Program Overview

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University of Fribourg Master Programme in European Studies

The master programme «European Studies» is an interdisciplinary course on contemporary Europe which combines Political Science, Sociology, Law, Economics and Contemporary History. The study programme merges core knowledge in each of these fields with training in social science research methods, enabling students to take part in ongoing discussions about political integration processes and the cultures of the European continent. The course is taught in three languages – French, German and English – giving graduates the ability to express themselves about the major challenges facing Europe to a multitude of audiences and to work in political, civic or academic environments, or in the cultural or community sectors.

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

• 90 ECTS credits + 30 ECTS credits as an option in a minor study programme freely chosen or in a specialisation programme
• 3 to 4 semesters

Admission

Master's degree programmes are built on the knowledge and abilities that were acquired when obtaining a bachelor's degree.

• Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a Swiss university are admitted to a master's degree programme without any preconditions if they have earned 60 or 90 ECTS credits – depending on the chosen master's degree programme – within the corresponding discipline.
• Holders of a bachelor's degree awarded by a foreign university, provided that the bachelor's degree is recognised and considered equivalent by the University of Fribourg, who do not fulfil this condition can be admitted to a master's degree programme with preconditions and/or additional requirements.

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme and as a specialisation programme (30 ECTS credits).

Minor Study Programmes to be Chosen

• Art History
• Business Informatics
• Chemistry
• Communication and Society
• Comparative Literature
• Computer Science
• Contemporary History
• Culture, Politics and Religion in Pluralist Societies
• Eastern European Studies
• Economics
• Education Sciences
• English Language and Literature
• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Sciences and Humanities
• Ethics and Economics
• European Studies
• French as a Foreign Language / French as a Second Language
• French: Foundational Curriculum
• Gender, Society, Social Policy
• Geography
• German
• German as a Foreign Language / German as a Second Language
• German Literary Studies
• Greek Studies
• History
• Interreligious Studies
• Islam and Society
• Italian
• Latin Studies
• Management
• Mathematics
• Medieval Studies
• Multilingualism Studies
• Musicology and History of Opera
• Pedagogy / Psychology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Psychology
• Rhaeto-Romance
• Slavic Studies
• Social Policy and Social Work
• Social Problems, Social Policy and Risk Prevention
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Sport Sciences
• Theology

Key Points

Degree Conferred

• Master of Arts in European Studies

Languages of Study

• Study in two languages, in French and German. A number of lectures will be in English.

Options

• For information on the optional award of the distinction «Bilingual curriculum, French/German»

Commencement of Studies

• Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February)

Access to Further Studies

• This master programme qualifies students also for the doctoral programme Social Policy.