) in-house classes twice a year
- a master thesis.

The complete master program accounts for 120 ECTS credits.

Tuition fees per year of study

- for the full-time option: 5,950 € (plus Freie Universität Berlin university fees of 117,40 €)
- for the part-time option: 3,225 € per year of study (plus 117,40 € Freie Universität Berlin university fees)

Costs arising from the obligatory in-house classes must be paid by the students themselves (travel expenses, room and board).

East European Studies Online has been designed as a two-year full-time study program. In the past, most of our students have successfully managed to combine their studies with the obligations of a full-time job. However, for some students in highly challenging professional contexts, it might be more suitable to study East European Studies Online part-time. If you consider this option, please be aware that you will have to allocate a greater period of time for your studies and tuition fees will be higher.

East European Studies Online offers a virtual exchange option with the Aleksanteri Institute (AI) in Helsinki. One of our modules may be substituted with up to two online modules offered by Aleksanteri Institute (depending on module length and credits).

Without knowledge of at least one East European language, access to the different mind-sets and cultures within Eastern Europe is relatively difficult. Thus, basic linguistic proficiency in one of the national languages of Eastern Europe is an asset.

Learning Objectives

East European Studies Online provides you with the ideal opportunity to gain insight into Eastern Europe, to enhance your global career perspective, and to become part of an exciting network of experts on Eastern Europe while staying on the job. We educate you for success in exciting positions in academia, government, consulting, international organizations, and the media. East European Studies Online offers a holistic educational approach: expertise in relevant knowledge fields, development of your e-competencies, and honing of your soft and intercultural skills.

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The East European Studies MRes provides area-specific, language-oriented, advanced research training in the methodologies and approaches of economics, politics, sociology, history, culture and literature. The MRes offers two pathways: social sciences, and arts and humanities, enabling students to tailor the programme to suit their own experience and interests.

Degree information

Students develop generic research skills, interdisciplinary and discipline specific research skills, area specific research skills and language skills oriented towards carrying out research in the region. The programme produces multidisciplinary researchers specialised in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, with language proficiency and cultural, historical and institutional awareness.

Students undertake modules to the value of 330 credits over two years: 150 credits are taken in year one and 180 in year two. Two pathways are available: social sciences, and arts and humanities.

The first year of the programme consists of a core language module (30 credits), optional modules (75 credits) and electives (30 credits). The second year consists of core modules, including language (45 credits), electives (30 credits) and dissertation (105 credits).

Core modules
Year One:
-Beginner's New Language MA module offered at SSEES
Year Two:
-Intermediate Language MA module offered at SSEES
-Interdisciplinary Area Studies II

Optional modules
Social Science Pathway Year One - a choice of 75 credits from:
-Quantitative Methods (15)
-Advanced Quantitative Methods (15)
-Qualitative Methods (15)
-Political Analysis (15)
-Political Sociology (15)
-Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research (15)
-Understanding and Analysing Data (15)

Arts & Humanities Pathway Year One
-Literary and Cultural Theory (30)
-Political Analysis (15)
-Political Sociology (15)
-Comparative Analysis in Social and Political Research (15)
-Historical Methods and Approaches (30)
-Qualitative Methods (15)
-Understanding and Analysing Data (15)

Both pathways take electives in years one and two and 30 credits of compulsory language in each year.

Dissertation/report
All MRes students undertake an independent research project in the second year which culminates in a dissertation of 20,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and language classes. Students will be assessed by unseen and written examinations, coursework assignments, essays and the research dissertation.

Careers

With their specialist knowledge and language skills, SSEES Master's graduates can be found in business, finance, the media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organisations, the law, and academia.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Publisher, College of Eastern Europe
-Editorial Assistant, P Press
-Research Assistant, QS (Quacquarelli Symonds)
-Policy and Communication Assistant, Investment Management Association (IMA)
-PhD East European Studies, University College London (UCL)

Employability
Graduates of the programme will possess the attributes to complete a PhD within three years or to enter the labour market directly with advanced analytical and research skills, regional expertise and proficiency in a language of the area. The rigorous exams we set for our language courses mean that potential employers or prospective PhD supervisors will know that our graduates can work effectively with the languages they have studied.

Networking is facilitated by two major collaborations led by SSEES: CEELBAS and the International Master's (IMESS). Scholarships, internship opportunities and excellent links with other universities in the region provide further benefits.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) is a world-leading specialist institution, and the largest national centre in the UK, for the study of Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe and Russia.

The SSEES Library is unequalled in Britain for the depth and breadth of its collections, the majority of which are on open access in the SSEES building.

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The Central and South-East European Studies MA is a multidisciplinary programme that enables students to gain specialist knowledge and understanding of the complex culture, history, literature, politics and society of the region from Western Bohemia to Wallachia and from Mazuria to Macedonia.

Degree information

Students develop an advanced knowledge of central and south-eastern Europe from a multidisciplinary perspective, focusing on aspects of history, politics and culture. They develop generic research skills, interdisciplinary and discipline specific research skills, area specific research skills and language skills oriented towards carrying out research in the region.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of a choice of one of three compulsory modules (30 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits). 90 credits can then be selected from a range of options across SSEES.

Core modules - this is a multi-disciplinary programme. Nevertheless, students are required to gain a thorough methodological and theoretical grounding in disciplinary study and hence must choose between one of the following three courses:
-Literary and Cultural Theory
-Historical Methods and Approaches
-Political Analysis AND Political Sociology

Optional modules - total of 90 credits from options below. Subject to approval, optional courses up to the value of 30 credits may be taken from another SSEES MA programme or from another MA programme within UCL (Anthropology, History, European Studies, Comparative Literature etc.).
-All Quiet on the Eastern Front: Culture, Politics and Everyday Life in Central & Eastern Europe from Stalin to Present
-Little Hitlers? Right Radicalism in Central and Eastern Europe, 1900-1945
-Introduction to Discourse Analysis
-Beyond Stereotypes: The Jews in Polish Culture
-Cities in Eastern Europe
-Contemporary Cultural Studies: Between Post-Communism and Post-Modernism
-The Crisis Zone: Central Europe 1900-1990
-How to Read/Interpret Texts: Introduction to Hermeneutics
-'Metropolis': History of Berlin, 1871-1990
-Nation, Identity and Power in Central and Eastern Europe
-Baltic Politics and Society
-Making of the Modern Ukraine
-Security, Identity, Polarity
-The Self and the World: Theoretical Approaches to Travel Writing
-Language Module
-Ethno-Political Conflict in Central and Eastern Europe
-Informal Practices in Post-Communist Societies
-Directed Reading Module

Dissertation/report
All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions and workshops. Students are assessed by a variety of methods: including unseen examinations, long essays, course work and the research dissertation.

Careers

With their specialist knowledge and language skills, SSEES Master's graduates can be found in business, finance, the media, international agencies, charities, diplomacy, international security organisations, the law, and academia.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Self-Employed Translator, Self-Employed Translator
-Charity Manager, The Big Give
-Parliamentary Assistant, MP's Assistant
-Research Analysis Intern, TechnoServe
-Assistant Producer, Global Radio

Employability
Students who have successfully completed this programme have progressed to further academic research on the region, or have obtained employment in such organisations as the European Parliament and the Ministry of Defence, as well as roles in business, think tanks, NGOs, or similar, both in Britain and abroad. Networking is facilitated by two major collaborations led by SSEES: CEELBAS and the International Master's (IMESS). Scholarships, internship opportunities and excellent links with other universities in the region provide further benefits.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL School of Slavonic & East European Studies (SSEES) is one of the world's leading specialist institutions, and the largest national centre in the UK, for the study of central, Eastern and south-east Europe and Russia.

Located on the edge of Bloomsbury, SSEES offers an ideal location for scholars. The British Library, British Museum, University of London Library and other similar research centres are all close by.

The SSEES Library is unequalled in Britain for the depth and breadth of its collections, the majority of which are on open access in the SSEES building.

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This programme provides students with a detailed of contemporary European politics, history and society. It draws on the expertise of five highly ranked departments and the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. For students taking either the French or the German pathway, the MA European Studies offers the possibility to complete a Masters degree within a single year, while taking modules in two different countries.

Key benefits

- As an interdisciplinary programme, this MA enables students to study contemporary Europe from a variety of perspectives.

- European & International Studies staff contributed in a major way to King’s College being ranked first for research power in the field of Politics & International Relations in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.

- Vibrant research community, designated as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence in European Law and Governance.

- For students choosing the French or German pathways, this MA offers the possibility to spend the second semester in two of the most prestigious institutions in continental Europe, respectively the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris and the Humboldt Universität in Berlin.

