Master's Programme in European Studies, Social Science Track
Summary
This programme deals with key European challenges and dilemmas from diverse disciplinary perspectives. You will increase your knowledge and sharpen your ability to analyse and evaluate the complexities of the economic, social and political developments in Europe. We have an active, international and welcoming study environment, combined with an emphasis on research informed teaching. You will be prepared for professional careers in the field of European affairs, or further research at the doctoral level.
Other specializations
About
Master's Programme in European Studies – Social Science track
This programme provides knowledge about current salient policy issues and dominating theories within the European studies field. You will learn how to analyse the economic, political, cultural and social developments in Europe. We focus on interactions and tensions between different countries, actors, societal levels and groups. We study crises and change, as well as the driving forces and consequences of European integration and disintegration.
You can tailor the education to your own needs, by choosing among our in-depth semi-elective courses in environmental or social issues, or the developments in Eastern Europe or EU in the World.
As a student of the Master’s Programme in European Studies, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary milieu in close collaboration with the Centre for European Research at Gothenburg University (CERGU). Our teaching staff are also researchers in economics, the humanities, law, and the social sciences. We offer you a unique possibility to deepen your understanding of economic, social, cultural and political perspectives on contemporary challenges in Europe.
Three double degree options
In addition to studying Master's Programme in European Studies in Gothenburg, you can apply for three double degree options. See the links below for further information and instructions on how to apply for these.
University of Konstanz, Germany
Fudan University in Shanghai, China
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States
Programme structure and content
The first semester of the social science track
consists of three mandatory courses: European Heritage and Identity, European Integration: Current Research and Theory and Integrating
European Markets.
In the second semester, you can choose elective courses in Sweden or abroad, or do an internship for a half or full semester.
In the third semester, you choose first one of the following semi-elective courses:
Social Europe
European Environment and Energy
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 or 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?
If you want to:
• Develop your knowledge to be able to critically analyse and understand European integration and disintegration.
• 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 (REGU)
Prerequisites and selection
Requirements
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.
Assessment of qualifications
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 Assessment of qualifications
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 for a career in European affairs, in public and private organizations, or further research at the doctoral level. You will have a solid foundation for a career as a policy analyst or developer in civil society organisations, NGOs, and national and international administration, e.g. within EU institutions.
Facilities
The Department of Political Science, is located in Campus Haga, which
lies right in the city centre of Gothenburg, the second largest city of
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.
