Q: What is the difference between Euroculture and other programmes in the field of European studies?
A: The Euroculture programme has a different approach to topics of European integration. It focuses on the implications of the process of European integration for the citizen, Apart from this different perspective, the programme has a mandatory mobility (in Europe) and offers the option to choose from a professional track and a research track.
Q: Is the programme theory or practice oriented?
A: The programme combines both theory and more practice-oriented modules. In the research seminars, theory is discussed and in the writing of the MA thesis, the theoretical framework is an important aspect. In the Eurocompetence modules, the focus is on the development of practical academic and professional skills. Moreover, in the third semester students are offered the opportunity to opt for a research track or a professional track; this involves a work placement in a European affairs related organisation .
Q: What is the Euroculture consortium?
A: The Euroculture consortium is a network of eight European universities and four non-European universities that work closely together. The coordinating university of the consortium is the University of Groningen. For more information on the Euroculture consortium, please click here.
Q: What is the Intensive Programme?
A: The Intensive Programme is a 10-day conference or summer school in which all the Euroculture students come together to follow courses, workshops, discuss and present their research papers to their fellow students. Its aim is to deepen the knowledge and understanding obtained during the two semesters by joint discussion and reflection. A ‘career day’, lectures by important scholars, project management, and workshops with relevant field experts also form part of the programme. Each year the IP focuses on a topical theme, also the site of the IP changes, because every year the organisation is done by a different university in the consortium.
Q: How does the mobility work? Do I have to go abroad?
A: Mobility between the different universities is a crucial and mandatory element in the Euroculture programme. Students are expected to choose a home and a host university. At the home University they will spend their first semester, while they move to the host university for the second semester. Between the second and the third semester, students are expected to attend the Intensive Programme, which is hosted by a different consortium university each year. In the third semester, students can opt for either a professional or a research track. The professional track entails finding a work placement in a European affairs related organisation.
The research track can be spent at either the home or host university, or at one of the four non-European partner universities (for a selected group of European students). In the fourth semester the student is expected to return to either their home or host university, in order to write the MA thesis.
Q: Is it possible to get a grant for studying Euroculture?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot offer Erasmus Mundus scholarships at the moment. However, there are several possibilities to receive funding. These possibilities differ per university and it is most practical to inquire for information at the course coordinator of the (home) university you are applying for. For more information about grants and funding please click here.
Q: What are the career prospects of Euroculture students?
A: The curriculum of the Euroculture programme satisfies an existing need on the professional market, and also forms an adequate preparation for entering this market. Euroculture alumni have found employment in a wide range of sectors. For more information on the career prospects of Euroculture students and for a list of examples of jobs of Euroculture alumni, please click here.
Q: What will I learn when I choose for studying the Euroculture Master?
A: The mission of the programme is to provide graduates with the following profile:
a deep understanding of European identity, civil society, the ongoing European unification process in itself, its cultural dynamics and the consequences for its citizens and the wider world - the ability to identify and problematise what Europe and the EU represent
- the ability to translate analysis into feasible solutions.
This profile has been translated into a clear set of operational competences that has proven to be highly relevant for a good employability.
Q: Do I need to speak the local language of the university(ies) I am applying for?
A: No, it is not strictly necessary to have knowledge of the local language of the university you are applying for. Furthermore, each consortium partner offers (intensive) courses in their national language to the Euroculture students admitted to the programme for free. However, language proficiency in other European languages is a recommendation for admission. If you can convincingly argue that you have an affinity with the country you are applying for, this can strengthen your application. Knowledge of the local language would be an important aspect in this.
Q: What are the differences between the universities in the consortium?
A: At all universities the same components of Euroculture are taught. These components are:
A. Core fields of European Culture – 25 ECTS
B. Eurocompetences – 40 ECTS
15 ECTS: Eurocompetence module
25 ECTS: either for internship track or research track
C. Intensive programme – 5 ECTS
D. Research – 50 ECTS
10 ECTS: Seminar Europe in the Wider World
10 ECTS: Methodology seminar
30 ECTS: MA thesis
But each university also teaches specific regional or national examples. This makes the integration of the respective profile of each university into the programme possible
The eight European universities have been selected to cover not only a feasible number of larger and smaller EU countries, but also to represent different regional parts of Europe. This is thought to be of crucial importance for achieving the objectives of the MA.