Executive Master s Programme in European Studies

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1 University of Gothenburg Programme syllabus for the Executive Master s Programme in European Studies 60 higher education credits Second cycle Confirmed by the faculty Board of Social Sciences

2 1. Degree Programme title and credits The programme is called the Executive Master s Programme in European Studies, 60 higher education credits. 2. Confirmation The programme syllabus for the Executive Master s Programme in European Studies was approved by the Faculty Board of Social Sciences, , to be valid from autumn The Programme Board of the European Studies Programme is responsible for the programme. 3. Aim of the Programme The programme is designed for students who have a Bachelor s degree and a minimum of five years documented full time qualified work experience working with Europe-related issues. The degree will provide students with extensive knowledge and analytical skills needed for their professional careers within the field of European Studies. The courses are pedagogically designed to stimulate the students to use their work experience as reference in theoretical seminars as well as in more practical assignments. There will be close collaboration with people who work with European affairs questions in companies, organizations, and in the public sector. The programme is inter- and multidisciplinary, and addresses a broad range of topics within the field of European Studies. Disciplines that form the foundation of the programme are: Business Economics, Economics, Economic Geography, Economic History, History, History of Ideas, Law, Political Science, and Sociology. 4. Degree After successfully completing the programme, students can apply for a diploma with the designation Degree of Master of Science (60 credits) in European Studies (Filosofie magisterexamen med huvudområdet Europakunskap). 5. Main field of studies The main field of the Programme is European Studies (Europakunskap) 6. Objectives Specified in the Qualifications ordinance (see Higher Education Ordinance, 2011:946, Annex 2) 2

3 7. Programme content and structure 7.1 Structure The programme is structured to allow students to remain professionally active while being enrolled in the programme and it is therefore designed for a lower study-pace over two years. A major part of the teaching will take place within the framework of distance-learning. This will allow for participation in the programme without permanent relocation to Gothenburg during the time of study. A majority of the teaching and other activities in the courses (e.g. discussion-seminars, guest-lectures) will be conducted over the internet. Some activities, like the introductory and final sessions of each course will require presence in Gothenburg for a total of 15 days divided over 7 separate occasions; two days in September and two days in October for Semester 1, two days in January at the junction between Semesters 1 and 2, two days in April of Semester 2, two days in October of Semester 3, two days in January at the junction between Semesters 3 and 4 and three days in June at the end of Semester 4. The programme including the course contents, the pedagogical model applied, as well as the forms of examination and the communication techniques used will be introduced during a two-day meeting in Gothenburg at the start of the first year. The establishment of good social contacts between the participants will also be emphasized. At the end of each course a two-day meeting will be organized in Gothenburg. During these meetings there will be seminars and guest lectures, but also time set aside for oral and written examinations. Finally, at the end of each meeting in Gothenburg the next course will be introduced. 7.2 Content The programme consists of three core courses, two elective in-depth courses that allow students to pursue a thematic specialization, a course in research methods, and a master s thesis course. Two core courses will be offered during the first year and a choice between two elective courses will be offered during the second period of Semester 2 and the first part of Semester 3. The remaining core course and the master s thesis are scheduled for the second year. The research methods course of 15 hec will begin with an introductory session, Session 1, of 5 hec during Semester 1. The remaining 10 hec will be given in four 2,5 hec sessions, Sessions 2-5, in conjunction with each of the four 7,5 hec core- and elective courses, respectively. All courses will entail several components including discussions with student colleagues and the preparation of written memos/reports. All written material (incl. those produced by the students) will be made accessible on the programme website. The courses offered are all closely related to research carried out within the framework of the Centre for European Research at the University of Gothenburg (CERGU), a multidisciplinary research center and a Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence. The teaching staff members are all active in CERGU. In Semester 2, the students have an option to choose one of two elective courses, which allow for thematic specialization. 3

