This interdisciplinary master’s program examines Europe’s place in the contemporary world by combining perspectives from the humanities and social sciences. It focuses on the relationship between Europeanisation and globalisation, how global developments affect Europe, and the continent’s shifting role in the emerging world order. The curriculum treats European people, governments, businesses and civil society as actors on the global stage and emphasizes research-based analysis so students can contribute independently to scholarly and policy debates and to future-oriented projects.
The degree is offered jointly within the Arqus European University Alliance, bringing together four long-established, research-focused universities from different European regions. This consortium — spanning Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern and Central Europe — pools complementary research and teaching strengths built up over years of international collaboration, and delivers a coordinated, joint degree across the partner institutions of Granada, Graz, Leipzig and Vilnius. For international students, the Alliance’s broad geographic reach offers diverse regional perspectives and an internationally oriented academic environment.
Requirements (key facts and next steps)
Curriculum overview
This MA is organised into modular units of 10 ECTS each, with every module made up of two closely related courses. The curriculum blends consortium-wide, jointly run modules with locally delivered modules to combine strong virtual collaboration and opportunities for on-site study. Joint modules bring students from the partner universities together for coordinated teaching: typically one jointly offered online course taught by specialists from the consortium and one complementary offline course taught by the local institution to deepen the topic with place-specific expertise. Local modules are administered by individual study locations and highlight each site’s particular strengths while encouraging students who follow the physical mobility track to prepare specialized theses.
Key modules and what you will learn
Core and hybrid modules provide an interdisciplinary foundation in contemporary European studies and train you in comparative, historical and policy-focused analysis. Examples include:
Local modules cover regional, social and cultural dimensions (Regions in Europe — Between East and West; Social Transformations in Europe; Global Challenges and European Answers; Cultural Representation in Current European Societies) and an elective allows targeted specialization. The programme culminates in a Master’s thesis module in which you apply disciplinary methods and the thematic knowledge acquired across modules to an independent research project.
Concise requirements and module facts
Admission overview
All application materials must be submitted in English. You will need to provide academic records, proof of prior academic or professional experience, identity documentation, and evidence of English language ability. Shortlisted candidates will be assessed further in an interview, during which language competence is evaluated against the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A minimum of B2 is expected; C1 is considered an advantage.
When preparing your documents, include a clear CV that outlines relevant academic and/or work experience, and a motivation letter that explains why the programme suits your thematic and methodological interests. Transcripts should show your courses and grades (GPA or average mark). Optional supporting materials such as recommendation letters or additional diplomas can strengthen your application.
Required application documents (all in English)
Selection criteria (how applications are evaluated)
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers that require interdisciplinary, research-led analysis of European issues and global contexts. Typical pathways include policy analysis and advisory roles in national and European public institutions, positions at international organisations and NGOs, research or PhD programmes, and roles in consultancy or private-sector organisations dealing with European affairs.
The programme’s emphasis on comparative perspectives, languages, cross-border cooperation and optional internships also equips students to work in transnational project management, international development, cultural institutions and civil-society organisations that engage with European and global challenges.
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