Content of the Programme:
The Interdisciplinary Joint Master's Programme in South-Eastern European Studies seeks to provide an international and interdisciplinary master's programme in social sciences and humanities of the highest quality which enables participants to effectively understand the interrelationship between law, politics, economics and culture with a particular emphasis on the regional dimension of South-Eastern Europe. The programme prepares students for doctoral studies and professional life in a variety of other fields including work in international, local governmental and non-governmental organisations, journalism, business, scientific research, and consultancy.

In the first year at the home university (Graz, Zagreb, Belgrade or Skopje) enrolled students shall take compulsory core courses which include an introduction to multidisciplinary approaches to South-East Europe, public law, politics, economics and cultural studies. Students also take electives which reflect their chosen disciplinary specialisation. In the summer after the first year a joint summer school is held for all students from the four universities to complete the compulsory core modules. In the second year, students attend one of the partner universities and further specialise in their desired field. There are also optional provisions in place to offer students professional training and internship positions.

30 ECTS credits will be awarded upon completion of the master's thesis. The thesis reflects the student's capacity to work on scientific subjects in an independent and acceptable manner both in respect of content and methodology and
must be written in English. The length of the thesis is 20,000 to 25,000 words. Students shall determine their master's thesis topic according to the procedures and regulations at the respective home university and in consultation with the
thesis supervisor.

All compulsory subjects are conducted in English though students are able to take classes in other languages depending on availability and level of competency. Language acquisition is an important aspect of the joint degree and students are expected to learn a regional language and/or the predominant language of their institution.

Academic Degree:
Students completing the Interdisciplinary Joint Master's Programme in South-Eastern European Studies earn the degree "Master of Arts", abbreviated MA. The joint degree is awarded, signed and stamped by all four partners (subject to the specifications of the home university).

Admission:
The Interdisciplinary Joint Master's Programme in South-Eastern European Studies welcomes individuals holding an academic degree of at least 180 ECTS credits (bachelor's degree or equivalent programme of at least 180 ECTS) who can demonstrate a grounding in social sciences or humanities, (e.g., law, political science, sociology...) and who have some general insight in South-Eastern Europe (the Balkans).

The full application should consist of:
- completed application form (available at: http://www.seestudies.eu)
- at least one letter of recommendation (preferable from a university professor or employer)
- certificate/diploma obtained at the undergraduate level (notarised translation into English)
- transcript of records obtained at the undergraduate level (notarised translation into English)
- letter of motivation (statement of purpose)
- proof of proficiency in English language: IELTS (required minimum score: 6.0), a TOEFL (required minimum score: 210 on the computerized test, 547 on the paper test, 78 on the Internet test), a Cambridge Exam (required level: FCE) or
an equivalent certificate

Prospective Students should apply by post to the institution they wish to attend. Admission to the home university for successful applicants is, upon request to the legally competent body, a separate process according to the local
procedures for enrolment. Students begin their studies at the start of the following academic year.

For general enquiries please refer to the programme website at:
http://www.seestudies.eu from May 18 or contact:

Rory Archer
Centre for Southeast European Studies
Karl-Franzens University of Graz
RESOWI K3 Universitätsstr. 15
A-8010 Graz
Austria
Tel. +43-316-380-6824
rory.archer@...

**Please note that the programme is pending final accreditation at some
universities and is subject to change. Annual variation of mobility partners is
possible.
 

Source: Balkans Academic News Mailinglist, May 12, 2011.