Visit the website: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-courses/european-studies-ma.aspx

Course detail

- Description -

The programme offers an in-depth analysis of major scholarly debates in history, politics, political thought, political economy and international relations, both within and beyond the European Union. Students will study a range of approaches on one of the two core modules (European Identities and the EU; or European Union: History, Institutions, Politics) and then choose from a wide range of specialist modules covering specific regions or issues relating to contemporary Europe (such as EU foreign policy, immigration, economic governance, law, political economy, lobbying and policy making, nationalism and the EU, Russia, the EU and Asia). MA European Studies provides students with the opportunity to develop a more specialist profile in either of four distinct areas (see Structure).

Students opting for the General Pathway study throughout the year at King's. Students opting for either the French or German Pathway will spend their second semester at either the Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris or the Humboldt Universität in Berlin. Both institutions provide a wide range of modules allowing students to further deepen their knowledge of both European and host country institutions, politics and policies.

- Course purpose -

The programme is ideally suited to anyone with a degree in European Studies, politics, international relations or international political economy. We also welcome recent graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, the social sciences and law, as well as those from a professional background.

- Course format and assessment -

120 credits from taught modules assessed by essay; 60 credits from individual dissertation supervised by staff member.

Student Destinations:

Doctoral research at King's or other prestigious universities; employment in government, European Union institutions, international organisations, business, and the media.

How to apply: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/taught-courses.aspx

About Postgraduate Study at King’s College London:

To study for a postgraduate degree at King’s College London is to study at the city’s most central university and at one of the top 20 universities worldwide (2015/16 QS World Rankings). Graduates will benefit from close connections with the UK’s professional, political, legal, commercial, scientific and cultural life, while the excellent reputation of our MA and MRes programmes ensures our postgraduate alumni are highly sought after by some of the world’s most prestigious employers. We provide graduates with skills that are highly valued in business, government, academia and the professions.

Scholarships & Funding:

All current PGT offer-holders and new PGT applicants are welcome to apply for the scholarships. For more information and to learn how to apply visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/funding/sources

Free language tuition with the Modern Language Centre:

If you are studying for any postgraduate taught degree at King’s you can take a module from a choice of over 25 languages without any additional cost. Visit: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/mlc

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Euroculture is an interdisciplinary master's specialization of excellence, focusing on the key challenges of contemporary Europe. Its strengths are a job-oriented approach and training in substantive research skills.

The master's specialization Euroculture is a unique, interdisciplinary and international programme consisting of 4 semesters (120 ECTS) and offered by a Consortium (8 European and 4 non-European universities). The status “Erasmus Mundus Master of Excellence" was granted to the programme by the European Commission in 2005 and again in 2011 thereby confirming the programme's outstanding quality. In 2015, Euroculture was, for the 4th time in a row, considered to be a "top" Master Programme by Keuzegids, an independent Dutch guide ranking university Programmes. In fact, the Keuzegids considered the Euroculture programme to be the best European Studies Master programme in the Netherlands.

The mission of the programme is to provide graduates with the following:

- a deep understanding of European identity, civil society, the ongoing European unification process in itself, its cultural and social dynamics and the consequences for its citizens and the wider world;

- the ability to identify and problematise what Europe, and the EU, represents for its citizens and for the wider world.

Why in Groningen?

Euroculture in Groningen is proud of being a founding member of the programme (1999), and of its achievements as Programme of Excellence. For three years in a row we have been selected as best European Studies Programme in the Netherlands (source: Master Keuzegids). Futhermore, the University of Groningen belongs to the global top 100 on the three most important ranking lists ('Shanghai, THE and QS World University Rankings).

The international staff of Euroculture hold doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines, such as history, cultural studies, political science, European law, European studies and international relations. The academic and research focus in Groningen is the notion of cultural identity and its relation to European integration in all its dimensions. Concepts such as “Europeanisation” and “Citizenship” are important elements in seminars. Trans-Atlantic relations and East Asia feature prominently in Groningen too.

Groningen is also an excellent choice of residence because this university town is lively and pleasant, with about 1 out 5 inhabitants being a student. For students there are excellent facilities not only for studying (ICT, library, Placement Office, International Office), but also for sports, entertainment and leisure.

Job perspectives

Euroculture prepares graduates for professions and research careers where knowledge of contemporary Europe and the European Union institutions are of relevance.

Due to the multi- and interdisciplinary nature of the Euroculture programme, its graduates find work in a broad range of sectors where expert knowledge of present Europe and European integration processes is required. A number of our graduates have also undertaken further studies on doctoral level.

