The Master of European Studies program at Comenius University of Bratislava is a two-year program designed for students interested in government and foreign policy and interdisciplinary research in political and social sciences. The program provides theoretical knowledge and is focused on the development of critical thinking. Graduates of the program can pursue their careers in various fields, such as international organizations, public administration, NGOs, research centers, international corporations, or academic teaching and research.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the Master of European Studies program at Comenius University, including its application requirements, curriculum, and potential career opportunities for graduates.
Application Requirements
The candidate for the Master’s degree program must have completed a 1st or 2nd cycle university degree. Additionally, they must have a B2 level of English and demonstrate knowledge and insight into international relations, European politics, institutional multilevel governance, the media, and the workings of actors in the political system. The candidate should also have the ability to think independently and creatively, evaluate critically, and formulate their own views and opinions.
An essential prerequisite for the European Studies program is the ability to collect and professionally evaluate information, analyze it, and process it for further research, decision-making, or application in practice. The candidate should be interested in cultivating their knowledge in both theoretical and practical terms in the fields of political behavior, international relations and organizations, the development and application of international and European norms and policies, from both a substantive, qualitative, and quantitative point of view. The candidate should be motivated to pursue a professional career in domestic or foreign organizations, analytical fields in public institutions or to pursue further studies or research.
Curriculum
The Master of European Studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of European integration processes and contemporary developments in international relations, research on political behavior, issues of equality, justice, and inclusion. Graduates of the program are oriented in a variety of theoretical approaches and concepts related to political, economic, social, and legal processes within Europe and the global world.
The program offers different study paths (study trajectories) that allow students to deepen their knowledge in areas related to policy analysis or European and international policies. The former consists of applying specific quantitative and qualitative research methods, evaluating the results, and proposing alternative ways of solving problems. The latter focuses on the cycle of specific policy-making, from setting, legislation, application, evaluation to re-evaluation and possible readjustment based on new scientific knowledge, models, and analyses.
Graduates are proficient in professional terminology in Slovak as well as in English, at least at B2 level and above, thanks to the teaching of core subjects in English. By completing complementary methodology courses, graduates can work independently with academic texts and different types of empirical data and prepare academic texts and policy-oriented analytical reports and papers. The program also allows students to gain practice in soft skills, i.e., how to formulate arguments and justifications for their arguments, how to critically and contextually evaluate processes and events in domestic and European political developments.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of European Studies program at Comenius University have various career opportunities in international organizations such as Council of Europe, OSCE, NATO, EU institutions, national institutions, think tanks, regional organizations, public administration, NGOs, research centers, international corporations, or academic teaching and research. The interdisciplinary nature of the program enables graduates to work in fields related to politics, international relations, European studies, media, and public policy analysis.
The program’s graduates can work in different positions, such as policy analysts, international project managers, researchers, consultants, or advisors in public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. They can also pursue academic careers as researchers or lecturers in universities or research institutions.
Moreover, the Master of European Studies program also offers students the opportunity to participate in internships, enabling them to acquire practical experience and apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life settings. Internships can be carried out in various institutions such as EU institutions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or research centers.
Comenius University also provides career guidance services to its students, helping them to develop their career plans and strategies, build their professional network, and search for job opportunities.
Conclusion
The Master of European Studies program at Comenius University of Bratislava is a valuable academic opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in fields related to international relations, public policy, and research. The program provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers in various fields such as public administration, NGOs, research centers, international corporations, or academic teaching and research.
The program’s comprehensive curriculum, study paths, and internships prepare students for different career paths, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in different professional settings. Comenius University’s career guidance services also support students in building their professional network and searching for job opportunities.
In conclusion, the Master of European Studies program at Comenius University of Bratislava is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing careers in international relations, public policy, and research, providing them with the necessary academic and practical skills and preparing them for a successful professional career.
