Centre for Languages and Literature, Lund University
Master of Arts in European Studies
Embark on an academic journey exploring European political history, identity construction, transnational communication and cultural conflicts. Gain insights into European Union institutions, governance, culture and communication policies, and develop practical skills in project management and communication.
A unique humanist profile
The programme's primary goal is to provide a focus on the humanities in the field of European studies, which is a perspective unique to Lund University. The programme specifically targets those who are interested in understanding Europe from a broader, cultural point of view, and who want to apply this perspective in careers related to European cultural politics, identity formation, and Europe-wide communication.
Analysing identity, communication and values
The programme has a strong scientific and theoretical orientation, providing students with theories, methods, and skills for the conceptualization and analysis of issues of particular interest in the context of contemporary European developments, such as the social and cultural construction of identities on multiple levels (local, regional, national, European), the growth of a transnational public sphere of communication, the cultural conflicts brought on by growing mobility through migration, travel, and business, and the normative interplay between values that include religious tolerance and freedom of speech.
As a student on this programme, you will learn to:
- understand notions of European culture and history as well as collective identity dynamics,
- master the important features of European Union institutions and governance,
- focus on the European Union’s culture and communication policies and their related areas,
- develop project management and communication skills.
Programme structure
The cultural history of Europe
The program begins by presenting Europe in its historical, cultural, and normative aspects, such as the impact of Christianity, the development of the idea of the nation state, the intellectual currents of enlightenment, humanism, and individualism, the importance of civic rights, and the values of freedom of speech, tolerance, and equality.
European politics and institutions
During the second semester the students will get a deeper understanding of the political institutions and processes at the foundation of the European project and their current function. After a course on the various theories and methods that underpin a humanities approach to European studies, the students focus on practical skills in a project management course. During the third semester there is the possibility to further deepen these practical skills by doing an internship.
The master's thesis
The accumulated knowledge and experience of the students will be reflected in the final stage of the program, the writing of a master's thesis.
Career prospects
Our programme proposes a practical approach to prepare students for future employment by introducing concepts and skills of project management, through a specially designed course, targeting the interaction with European institutions. Students will also have the opportunity to go on internships and thereby gain contacts that can lead to future employment.
European Studies will prepare you for a wide range of careers, not only in Sweden, but also Europe and beyond. You will leave the programme with excellent skills in analytical thinking, project management and presentation, in addition to your in-depth knowledge of European countries and EU institutions. Graduates have found work in European institutions (local, regional and supranational), in private companies, as well as in think-tanks.
Possible career opportunities include project management in institutions dealing with European culture and communication, analysis and consultancy in publishing, translation and media businesses directed to a European audience and dealing with cross-cultural communication. Some of our graduates choose an academic career path by pursuing doctoral studies.
About Lund University
When you study with us, you get an internationally recognised education. Lund University is ranked among the best universities in the world for the overall quality of our education and research, international outlook, employability and sustainability.
A world-class university with a rich tradition
Founded in 1666, Lund University is one of the oldest and most comprehensive universities in northern Europe. It is a non-profit, public university with:
- 3 campuses in Lund, Malmö and Helsingborg
- 9 faculties representing a wide range of subject areas
- 47,000 students
- a top 100 ranking in various world rankings
- rank 1 among Swedish comprehensive universities.
A truly international environment and outlook
As a student at Lund, you will study at one of the most international universities in Europe and the world.
The University:
- is the number 1 choice for international students in Sweden
- attracts students from more than 130 countries
- has 44% international students on Master's programmes
- offers over 140 international degree programmes in various subject areas
- is ranked 62nd in Times Higher Education's Most International Universities Rankings
- is ranked 8th in the world by QS for sustainability.
The global classrooms and opportunities available at the University will allow you to broaden your horizons and develop valuable international network. This, in turn, will help you progress in your life and career.
At the same time, the Greater Copenhagen Region, of which our campuses are a part, is home to an impressive range of international companies and organisations. This creates excellent opportunities for interaction with business and industry.
These are some of the reasons why we are highly ranked for the employability of our graduates.
Vibrant student life
Lund is known for its active and unique student scene. It is considered by many to be the best student city in Sweden.
At the heart of student life at Lund University are the traditional student nations (social clubs), the Academic Society, and many different student organisations and unions that organise events and activities throughout the year.
As a student in Lund, you can experience the rich history of a medieval Swedish university town while being part of a dynamic and international atmosphere. Our campuses in Malmö and Helsingborg are exciting in their own way, both being part of larger seaside cities with their own range of opportunities for students.
Lund is only 15 minutes away from Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city, about 35 minutes from Copenhagen International Airport and 50 minutes from the centre of Copenhagen. At the same time, beautiful and varied nature is also close by.
In short, there are plenty of opportunities to create your own experiences and travel.
Check out our Instagram account where you can see student life through the eyes of a new student every week, read the latest student blogs or listen to Lund University's international podcast where our students share their experiences:
You can also explore our campuses by taking a virtual tour, or read more about what it's like to study at Lund University:
Explore our three campuses in our virtual campus tour – youvisit.com
More about student life at Lund
Living and studying in Sweden
You are not only choosing a university to study at, you are also choosing a country to live in. And why should you choose to live in Sweden?
Sweden is:
- one of the best countries in the world for higher education, according to various rankings
- one of the best countries in the world for English as a second language, with 90% of the population speaking English. This means there are no language barriers to your unique experience
- one of the safest countries in the world, making it a great place to live
- a country with an environmentally conscious culture
- a creative, innovative country with one of the highest levels of gender equality in the world.
Also check out these two useful national websites about studying and living in Sweden:
studyinsweden.se
sweden.se
Excellence in research and innovation
The breadth of the University creates excellent conditions for interdisciplinary research and teaching, which are closely interwoven.
The University is an active member of prestigious international research networks such as the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and Universitas 21 (U21). As a student, this gives you access to exciting international opportunities.
Lund University is home to several advanced research environments, including two of Europe's largest multidisciplinary research facilities: MAX IV and the European Spallation Source (ESS).
The University is an active part of an extensive innovation ecosystem, the Lund Innovation District, which includes MAX IV, ESS, two science parks, a science village, the university hospital and many companies, scale-ups and start-ups. These parties work together to create innovations in several areas, including life, material and energy sciences. This opens up a wide range of collaboration and career opportunities for our students and staff. We also offer both students and staff access to valuable innovation support services (such as coaching, incubators and funding opportunities).
All this has led – and, with the efforts of our students and staff, will continue to lead – to ground-breaking research results and innovations that make a difference every day.
More about our research and innovation
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