The focus of the programme is on cultural and social developments, the political process of European integration, values, citizenship and cultural identity within Europe and its correlations with the wider world. Euroculture teaches students the methods and skills required to identify the European dimensions of social problems, to critically assess and interpret information about European institutions and organisations, and to understand the cultural aspects and factors that play a key role in the process of European identity formation and integration.

Career Prospects

Euroculture alumni have found employment in the following areas/organisations:
- EU institutions
- International and national organisations (non-governmental, non-profit, foundations)
- Universities, education and research institutions
- Embassies and ministeries all over the world
- Media, journalism, publishing, libraries
- Cultural (management) organisations
- Foreign trade organisations
- Political parties, foundations and associations
- City and regional planning, local and regional cultural projects
- Centres for minorities and minority rights

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The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that combines political science and international relations with history and sociology. Research plays a primary role from the outset, with research projects integrated into each core module. You will gain in-depth training in methods such as quantitative and qualitative techniques, comparative methods and discourse analysis. You will also develop skills in designing research, writing research proposals, publishing your work and applying for funding and research positions. For the elective component, you can choose to take specialised courses, complete a research internship or do an exchange abroad. The master’s programme culminates with a thesis and the development of a PhD research proposal.

In this programme, you will:
- Learn to critically analyse and discuss challenges facing the EU
- Gain experience working in a multidisciplinary, international academic environment
- Receive in-depth training in conducting high-quality research
- Focus on designing, implementing and publishing your own research

A future in research

The overall objective of this programme is to equip graduates for high-level research careers in and outside academia. Thanks to the networks and activities of the research staff at Maastricht University, you will enjoy unique access to researchers at other universities, policymakers at EU institutions and member state administrations, Brussels-based interest groups, think tanks and other actors. Students in this programme also take active part in the Politics and Culture in Europe research programme, which is one of the largest research groups in European Studies.

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This programme is an advanced study of historical and contemporary developments in the economy, politics, culture and society of Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Why this programme

-This programme is for those planning careers in major public, commercial and voluntary institutional settings who wish to acquire a specialised knowledge of Central and Eastern Europe and proficiency in one of the region's languages.
-Language and other study trips to the region are available. You will be offered the opportunity to spend a month in Russia. Some financial support is available to help you fund these trips.
-Choose between three specialist pathways: Central and East European Studies, Russian Studies, and Eurasian Studies.
-You will examine the history of communism and why it collapsed. You will learn about the impact of international organisations (e.g. the European Union, NATO) and of major world powers on the region as well as retaining an appreciation of the region’s internal diversity in a variety of spheres (cultural, economic, ethnic, political and social).
-You can participate in our extensive range of conferences, workshops, business days, seminars and networking activities involving representatives of the business, policy-making and third sector communities.
-The University Library holds one of the best Russian, Central and East European collections in the world.

Programme structure

You will take four core and one optional course, as well as complete a dissertation as a piece of independent research. You will select a specialist pathway, which includes a specialist core courses and a language. (choices vary depending on pathway).

Core courses
All pathways
-Issues in Russian, East European, and Eurasian studies
-Research methods for studying Russia, Eastern Europe & Eurasia

Central and East European Studies
-Geopolitics of Central and Eastern Europe OR Statehood and nationality in Central and Eastern Europe
-Language options: Czech, Estonian, Hungarian, Latvian OR Polish

Russian Studies
-Gender and identity in Soviet & Post-Soviet Russia OR Russian foreign policy
-Language: Russian

Eurasian Studies
-Contested states: The South Caucasus after 1991 OR Rethinking Central Asian security
-Language options: Russian OR Chinese

Optional courses
-Contested states: The South Caucasus since 1991
-De facto states in the Post-Soviet space
-Developments in Czech society since 1989
-Gender and identity in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia
-Media and democratisation in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
-Political modernisation: The Georgian case
-Post-Soviet Russia: Renegotiating global and local identities
-Post-Soviet Ukraine: a case study in socio-economic and political transformation
-Rethinking Central Asian security
-Russian foreign policy
-Statehood and nationality in Russia, Central and Eastern Europe
-The geopolitics of Central Europe

Career prospects

Many of our graduates have gone on to establish careers as lecturers and researchers at universities in the UK, Norway, Greece, Italy, and Poland or have become secondary school teachers. Our graduates have also been very successful in establishing careers with organisations such as BBC World Service, British Army, British Civil Service, British Council, Centre for Defence Information (Moscow), Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde (Glasgow), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (London), Jamestown Foundation (Washington D.C), KPMG, Ministry of Defence, UK, Open Society Foundation (Bratislava), Open Society Institute (Budapest), Operation Mobilisation, Czech Republic and the Trust for Civil Society in Central & Eastern Europe (Warsaw).

