Information for Master students
Structure of programme, links to courses and practical information
This is an overview of the structure of our Master of Arts programme in European Studies (called MAPES). You can see which courses are offered which semesters and when during the semester (approximately) they are offered. You also receive information about when you need to make different choices in your education.
If you want to learn more about a course, click on it to go to the course page. There you will always find information about the course content as well as a link to its course syllabus. A few weeks before the semester starts, the schedule and reading list are also usually posted there, as well as other things that may be good to know in advance.
Semester 1
MAPES is introduced by a course on historical, cultural and normative perspectives on Europe. Among the subjects taught on the course are the influence of Christianity on Europe, the concept of the nation-state, the ideas of the Enlightenment and of humanism, the view of the individual and his or her freedom and rights, and the significance and interrelationship of different democratic values, such as freedom of expression, tolerance and equality before the law. The following second course provides you with an in-depth understanding of the political institutions and processes that have shaped and are shaping the European project. A special focus is placed on the European Union and on integration theories that explain the post-war development.
Courses:
- The Meaning of Europe: Culture, Values and Identity, 15 ECTS (EUHR11)
First half of the semester, September - October
- European Governance, 15 ECTS (EUHR12)
Second half of the semester, November - mid-January
To-do list for upcoming semesters:
- Middle of October to middle of January: Apply to elective courses for the optional third semester.
Regardless of whether you plan to do elective courses or an internship (in which case you might need a backup choice) during the programme's third semester, we strongly recommend you to start looking for and apply to courses during the first application round of the Swedish university system. This is because this is the time when most internationally oriented courses, with English as the language of instruction, are marketed and open for applications at www.universityadmissions.se. This is especially true for courses given by our own faculty, the Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, which is where we recommend you start looking for options. Read more about choice of elective courses below on the information about semester 3.
Semester 2
The second semester starts with a course on relevant methods and theories for humanities-oriented European studies and ends with a course on project management and communication, where you will get to develop and train various practical skills required for the planning and implementation of an EU financed project.
Courses:
- Theory and Methodology, 15 ECTS (EUHR14)
First half of the semester, mid-January - March
- Project Management and Communication Strategies, 15 ECTS (EUHR15)
Second half of the semester, April - early June
To-do list for upcoming semesters:
- February to May: For those of you who want to do an internship during the optional semester 5, it is good to start looking for internship positions and making applications during the spring. Read more about internship in the information about semester 3 below. A special information session about this will also be held in early February.
Semester 3
Internship, 30 ECTS
During the third semester you have the opportunity to begin shaping your professional identity as a humanistic European studies specialist by practically applying the skills and theoretical knowledge you have gained through your education during a qualified work placement at an authority, organization, or company. You will find and apply to the internship yourself, but the programme provides you with useful tips from our long list of former student's placements, as well as practical guidance in the application process from the faculty Careers Services.
- EUHR21, European Studies: Internship , 30 credits (around 20 weeks)
- EUHR22, European Studies: Internship, 15 credits (around 10 weeks)
Elective courses, 30 ECTS
Another option for this semester is to broaden or specialize your education by taking one or two optional courses on a subject that you find interesting or beneficial for your future. This could be a course offered by our own department, but it could also be a course in another area of studies given within our faculty or even by another university, as long as it is relevant for the profile of the programme. To be sure that this is the case, you need to inform the programme coordinator of your choices and your motivations for them. You apply for courses at the end of the first semester (read more above).
Electable courses given by our own department:
Semester 4
During the final semester you get to complete an independent research project in which you'll design and carry out a study relevant to European Studies. The project will take a multidisciplinary approach, combining theories and methods from the humanities and social sciences.
You'll be responsible for formulating your own research problem, selecting an appropriate method, gathering and analysing theoretical and empirical material, and presenting your results in a written report. Although you'll work independently, you'll receive guidance and feedback from a department-appointed supervisor throughout the research process.
This is an opportunity to develop your research skills and explore the complexities of European Studies. It will require a significant investment of time and effort, but you'll emerge with valuable experience in independent research and multidisciplinary approaches to complex topics.
Resources for your studies
- Academic Support Centre
The Academic Support Centre can support students in first or second-cycle studies when it comes to study skills and writing academic texts. You can come to them for help in finding efficient ways of working on assignments, essays and take-home exams. They also give you tips and advice about reading and absorbing course literature.
- Use the library!
The faculty's library services offer a variety of resources for you as a student and are a fantastic asset that you should really take advantage of. Among other things, they have resources on academic writing, source criticism, and reference management.
- Student Health Centre
If, for example, you are experiencing stress, low mood or anxiety about speaking in front of others the university has a Student Health Centre that can offer help. You can also get support related to your drinking habits, feelings of anxiety or other things that are affecting your mental well-being and linked to your study situation.
- Students with disabilities
Having a disability is not an obstacle to enjoyable and exciting studies at Lund University. You can receive learning support to facilitate your studies and compensate for your challenges. Read more here: Disability Support Services
After graduation
Towards the end of your education, it may be time to consider what comes after graduation. To prepare yourself for your entry into the workforce, we recommend you to contact the faculty Careers Coordinator to make an appointment for career guidance, CV-guidance and related questions.
It may also be worth utilizing other career resources offered by Lund University to our alumni, which can be found through the following link: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/current-students/careers-service.