4 The programme consists of the following courses: Co-operation and Conflict in Europe 7,5 hec European Market Integration 7,5 hec Europe as a Global Actor 7,5 hec Research Methods 15 hec Master Thesis 15 hec And a choice between: Environment and Energy in European Integration 7,5 hec and Social Europe 7,5 hec The total of 60 hec is divided into four 15 hec semesters in the following way: The total of 60 hec is divided into four 15 hec semesters in the following way Semester 1 Semester 2 Research Methods Session 1 (5 hec)* European Market Integration (7,5 hec) + Research Methods Session 3 (2,5 hec)* Co-operation and Conflict in Europe (7,5 hec) + Research Methods Session 2 (2,5 hec)* Environment and Energy in European Integration Part 1 (2,5 hec)** + Research Methods Session 4 (2,5 hec)* OR Social Europe Part 1 (2,5 hec)** + Research Methods Session 4 (2,5 hec)* Semester 3 Semester 4 Environment and Energy in European Integration Master Thesis (15 hec) Part 2 (5 hec)** OR Social Europe Part 2 (5 hec)** Europe as a Global Actor (7,5 hec) + Research Methods Session 5 (2,5 hec)* * The course Research Methods consists of five sessions. The first session of the course starts in the first semester, and the following four sessions are taught in conjunction with other courses throughout the first three semesters. This allows for an integration of the methods and the theoretical parts of the programme, through a close collaboration between the course coordinators. Students will practice different research methods by applying them to theories and materials related to each course. All five methods sessions are a part of the same course, however, and examination for each methods session counts towards the 15 hec of the Research Methods course. 4

5 **The courses Environment and Energy in European Integration and Social Europe are offered over two semesters, with the first 2,5 hec taught at the end of Semester 2 and the final 5 hec at the start of Semester 3. Students choose one of these two elective courses, start their course in April of Semester 2 and carry on with the same course until October of Semester 3. Semester 1 Research Methods Session 1 (5 hec) The first session of the Research Methods course will offer the students a number of general study sessions corresponding to 5 hec on quantitative and qualitative research methods, aiming to equip students with method literacy on a range of methods. Research methodology questions are at the core of all courses and four special study sessions of 2,5 hec with in-depth focus on specific methods have been designed to be offered in conjunction with each of the courses, giving students the appropriate methodological tools for their thesis projects. Cooperation and Conflict in Europe; Current Theory and Research (7,5 hec, core course) This course lays the theoretical foundation for a broad interdisciplinary and problemoriented approach to European integration. The aim is to increase the theoretical understanding of legal, political, economic and social aspects of the European integration process by bringing forward different disciplinary insights and understandings of current European phenomena. The students will learn about the institutions, processes, practices and problems of European integration, as well as gain an overview of, and an ability to critically reflect on and discuss, orally and in written form, current theory and research on processes of European integration. Research Methods Session 2 (2,5 hec) will be offered in conjunction with this course. Semester 2 European Market Integration (7,5 hec, core course) This course addresses the problems of integrating different national market systems into one single market, without formally integrating the social systems. The key problems in the process of enlargement and integration and how they are being handled in different EU institutions and by different actors will be addressed, including different styles of policymaking, such as hard-law and soft-law. The interplay between formal legal restrictions, economic functions of the single market, and the political policy-making process will be a central theme throughout this course. Research Methods Session 3 (2,5 hec) will be offered in conjunction with this course. 5

6 Environment and Energy in European Integration (7,5 hec, elective in-depth course), 2,5 hec, Part 1 This course addresses and problematizes the EU's environmental and energy policy. Students analyse the EU's legal foundation, the policy process, and the EU s commitment to sustainable development, economic growth and integration of markets in relation to environmental and energy challenges. This provides the foundation for thematic elaborations, which are structured so that they analyse (1) the role of various actors, institutions, and interests in the policy process; (2) implementation issues, including the relationship between the EU and member states; and (3) the EU as a global actor, focusing for example on the possible conflicts between policy promotion internationally and the political practices of EU internally, as well as in third party countries. The first 2,5 hec are given in Semester 2, the course then continues in Semester 3. Research Methods Session 4 (2,5 hec) will be offered in conjunction with this course. Social Europe (7,5 hec, elective in-depth course) This course seeks to consider the past, present, and future of Social Europe. The course will focus on inter-disciplinary aspects of European citizenship that is rights and obligations, work, family, gender, identity, immigration, and the future of European welfare states. The course addresses and problematizes European social policy and law. This provides the foundation for thematic elaborations on different social problems and future challenges for the EU, including analyses of the relationship between the EU, the Council of Europe and the member states. The students will gain in-depth knowledge of the diversity of European social policies, their political background, and of current welfare reforms. The first 2,5 hec are given during Semester 2; the course then continues in Semester 3. Research Methods Session 4 (2,5 hec) will be offered in conjunction with this course. Semester 3 Continuation of Environment and Energy in European Integration or Social Europe (5 hec) Part 2 Europe as a Global Actor (7,5 hec, core course) This course is designed to present a multidisciplinary and historical perspective on the relationships between Europe and other parts of the world. Three fields of interest will be especially focused on: migration, trade, and security. How is Europe dealing with questions concerning these kinds of relationships? Which values, norms and interests are indicated by these relationships and in what ways? How is the rest of the world judging the relevance of 6

7 Europe in a globalized world? Questions like these are discussed in theoretically-based historical, cultural, political, and economic perspectives, with the aim of contributing to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the role of Europe in the world. Research Methods Session 5 (2,5 hec) will be offered in conjunction with this course. Semester 4 Master s Thesis (15hec) The concluding course includes the writing of a master s thesis. The thesis should aim to have high theoretical and empirical relevance and add new knowledge to the field of European Studies. Students will independently formulate a well-formulated research question, identify, survey, and synthesize knowledge relevant to the research question, choose suitable analytical methods to collect or select appropriate data, analyze the material, and draw well-informed conclusions. In this course, students are also expected to assess the validity of their own conclusions, communicate their results, and complete the work within the stipulated timeframe. The thesis writing will be supervised individually. Students are required to defend their theses in a final examination seminar, as well as act as commentator on another student s thesis. 7.3 Main field of study Compulsory core courses Cooperation and Conflict in Europe: Current Theory and Research, 7,5 hec European Market Integration, 7,5 hec Europe as a Global Actor, 7,5 hec Eligible in depth-courses Environment and Energy in European Integration, 7,5 hec (two parts) Or Social Europe, 7,5 hec (two parts) Research Methods course 15 hec (five sessions; 5 hec and four 2,5 hec) Master s Thesis course, 15 hec 7

8 8. Prerequisites The requirement for admission to the programme is a Bachelor s degree, or the equivalent. As the programme is designed with a special focus on those who are active in the professional world, there is a prerequisite for admission that stipulates a minimum of five years documented full time qualified work experience within the field of European Affairs (in a broad sense), and of current employment within this field. Applicants are asked to provide a written statement of interest within the field of the programme. Applicants must prove their English proficiency. The basic English prerequisite is at least English 6, English Course B, or the equivalent. See 9. Guaranteed admission Students who have been admitted to, and who are enrolled in the programme, have guaranteed admission to all required courses within the programme. 10. Additional information The programme is taught entirely in English. Students cover their own travel expenses and living costs during introductory seminars, course seminars, and examinations which take place in Gothenburg. Students who are citizens of a country which is not a member of the EU/EES are required to pay tuition fees. For further information, see Note that the tuition fee does not cover travel expenses or living costs. The Executive Master s Programme in European Studies quality assurance activities are guided by the Programme Board of the European Programmes quality assurance plan. 8

Master s Programme in European Studies

Programme syllabus for the Master s Programme in European Studies 120 higher education credits Second Cycle Confirmed by the Faculty Board of Social Sciences 2015-03-09 2 1. Degree Programme title and