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The Double Masters Programme provides excellent students with the opportunity to obtain two Master's degrees from two top-ranked universities in only two years. Students of the Double Masters Programme study the first year of the Research Master's Programme in European Studies at Maastricht University. In the second year, they complete modules of the Master's Programme in Political Science at the University of Cologne. Students obtain the regular Master's degrees of both universities.

The programme provides a unique opportunity for students to study European politics from a truly European perspective with all the advantages both universities have to offer. In addition to regular seminars and lectures, the programme includes excursions, summer schools, guest lectures and career service events to boost your career.

Double degree students will be well prepared for the demands of an international labour market in European Studies, which increasingly expects graduates to have studied in more than one country. Graduates of the programme are particularly well qualified for a career in the institutions of the European Union, other areas of public administration or international companies. Furthermore, the research-oriented nature of the degree means that graduates are likely to move on to either doctoral research or to research-related work in think tanks, NGOs, etc.

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About the programme

This cross-disciplinary master's programme, which combines elements from the humanities and social science disciplines, offers you the chance to consolidate and expand the knowledge and competencies gained in your undergraduate studies in a social, cultural, business or economic discipline, lending it a (greater) European dimension. In this programme, you will be able to set your own study focus by choosing from a wide variety of subjects, including a number of European linguistic subjects and history, sociology, political science, geography, art history, East Central European studies and philosophy. To round off your profile, you will study, in depth, one or more of the following areas: foreign languages, media, intercultural communication, empirical research methods in social sciences, business administration, computer science and/or digital humanities.

Features

– Core subjects: linguistics, literary, cultural, socio-historical and geographic studies, intercultural communication and foreign languages.
– Shape your academic profile by choosing your own focus areas
– Subject-specific language programmes in eight languages with a special emphasis on economics/business or cultural studies
– Double degree options with the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) or Université de Strasbourg (France)
– Languages of instruction: German, English and, depending on your choice of cultural region, an additional European language

Career prospects

Graduates from the M.A. European Studies programme are sought after wherever in-depth knowledge of Europe, its societies, institutions and cultures is needed. The career choices open to you depend on your chosen focus areas and the work experience you gather while at university. For instance, you could work for the public authorities, supranational organisations, commercial enterprises, e.g. in the tourism or advertising industries, cultural organisations or education providers, to name but a few. The programme also prepares you for a research role in such organisations. To achieve the desired outcome, you must demonstrate a high level of independent thinking, determination and dedication, not only in your job but during your studies.
You will have the opportunity to develop your own individual study focus, which may later form the basis for your doctoral research, should you decide to continue with an academic career.

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How can we understand the EU’s response to the financial crisis or to the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia? How do we account for the EU’s reaction to the refugee crisis provoked by conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa? What is Europe’s peacekeeping role and capacity? The master's programme in European Studies trains you to answer these complex questions. Because you cannot study Europe from just one angle, the programme examines global developments and multi-level governance in a broader context, combining political science, history, international relations, economics and cultural studies.

This student-centred, interdisciplinary programme is among the largest, and certainly the most international, in Europe and has an excellent reputation. You will study the internal and external dimensions of European policy, governance and administration. The focus is on the underlying issues of power and influence, governance and culture within the European milieu and between Europe and the wider world.

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About the MSc programme

Sciences Po and LSE have come together to offer high-achieving undergraduate students a joint curriculum in European studies. Bilingual (French and English), and spanning a wide range of disciplines, this very select programme is delivered by renowned EU specialists, many with practical experience of policymaking.

The programme focuses on the history, politics, policies and institutions of the European Union; on the ideas which underpin the European project; and on the political, economic and social challenges facing Europe. Courses are multidisciplinary and you will choose options from international relations, history, economics, law, philosophy and political science, all with a strongly European focus.

Your first year is spent at Sciences Po, in the Master Affaires Européennes; the second year takes place within the European Institute at LSE studying either MSc Global Europe: Culture and Conflict, MSc Political Economy of Europe or MSc EU Politics.

