Since its inception in the 1950s, the European Union has come to have an increasing impact on both its member states and neighbouring countries. For instance, Norway’s special association with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement means that the EU affects virtually all areas of Norwegian society.
Also, over the last two decades the European project has been time and again contested and challenged both within and outside the EU. As a result, member states like Denmark and Sweden have formal and informal opt-outs and Great Britain is in the process of leaving the Union. Under the overarching theme of “Differentiated Europe: Integration, Cooperation and Conflict”, the Master in European Studies provides in-depth knowledge of the multiplicity of forms and degrees of European integration and cooperation, how they came about, and what implications this has for governance and democracy in Europe. Norway and its unique relationship to the EU through its joint participation in the EEA and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) is an important focal point of the MA in European Studies.
The MA in European Studies is a full time, two-year, English-taught study programme. The first semester consists of four compulsory units exploring contemporary developments in the EU and Europe. During the second semester students can do either an internship in Norway or abroad or spend a semester abroad at one of the universities in Europe with which the Faculty of Humanities has exchange agreements. The third semester consists of three compulsory units, including a course offering a thorough training in research methods and skills. The last semester is entirely devoted to writing the MA thesis on a topic related to the European Union, European integration or European relations broadly conceived.
The MA in European Studies is particularly suited if you are looking to acquire a thorough understanding of the political, economic and societal developments in Europe and the EU, the multi-faceted processes of European integration and cooperation, European relations, and of how various European countries – particularly Norway – have chosen to participate in or opt out of European integration schemes.
A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
Candidates have
acquired a refined and advanced understanding of the political, economic and cultural developments in Europe and the EU and the multi-faceted processes of European integration and cooperation;
further developed their knowledge of theories and research methods relevant to the study of Europe, European integration and European relations, and can apply these theories and methods in their thesis;
acquired a thorough understanding of how various European countries – particularly Norway – have chosen to participate in or opt out of European integration schemes;
acquired specialized knowledge in a chosen area and topic (based on their MA thesis) within the programme focus areas (EU/European integration/European relations);
the ability to develop original ideas within a research context.
Skills
Candidates have
the ability to critically reflect on and interpret European events, developments or policies and to use different methodologies in an integrated manner;
capacity of utilising and applying their knowledge of Europe and the EU to formulate complex and nuanced judgements in the multidisciplinary context of European Studies and to reflect on the application of their knowledge and judgements;
demonstrated their ability to collect, analyse and interpret various types of data and handle complexity;
acquired the learning skills necessary to study, conduct scientific research and more generally work and study in a self-directed and autonomous manner in accordance with ethical norms;
the ability to communicate orally and in writing their findings in English using the appropriate terminology to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
General competencies
Candidates
have gained in-depth insights into the problems and opportunities relating to cooperation across borders and be able to apply this knowledge and expertise to new areas to carry out professional tasks and projects;
can construct multiple perspectives in the understanding of human and institutional behaviour;
can identify, obtain and analyse large amounts of complex and specialist information;
have acquired a relevant professional skill set, including organisational, communication, presentation, innovation, analytical, independent and team-work skills;
have gained international mobility (study abroad) or professional experience (internship).
