Master's Programme in European Studies, Humanities Track
Summary
Europe is changing, and so are the ways Europeans understand themselves, their societies and the world they live in. Crucial issues concern European identity, how unity can be reconciled with diversity and what it means to see oneself as a European. In this programme, you study Europe from a humanistic perspective, based on the basic belief that humanists must be involved in shaping the path of the future.
Other specializations
About
You will learn to critically examine and understand Europe as an idea and community, but also how Europe has been influenced by national and cultural identities. We shed light on European self-understanding in relation to other parts of the world, both historically and in present-day globalization. You will develop your skills in critical analysis, text interpretation, analysing cultural practices, application of scientific methods, and preparing your own arguments.
As a student, you will be part of the multi-disciplinary milieu Centre for European Studies (CES) in close collaboration with the Centre for European Research (CERGU). We offer you a unique possibility to combine historic and theoretical knowledge with social and political perspectives on contemporary challenges in Europe.
Programme structure and content
The first semester consists of three mandatory courses:
- European Heritage and Identity
- European Borderlands
- Political and Public Spheres and Spaces in European History and Culture
In the second semester, you can choose elective courses in Sweden or abroad, or do an internship for a half or a full semester.
In the third semester, you first choose one of the following semi-elective courses:
- Social Europe
- European Environment
- Energy or Europe in the World
Secondly, you choose one of the four methods courses:
- Applied Statistical Analysis,
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods,
- Applied Qualitative Research Methods, Problems and Design,
- Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists
The last semester is dedicated to your Master’s thesis, with seminars and peer review to assist you, along with individual supervision.
Who should apply?
This programme suits you who will:
• Develop your knowledge to critically analyse and understand Europe as an idea and society
• Focus on your personal interest with a choice between many elective courses
• Focus on one course at a time and complete assignments throughout the course
• Study in an international and diversified study environment with flat hierarchies and teachers and students from many different countries and disciplines
•Socially and intellectually vibrant student community with networking possibilities
•Close working life connection through the European Studies Advisory board.
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
Humanities track A Bachelor's Degree (180 credits) with a minimum of 90 credits courses in humanities discipline(s) such as Cultural Sciences, History, History of Ideas, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or equivalent. A Bachelor's Degree (180 credits) with a minimum of 90 credits of courses in social science discipline(s) such as Business Administration, Economic Geography, Economic History, Economics, European Studies, Human Geography, International Relations, Journalism, Law, Media and Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, or equivalent. A Bachelor?s Degree in Languages (180 credits) if combined with 60 credits of courses within the above mentioned humanities or social sciences discipline(s), or equivalent. Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. Any other entry requirements are documented in the respective course syllabus.
Special instructions for application
For more information about the entrance requirements and selection criteria, follow the link below. Please note that your application should include a CV and a Statement of Intent. For requirements on these documents, see the link.
More information about Special instructions for application
Selection
The selection is based on the submitted Statement of intent and CV. Please use the assigned form. Statement of intent and CV shall be uploaded on www.universityadmissions.se no later than February 1 (if you apply in the first admission round) and May 2 (if you apply in the second admission round).
Priority will be given to applicants with 60 credits in European Studies.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive the degree Master of Science in European Studies. You will be prepared to pursue a career within European administration, as an analysist or investigator within the cultural sector. You will have a solid foundation for careers within cultural administration, independent cultural organizations, NGOs, and international administration in e.g. the United Nations or the European Union.
Facilities
The Centre for European Studies belongs to the Department of Political Science and is located in Campus Haga, which lies right in the city center of Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden.
More information about facilities
Exchange opportunities
In addition to personal development and an increased understanding of the outside world, studying abroad gives you a sharper resume with international experience. Students who have studied abroad have and continue to develop characteristics such as adaptability, the ability of initiative and ability to handle unexpected situations. In addition, you improve your language skills and gain an international network of friends for life!
During your studies, you have the opportunity to study one semester abroad. We co-operate with universities in several European countries, but also in the US and South Korea. Start planning your exchange studies early so you know when to go and when you need to apply.
More information about exchange opportunities
Internship
You can do an internship, in Sweden or abroad, during the elective semester of the programme. Many students state that the internship is the best thing they have done! It provides new perspectives and prepares you for your future working-life. You will expand your network, which is important when you apply for work.
You choose and apply for an internship yourself, but it must be approved by the Department of Political Science. One of the requirements is that you will be offered qualified assignments that involve independent analytical work, where you can practice and develop what you have learned during your studies. Our students have had internships at international organisations such as the EU or UN, national agencies, local and regional authorities, within research projects and cultural organisations.