Master's Programme in European Studies

The overall aim of the programme is to provide advanced knowledge and analytical skills relevant to different aspects of European development, with a special emphasis on integration and disintegration in the EU and Europe. The programme is inter- and multidisciplinary and addresses a broad range of topics within the field of European Studies including legal, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of contemporary European development and integration, as well as its historical background. The programme will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for both professional careers in and post-graduate research related to important European developments. The European processes encompass not only activities at the supranational European level, but also how old and new member states and citizens are affected, and how various actors (e.g. private companies, local/regional authorities, social movements) seek to influence integration or disintegration in Europe.

The programme equips students with the analytical skills to assess European actors involved in the integration processes, implications of supranational decision-making, as well as to formulate strategies to operate effectively in the European arena.

The academic spirit of the programme is the creation of a critical stance, fostering of independent thinking as well as the promotion of an urge and an ability to formulate original questions rather than to convey ready-made answers. All courses of the programme are closely linked up with current research, with a special emphasis on multidisciplinary academic studies on European developments. Methodologically, the programme builds on a research-like approach implying the reading of research literature, own academic writing, problem solving, and oral presentations and discussions in the form of academic seminars.

Eligible for the programme is one who has

Social science track
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 (180 credits) with a minimum 90 credits of courses in humanities discipline(s) such as Cultural Sciences, History, History of Ideas, Philosophy, Religious Studies, or equivalent.

Three years of studies (180 credits, equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree) at the Law, 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.

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.

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in European Studies (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet Europakunskap).

Specialisations

(SOCI) Social Science Track Samhällsvetenskaplig inriktning 120 credits

(HUMA) Humanities Track Humanistiska spåret 120 credits

(KONZ) Double Degree Track with Konstanz University Double Degree-Konstanz universitet 120 credits

(CHAP) Double Degree-University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Double Degree-University of North Carolina och Chapel Hill 120 credits

Master's Programme in European Studies, Social Science Track (MAES)

Master's Programme in European Studies, Humanistic Track (HMAES)

Each student studies compulsory core courses in European Studies, one semi-elective in- depth course in European Studies, one semi-elective course in research methods in European Studies, and one compulsory final master’s thesis in European Studies. In addition to this, there are elective courses that allow students to specialize including the opportunity to do a full or half semester internship.

The programme is a full-time programme.

For more information on each course: see the respective course syllabus.

Programme Overview

Semester 1 (Core Courses):

EU2112 European Heritage and Identity, 10 credits (MAES and HMAES)

EU2113 European Integration: Current Research and Theory, 10 credits (MAES)

EU2114 European Borerlands, 10 credits (HMAES)

EU2122 Integrating European Markets, 10 credits (MAES)

EU2123 Political and Public Spheres and Spaces in European History and Culture, 10 credits (HMAES)

Semester 2 (elective semester)

One or two elective courses, 15 credits within a social science discipline in Sweden or abroad. Students may choose from a list (see de Degree Description). Exceptions need written approval from the Director of Studies.

or

EU2430 Internship, 15 credits

EU2420 Internship, 30 credits

Semester 3 (semi-elective courses)

Module 1 (semi-elective in-depth course)

EU2210 European Environment and Energy, 15 credits

EU2215 Europe in the World, 15 credits

EU2220 Social Europe, 15 credits

EU2225 Elective Reading course for HMAES, 15 credits

Module 2 (semi-elective method course):

SF2323 Applied Qualitative Research Methods, problems and design, 15 credits

SF2322 Applied Qualitative Research Methods, 15 credits

SF2324 Introduction to Applied Research Design and Quantitative Research Methods for Social Scientists, 15 credits

SF2321 Applied Statistical Analysis, 15 credits

Semester 4 (Thesis course):

EU2500 Master´s Thesis for European Studies, 30 credits

MAES Double Degree- Konstanz University

Higher education qualification and main field of study

Anyone who has successfully completed the programme can apply for a diploma with the denomination Degree of Master of Science (120 credit) with a major in European Studies (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet europakunskap) from the university of Gothenburg and a Master of Arts in Politics and Public Administration (Master i Politik och Offentlig Förvaltning) from the University of Konstanz.

Content and Structure

The Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg and the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Konstanz, have agreed on a double degree master studies collaboration. The first year of study takes place in Konstanz and the second year of study takes place in Gothenburg according to the programme syllabuses and course syllabuses for the respective parties.

The master’s programme consists of three compulsory and one elective core course in European Studies, one semi-elective and two elective in-depth in European Studies and two compulsory research methods courses. In addition to this the programme also includes two elective courses outside the main field of European Studies. The programme ends with a final compulsory master’s thesis in European Studies.

The programme is a full-time programme.

For more information on each course: see the respective course syllabus.

