European Studies (ES)

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EUROPEAN STUDIES
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

University in Sarajevo

Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies

in partnership with

University of Bologna, London School of Economics and Political Science and Faculty of Economics in Sarajevo

M.A. in European Studies

Goals of the Program

The strategic objective of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to enter the European Union. There are numerous obstacles along the way, generated as a consequence of historical events in this part of Europe, the previous socio-economic system and the recent war.

One of the ways to accelerate the process of fulfilling conditions for accession into the European Union is education of all the individuals who can use their knowledge and skills to mobilize others and initiate activities that will lead us in that direction.

The main goal of the postgraduate program in European studies is to provide excellent education to the young, who will then be able to share their newly acquired knowledge in their respective fields, and will thus help others integrate more smoothly into this powerful, sophisticated and auspicious community.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subject matter the students are to master if they are to acquire expertise in European integrations in general, this program will be organized at the level of the University of Sarajevo. This will assure a better understanding of different aspects of European history, politics, culture, economy, law, etc.

In order to reach the main goals of this postgraduate program, during its course it will be necessary to find a balance between two complementary objectives. The first objective is to introduce the European Union as an already defined integration of all the highly developed countries of this continent. The second is a detailed analysis of the current possibilities and perspectives of Bosnia and Herzegovina from the point of view of its transition into a state that fulfills conditions for accession to the EU.

Who Is This Program For?

The program is designed for all graduate students who have a need and a desire to contribute to the process of transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards the European Union, as well as to its successful positioning once it enters the integration process.

The reason for such a loosely defined target group is the clearly emphasized interdisciplinary nature of the program. The program invites participation of individuals not only from all fields of science, but also from different institutions, such as all types and levels of state administration, businesses, non-governmental organizations, education, media, etc.

As for state institutions, this program is particularly attractive for current and future diplomats, officials and experts from all levels of government, from different ministries, the judiciary, etc. Current and future business managers may benefit greatly from this program, since there are great interest in international business collaboration with EU.

In addition to state and business, non-governmental organizations are becoming the third important factor in the development of any society. Their role in the European Union will be very interesting, thus making adequate knowledge of such organizations absolutely necessary.

It is also important for educational and scientific institutions, media, etc. to employ personnel with expertise in European matters, in order to disseminate such knowledge among the general public.

It is therefore clear that the postgraduate program in European studies should indeed be intended for a wide circle of individuals from different walks of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Structure of the Program and Methodology

The two-year program is divided into four semesters, with three semesters representing the lecturing period, and the fourth semester intended for the finalization of the MA dissertation. A total of 330 hours of lecturing is divided among eleven courses each with 30 hours of lecturing. A minimum of 25 lectures per course will be used for theme presentations by course leaders as well as international and domestic guest lecturers. Additionally, students are expected to participate in discussions tutorials on individual current issues. Each course will have at least two lectures from the European Union, mostly from the lecturers from the participating universities.

For each course, students will select themes for written examination papers, in accordance with their professions, jobs or interests, and in agreement with their course leaders. Students will have individual consultations and additional reading available for the preparation of their written papers. There will be an oral exam at the end of each course. Course leaders will be responsible for conduction examinations and grading written papers.

Students also have to serve an internship period between 300 and 500 hours in one of the institutions or organization related to their interest and MA thesis research.
In fourth semester students are required to write an MA dissertation between 60 and 80 pages in length and to defend it in front of the Commission composed of a minimum three members including the MA dissertation supervisor.
Attendance of all components of the Program is compulsory for issuance of the MA diploma by the University of Sarajevo and University of Bologna. Bologna's standards will be applied in the implementation of the program: mobility (of students, lecturers, researchers), ECTS, partnership among universities (issuance of the joint degree) and in addition, European dimension of higher education.
Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to hold a high standard university degree. Fluency in English is a necessary prerequisite for admission. The criteria for the selection processes are: outstanding academic quality and relevant background, relevant professional experience, strong motivation and language proficiency, interpersonal and communication skills. The program is designed for minimum 30 and maximum 35 students, which will be selected through the examination of the application form and relevant required documentation: BA diploma, transcripts, TOEFL (minimum score of 550) or equivalent. An interview may be also designed if necessary.

For additional information, please contact:

MAIDA OMANOVIC
Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies
University in Sarajevo,
Zmaja od Bosne 8,
71 000 Sarajevo

Tel/Fax:
+387 33 668 683, 668 685, 668 687

e-mail: maida@cps.edu.ba