Graduate destinations

Graduates of the programme pursue successful careers in politics, journalism, diplomacy, business, academia, consultancy, the EU institutions, national administrations and in the international institutions.

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Are you a socially conscious, critical thinker? Are you interested in politics and technology? And does the connection between innovation and society intrigue you? Then the master’s European Studies on Society, Sciences and Technology (ESST) might be what you are looking for. As an ESST student, you will investigate the relationship between science, technology, and society, from a cultural, political, economic, and historical point of view.

This programme is offered together with 15 partner universities across Europe. You will spend your first semester taking courses at Maastricht University. During the second semester, you will select a specialisation and write your thesis either at Maastricht University or at one of the programme’s partner universities abroad.

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About the MSc programme

The MSc in European Studies (Research) will allow you to combine the study of substantive themes in European integration with a strong methodological training. It will provide you with a methodologically and historically grounded, multidisciplinary analysis of Europe as a political, economic and cultural space. It also analyses European integration and the post-communist transformation process.

You will take courses from a range of options from European Institute MSc degrees, together with intensive research design and methods training. You will use methodology to drive your research and will be supported in developing research questions of real-world relevance. You will be trained in both quantitative and qualitative methods and will learn to apply them robustly throughout your research process, in order to best answer your question. You will also attend a programme of guest lectures from distinguished outside speakers, including business leaders and policy-makers.

This programme will provide an ideal preparation for doctoral study, as well as for successful careers in politics, journalism, diplomacy, business and in international financial institutions.

Graduate destinations

Former graduates pursue successful careers in academia, politics, journalism, diplomacy, business and in international financial institutions. Students from this programme are actively head hunted by companies and international organisations working in the region.

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This programme offers you the unique opportunity to combine a year of study in Glasgow with a year studying overseas (in English) at one of our renowned partner institutions and leads to the award of a double degree or a single degree.

Key facts

• International Master (Double degree/single degree): 24 months full-time;
• Contact: Maggie.Baister@glasgow.ac.uk

Why Glasgow

• If you are interested in the challenges faced by the states and societies of Central and Eastern Europe and their place within the new global security order, this two-year programme is for you.
• The programme has been recognised by the European Commission as an Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme of ‘outstanding academic quality’.
• The Erasmus Mundus label allows the programme to annually grant a substantial number of scholarships (including several full scholarships to non-European students).
• Language and other study trips to the region are available. You will be offered the opportunity to spend a month in Russian. Some financial support is available to help you fund these trips.

Programme Structure

Year 1

You will take two core courses and two optional courses at the University of Glasgow.

Core courses
• Language - Czech, Estonian (tbc), Hungarian, Polish, Russian
• Issues in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
• Research methods for studying Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Optional courses
• Developments in Czech society since 1989
• Gender and identity in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia
• Media and democratisation in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
• Post-Soviet Russia: renegotiating global and local identities
• Rethinking Central Asian security
• Russian foreign policy
• Statehood and nationality in Central and Eastern Europe
• A maximum of one outside option from an approved subject.

Note: Some courses might not be available every year.

Year 2: study abroad & dissertation

In semester 1 you will attend lectures/seminars at an international partner university and may choose your study programme from a wide range of options. Dissertation topic will have a strong influence on the selection of Year 2 double degree partner. Relevant language options to a maximum of 6 ECTS may also be selected. In semester 2 you will complete a 20,000-25,000 word dissertation.

Erasmus Mundus graduates will receive the official degree of International Masters in Russian, Central & East European Studies and an official degree from one of our partner universities.

Background and Aims

This challenging and innovative programme enables you to understand the history of communism and why it collapsed. You gain an informed knowledge of the process of economic and political transformation in the former communist states.

We want to develop world class researchers specialising in one or more of the following critical geopolitical areas: Central Asia; the Caucasus & Caspian Sea Basin; Russia; Central and Eastern Europe, including the Baltic Sea Region. This should support bodies like the European Union to address the myriad of socio-economic, political and security challenges of the 21st century. Flexible and high quality language training is an essential part of the programme.

You will get international experience in at least two countries, develop your skills in area research and acquire a range of key employability skills through our well-developed placements with associate partners from the business, public policy and third sector communities. You will also participate in conferences, workshops and other socio-cultural events, making the experience truly rewarding.

Career Prospects

You will be prepared for careers in policy-making in government, foreign ministries, the EU, Intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations. Other career opportunities include higher education and business.

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