Interview with scientific director about the new curriculum

The curriculum of the postgraduate program "European Studies" has been amended and updated and the next start of the master program will be in October 2023. We have asked the scientific director, Professor Christoph Reinprecht, for an interview about the new curriculum. You can read the interview here below.

The existing continuing education program "European Studies" of the University of Vienna was amended and updated. What are the main updates and alterations?

The European study program has been running for more than 20 years. During this time, not only the European Union itself, in its structure and its role in the world has changed; also the issues Europe is confronted with and the problems that need to be solved, on European and global levels, have changed significantly: global warming, migration, increasing unequal distribution of wealth, the returning of war and armed conflicts also on European territory amongst others. So, in that regard there are good reasons to adjust our curriculum. Next to the existing curriculum from before, there are now new courses e.g. on inequalities in Europe, communication in and about Europe or academic research and writing. Furthermore there is now, for example, a small simulation of the EU legislation process. At the same time, we adapted the program to the requirements of Austrian higher education law: the European Studies postgraduate program now offers a complete master's program with 120 ECTS. The program is now offered completely in English to make it more accessible. Courses are now held Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings and Saturdays the whole day to better enable employed persons to join our program as well.

The postgraduate program "European Studies" exists for more than 20 years already. What were some of the highlights of the past years for you as the scientific director.

There have been many highlights in recent years. Strictly speaking, the composition of the students was a highlight every year: always different, always exciting, always incredibly enriching. Another special highlight every year are the excursions to Brussels where participants get to visit different European institutions and meet various experts to talk with them about their work.

Why is the master program still relevant 20+ years later?

There are many reasons that make the master program relevant: the world is more complex than ever, the European integration process still not accomplished, and the challenges for a democratic, peaceful and sustainable development seems to be greater than ever, to name a few important reasons to deepen and sharpen our understanding of Europe and its future, which the master program aims to do.

Who is the target group of the master program?

The master program addresses everybody interested in Europe and the European Union, its development and its future. If you are interested in and passionate about Europe and want to learn about Europe and EU Institutions from different academic perspectives, and or if you work or want to work in European or international organizations for example, the program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum to gain knowledge from different disciplines. The postgraduate program is for anyone who wants to receive a profound University education in the field of European Studies. We welcome participants from all parts of the world, all disciplinary backgrounds, independent from their professional status and life course situation.        

What can participants expect from the (new) curriculum?

Participants gain a deep and differentiated knowledge and understanding of historic, economic, legal, political, and socio-cultural aspects of European integration. They are also trained in professional skills required when working in and with European institutions. Teaching is organised in Vienna University's inspiring intellectual environment. Most faculty members belong to the scientific staff of the University of Vienna. They are complemented by EU practitioners. Teaching in the master program is strongly interactive and interdisciplinary, and thrives on the participants' interests and commitment.