Other

• Regarding purpose, outcomes and guaranteed admission the same applies as for the regular programme syllabus. 
• The program is taught in English. 
• The Master’s Programme quality assurance activities are guided by the Programme Board of the European Programme’s quality assurance plan, which is prepared in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet). 
• For courses included in the programme that is not organized by the Programme Board of theEuropean Programmes, each individual department is responsible for quality assurance activities. 
• For courses in Konstanz, the University of Konstanz is responsible for the quality assurance activities. 

Programme Overview **Double Degree Konstanz**

Semester 1 in Konstanz

Module 1

Research design I, 9 credits (method course)

Basic seminar International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits (core course)

Module 2

Basic seminar International Administration and Conflict Management, 7 credits (core course) or

Basic seminar Comparative Politics and Policy Analysis, 7 credits (core course)

Elective core course within the area International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits

Semester 2 in Konstanz

Module 1

Research design II, 9 credits (method course)

Elective in-depth course within the area International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits

Module 2

Elective in-depth course within the area International Relations and European Integration, 7 credits

Elective in-depth course from one of the following areas, 7 credits: Comparative Politics, Policy analysis, International administration, Conflict management, and Management and Public administration.

Module 1 (semi-elective in-depth course)

EU2220 Social Europe, 15 hec

EU2210 European Environment and Energy, 15 hec

EU2215 Europe in the World, 15 hec

Module 2 (core courses)

EU2121 European integration: current research and theory - second half, 5 credits and

EU2122 Integrating European Market, 10 credits

Semester 4 (Thesis course) in Gothenburg

EU2500 Master´s Thesis for European Studies, 30 credits

MAES Double Degree Chapel Hill

Higher education qualification and main field of study

Anyone who has successfully completed the programme can apply for a diploma with the denomination Degree of Master of Science (120 credit) with a major in European Studies (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet europakunskap) from the university of Gothenburg and a Master’s degree in Political Science (Master i statsvetenskap) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Content and Structure

The Department of Political Science at the University of Gothenburg and the Center of European Studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have agreed on a double degree master studies collaboration. The first year of study takes place in Chapel Hill and the second year of study takes place in Gothenburg according to the programme syllabuses and course syllabuses for the respective parties.

The master’s programme consists of six compulsory core courses in European Studies, one semi-elective in European Studies and two compulsory research methods courses. In addition to this the programme also includes three elective courses. The programme ends with a final compulsory master’s thesis in European Studies.

The programme is a full-time programme.

For more information on each course: see the respective course syllabus.

Other

• Regarding purpose, outcomes and guaranteed admission the same applies as for the regular programme syllabus. 
• The program is taught in English. 
• The Master’s Programme quality assurance activities are guided by the Programme Board of the European Programme’s quality assurance plan, which is prepared in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet). 
• For courses included in the programme that are not organized bythe Programme Board of the European Programmes, each individual department is responsible for quality assurance activities. 
• For courses in Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is responsible for the quality assurance activities. 

Programme Overview **Double Degree Chapel Hill**

Semester 1 in Chapel Hill

Module 1 (core courses)

Poli745 Varieties of Democratic Capitalism in Europe and North America,7 credits

Poli733 European Integration: Theories, Institutions and Decision-Making Processes, 7 credits

Poli882 US-EU Lecture Series, 3 credits

Module 2

Elective course, 7 credits

Poli788 Statistics and Data Analysis, 7 credits (method course)

Semester 2

Module 1 (elective courses, recommended)

Poli432 Comarative Tolerance, 7 credits

Poli630 Political Contestation, 8 credits

Module 2

Poli490 EU Today, 7 credits (core course)

Poli890 Statistics Sequence, 8 credits (method course)

Semester 3 in Gothenburg

Module 1 (semi-elective in-depth course)

EU2220 Social Europe, 15 hec

EU2210 European Environment and Energy, 15 hec

EU2215 Europe in the World, 15 hec

Module 2 (core courses)

EU2121 European integration: current research and theory - second half, 5 credits and

EU2122 Integrating European Market, 10 credits

Semester 4 (Thesis course) in Gothenburg

EU2500 Master´s Thesis for European Studies, 30 credits

General outcomes for Degree of Master (120 credits) 

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in interdisciplinary European studies, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in interdisciplinary European studies.

Competence and skills 

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach 

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in interdisciplinary European studies informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research and its role in society, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

None.

• The programme is taught in English.
• The optional internship may take place at a location other than Gothenburg.
• Students will be required to pay their own expenses related to the optional internship.The Master’s Programme quality assurance activities are guided by the Programme Board of the European Programme’s quality assurance plan, which is prepared in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet).
• For courses included in the programme that is not organized by the Programme Board of the European Programmes, each individual department is responsible for quality assurance activities.

Students admitted to the program have a general guaranteed admission to all compulsory courses within the programme provided that they 1) apply according to assigned administrative procedures, and 2) have completed the prerequisite courses. Students admitted to the program have limited guaranteed admission to the semi-elective and elective courses within the programme under the same conditions as above.