European Studies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The master programme «European Studies» provides an interdisciplinary perspective on Europe and the European Union. The programme integrates lectures and seminars from the humanities and social sciences and spans the disciplines of Political Science, Sociology, Law, Economics, Contemporary History and Comparative Literature. The basic modules examine the EU's legal and economic system and focus on Europe as a cultural and political space. In terms of content, the master programme is dedicated to the European integration process since the end of the Second World War and deals with its current and future challenges. In addition, students receive in-depth training in social science research methods. Thanks to the broad, modular organisation and an optional specialisation programme, students can define their own interdisciplinary priorities.

  Fribourg profile
  The master programme «European Studies» in Fribourg is characterised by a friendly atmosphere and an intercultural and multilingual context. The trilingual teaching programme at Switzerland's only French and German-speaking university is unique in Switzerland. The programme focuses primarily on the social sciences. The course curriculum also leverages the University of Fribourg's well-established competences in the fields of European law, economy and cultural science. Students are able to obtain the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German» on their master diploma.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Students gain knowledge of the institutions and policies of the European Union and its relations with Switzerland. Particular emphasis is placed upon the interdisciplinarity and multilingualism of the programme. Graduates will be able to understand and critically analyse current political, legal and economic decisions and processes, as well as historic and contemporary developments in Europe. Students further acquire the necessary skills to take part in and analyse political and academic debates relating to Europe.

  Graduates have the means to apply their detailed knowledge of methodology and theory in European Studies to complex issues and discuss these topics in a critical manner. They are capable of analysing specific and multi-disciplinary research questions about Europe and autonomously applying the knowledge they have acquired to different contexts. Graduates are able to defining issues, collecting and analysing data and contributing to contemporary debate in a well-argued manner. They learn to present their results professionally, both orally and in writing, to an audience of specialists and other interested circles.

  The master programme qualifies them for work in the fields of public administration, diplomacy, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, journalism, cultural organisations, and research.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen