European Studies
Fribourg profile
The Department of Historical Sciences offers doctorates in European Studies in French or in German. The European Studies Domain provides bilingual teaching in the Human and Social Sciences, in which the emphasis is on politics, contemporary history and culture. The period covered by European Studies at Fribourg starts at the end of the Second World War up to the present day. With its interdisciplinary profile, the Domain takes into account the legal, economic and political aspects of contemporary Europe and analyses the sphere of influence of European culture.
Possible subjects for a doctorate in European Studies at the Department of Historical Sciences are:
- The history of European integration
- Franco-German relations
- Relations between Switzerland and the European Union
- The New Right in Europe
- The processes of democratisation in Europe
- The concepts and policies of cooperation and reconciliation
- The policies of remembrance and identity in Europe
- Europe as an area of communications
- International and diplomatic relations
- Cultural policies in Europe
The European Studies Domain also supports fundamental research in the social and cultural fields of the analysis of European policies as well as in comparative politics. The same applies to the more practical and specific study programmes.
During the academic year, the doctoral students also have the opportunity of taking part in the Master and thesis colloquium in European Studies.
The doctoral students can also participate to the doctoral school entitled Law, Ideas and Politics of Europe, conducted by the Professor Samantha Besson, Chairholder in public international law and European law at the University of Fribourg.
Over and above their specialisation, doctoral students can also take part in the French and German-language doctoral schools.
Professors who are eligible to supervise theses
- Prof. Gilbert Casasus
Areas of specialisation:
– Franco-German relations
– Relations between Switzerland and the European Union
– The New Right in Europe
– History of European integration
– Comparative analysis
– Democratic deficit and deficit of legitimacy in the European Union
Theses can be supervised in German or French.
Studies organisation
Structure of studies
No ECTS credits can be earned.
Doctoral school
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Admission
In order to be admitted to a doctorate the candidate must have been awarded an academic Bachelor's and Master's degree or an equivalent qualification by a university recognised by the University of Fribourg.
Before applying for a doctorate the candidate must contact a professor who would be willing to supervise the thesis work.
There is no general right to be admitted to a doctorate.
The respective conditions of admission for each doctoral study programme are reserved.