european studies in English

Doc. PhDr. Oľga Gyarfášová, PhD. | VUPCH

Doc. PhDr. Andrej Findor, PhD. | VUPCH

Mgr. Zuzana Maďarová, PhD. | VUPCH

Maksym Khylko, PhD. | VUPCH

Bc. Dominik Lelkes - student

Mgr. Ondrej Gažovič - representative of employers 

The aim of the preparation of graduates of the Master's degree programme in European Studies is to theoretically and methodologically develop their knowledge and apply theoretical and methodological approaches to the topics of European integration, contemporary developments in international relations, research on political behaviour, issues of equality, justice and inclusion.   

Graduates of the Master's degree programme in European Studies are oriented in a variety of theoretical approaches and concepts related to political, economic, social and legal processes within Europe and the global world. On the basis of the knowledge acquired, they are able to analyse and evaluate processes and problems in the domestic and international political arena and to carry out a comparative analysis of these processes.   

The basic characteristic of a graduate of the Master's degree programme in European Studies is the ability to analyse and apply theoretical and empirical knowledge in the field of interdisciplinary research of European integration processes and his/her readiness to work in various sectors of public administration and politics, in the field of European and international institutions, as well as in the field of sectoral policies, in the media, in civil society and in academic research.   

The graduate has the ability to think critically and analytically, taking into account social, scientific and ethical aspects in his/her studies and research. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme enables graduates to work in fields related to politics, international relations, European studies, media and public policy. The different study paths (study trajectories) within the degree programme allow students to deepen their knowledge in areas related in particular to:  a) policy analysis, which consists in applying specific quantitative and qualitative research methods (statistics, advanced qualitative methodology) to actual social situations, evaluating the results and proposing alternative ways of solving problems;  b) European and international policies, which focus 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, which include theoretical parts as well as practical applications to specific policies or situations, graduates are able to work independently with academic texts and different types of empirical data and to prepare academic texts and policy-oriented analytical reports and papers. In doing so, they adhere to standards of academic ethics.   

Given the different types of assignments (presentations, project preparation, term papers, critical essays, etc.), the programme also allows students to gain practice in soft skills, i.e. how to formulate arguments and justifications for their arguments and how to critically and contextually evaluate processes and events in domestic and European political developments.  

The structure of the curriculum and the scope of seminars, exercises and practical assignments, together with the compulsory internship, strengthen the independence of graduates to be able to propose concrete and professionally justified solutions and alternatives in solving problems and projects, including the basis for the development of legislation and sectoral policies, for the development of opinions and explanatory reports in the national, European and international context. The graduate is able to work individually and collaboratively in a team, has the ability to think critically and creatively, to reflect on his/her own positions with respect for value pluralism, while maintaining the basic principles of dialogue within a democratic community.   

The objectives of the study programme are in line with the long-term development strategy of the Comenius University in Bratislava and the objectives of the Long-term Plan of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Comenius University in Bratislava. The application of the English language in the teaching process, as well as the presence of foreign lecturers and researchers working in the programme, contributes to the internationalisation of studies, increases the competitiveness of graduates of the study programme, improves their communication skills and enables them to continue their doctoral studies at domestic and foreign research institutes, as well as to successfully apply on the labour market in their field of study as well as in related professions. 

Graduates' employability:

Legislators, senior civil servants and top business and organisational leaders
Speaker and member of parliament
President and member of the Government
Secretary-General of the Civil Service
Secretary of State
Government Plenipotentiary
Director of a government department (departmental level)
Ambassador, Consul General
Head of office, secretariat of central government body
Senior official of a public institution
Chief executive officer of a non-profit organisation, foundation and non-investment fund
Chief executives of political, trade union, interest and related organisations
Senior public administration official in the field of international relations
Parliamentary and government affairs manager  
Executive officer (manager) in the field of EU funds
Strategy specialist in relation to European Union policies
International Relations Specialist
Systems analyst not elsewhere classified
Human rights specialist
Political scientist
Publicist, Correspondent, Reporter, Commentator 

PDCS, o.z. 

Future Generation Europe 

AIESEC 

Národný ústav certifikovaných meraní 

EADI 

Adra  Slovensko 

Ambrela (pôv. Platforma mimovládnych rozvojových organizácií) 

European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes