South European Studies (International Master) IntM
Southern Europe is a region that finds itself at the cutting edge of key global challenges. South European Studies offers the stimulating experience of studying and training in three different European countries in the region and the opportunity to acquire advanced language, research and professional skills.
- Academic contact: EUROSUD@glasgow.ac.uk
- Teaching start: September
- IntM: 24 months full-time
Why this programme
- This Joint Master Degree programme is unique in examining Southern Europe as a distinct region with its own identity and global role. Themes include democracy and protest, migration, social and economic change, nationalism, European integration and the new trade and security challenges that are reshaping the region.
- Multiple mobility periods allow for a truly international learning experience. Immersion into South European society and culture, experience of diverse educational systems, and needs-based language training in all major South European languages offer in depth knowledge of the region.
- Research and professional tracks are available for maximum choice in curriculum building. The research track leads to a dissertation while the professional track leads to a substantial work placement and a professional project.
- Consortium partners include University of Glasgow, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Aix-Marseille Université, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, LUISS Guido Carli Rome and Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa.
- An innovative Winter school offering dissertation training will be held annually in the month of January at ICS, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
- Guest lectures and seminars are offered by scholars and policy practitioners who are leading experts in their field.
Programme structure
The programme is taught over 24 months and includes three mobility periods. In semester 1 you gain an overview of the subject in Glasgow, followed by a choice of mobility partner in semester 2 (Athens or Madrid). Here you will follow a geographical pathway that situates the region in its broader neighbourhood context. Semester 2 also includes an online research and training course. A Winter school featuring dissertation/project workshops and seminars on advanced research techniques will be held on the first week of February in Lisbon.
In semester 3 you will have the choice of four thematic pathways along the research track in Athens, Madrid, Aix-Marseille or Rome. Alternatively, you may follow a professional track that includes a lengthy work placement available in Madrid or Aix-Marseille. You will spend semester 4 with the same semester 3 mobility partner researching and writing your dissertation or professional project under the guidance of a supervisory team of South European Studies staff. If on the professional track you will also undertake a substantial work placement in semester 4. Please note semesters 3 and 4 cannot be spent with the same partner as semester 2.
The language of instruction is English except in Aix-Marseille where the language of instruction is French (If you decide to select this pathway, you would need French proficiency to minimum B2). In Madrid, some optional courses will be offered in Spanish. Students will write their dissertation or professional project in English only in Athens and Rome however, will be offered the option of writing it in French in Aix-Marseille or Spanish (in Madrid), if they so wish. Teaching will be via lectures and small group seminars utilising a wealth of theoretical and methodological approaches drawn from the humanities and social sciences. Assignments and coursework include individual and group presentations, structured debates, simulation exercises and role play, reflective logs, fieldwork and study trips. Language courses in all major South European languages are available with each mobility partner over the two years of the programme.
Detailed Programme Content
2 years duration: 120 ECTS
Course credits are listed as ECTS, however on MyCampus student record they will be listed as SCQF credits. 10 SCQF = 5 ECTS.
Year 1 - semester 1
University of Glasgow – Overview (30 ECTS)
These courses are compulsory:
- Politics and society in Southern Europe (10 ECTS)
- Research design (10 ECTS)
- Southern Europe in international affairs (10 ECTS)
Year 1 – semester 2
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Greece and the Balkans
Semester 2 – UAM or NKUA (Geographical Pathway) (30 ECTS)
Students choose three courses from the following:
- Contemporary Turkey: domestic and foreign policy (10 ECTS)
- Economic transition pathways in Southeastern Europe: disruptions, challenges, prospects (10 ECTS)
- International law and peaceful settlement of disputes in Southeast Europe (10 ECTS)
- International relations of Southeast Europe (10 ECTS)
- Migration and asylum governance in Southeastern Europe (10 ECTS)
- Nationalism in South Eastern Europe (10 ECTS)
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid* – Spain and the Arab world
Students choose five courses (30 ECTS) from the following with two conditions:
- Research Seminar is compulsory for all;
- A maximum of 2 courses of those marked with an asterisk(*)
- Research Seminar (6 ECTS) - COMPULSORY
- Contemporary Political Theory (6 ECTS)
- Public Administration and Management (6 ECTS)
- Public Policy Analysis (6 ECTS)
- Elections and Electoral Behaviour (6 ECTS)
- Quantitative techniques for research in Political Science (6 ECTS)
- Democratization and Political Reform in Turkey and Iran* (taught in Spanish) (6 ECTS)
- Political Islam in the Magreb and Mashreq* (taught in Spanish) (6 ECTS)
- Democratic transition Processes in the Arab World* (taught in Spanish) (6 ECTS)
Introduction to quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences (delivered online by ICS)
Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa - Winter School
- Dissertation workshops
- Keynote lecture
- Seminars on practical application of selected advanced research methods and techniques
Year 2 – semester 3
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Crisis and change
Semester 3 – NKUA, AMU or LUISS (30 ECTS) UAM (24 ECTS) (Thematic Pathways)
Students choose three courses from the following:
- Attempting transformation: European Union Southeastern Europe (10 ECTS)
- Greece: political economy, crisis and change (10 ECTS)
- Interconnected histories: The Balkans and the Black Sea from the 18th to the 20th century (10 ECTS)
- Political change, democracy and crisis in Southern Europe (10 ECTS)
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid* – Nationalism
All students choose 4 of the following courses (24 ECTS):
- European Union (6 ECTS)
- History of Political thought (6 ECTS)
- Methods for the study of public administration and policies (6 ECTS)
- Representation and political participation (6 ECTS)
- Theories of nationalism (6 ECTS)
Aix-Marseille Université – Borders
All courses are taught in French
Students will take all the following courses:
Research Track
- Borders, territory and conflict in Euro-Mediterranean space (3 ECTS)
- Euro-Mediterranean immigration policies (3 ECTS)
- Nationalism, religion and identity in South Eastern Europe (3 ECTS)
- Political transitions in Southern Europe (3 ECTS)
- Research Methodology in the social sciences (6 ECTS)
- Writings and representations of the Mediterranean Sea (3 ECTS)
One course to be chosen from the following in the professional pathway (3 ECTS) Core (French):
- Heritage, culture and sustainable development in the Mediterranean Language, either English or French (3 ECTS) Core
- Policies, governance and institutional actors in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean
- Mediterranean economy
- Language, either English or French (3 ECTS)
- Second language to be selected from among: Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese or other available South European/regional languages (3 ECTS) Core
Professional Track
- Heritage, culture and sustainable development in the Mediterranean (3 ECTS) Core
- Language, either English or French (3 ECTS) Core
- Second language, to be selected from among: Spanish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese (3 ECTS) Core
- Mediterranean economies (3 ECTS) Core
- Methodologies for the professional project and the internship (3 ECTS) Core
- Policies, governance and institutional actors in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean (3 ECTS) Core
- Professional seminars (10 invited professionals) (6 ECTS) Core
- Project management and team management (6 ECTS) Core
LUISS Guido Carli –Democratisation
Students will take all the following courses:
- Business and economics in the Mediterranean area (3 ECTS) Core
- European macroeconomics (7 ECTS) Core
- European politics in the 20th century (7 ECTS) Core
- History of South European enlargements (3 ECTS) Core
- Reforming European institutions and democracy (7 ECTS) Core
- Security and migration in the Mediterranean area (3 ECTS)
Year 2 – semester 4
Aix-Marseille Université
Semester 4 – UAM (36 ECTS), NKUA, AMU, LUISS (30 ECTS) (Dissertation or Project)
Research Track
- Dissertation (Assigned Tutor) (24 ECTS) Core (French or English)
Students will write an original research thesis related to the contents of the MA on a subject discussed with and approved by the main research supervisor at AMU. - Oral defence (6 ECTS) Core (French or English)
The students will make an oral presentation of their research thesis at the end of the second semester.
Professional track
- Project (Assigned Tutor) (15 ECTS) Core (French or English)
Students will write a professional thesis related to the contents of the MA. We ask the students, in addition to the general understanding and analysis of a subject, to be able to propose concrete solutions to a defined problem or situation, to formulate proposals useful in a professional framework - Oral defence (9 ECTS) Core (French or English)
Students will make an oral presentation of their project at the end of the second semester. - Internship report (3 ECTS) Core (French or English)
The students will write a short report about the activities developed during their internship. - Methodologies for the professional project and the internship (3 ECTS) Core (French)
This course is designed to prepare students for their internship and their professional integration, by helping them to define.
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
All students take 3 core courses plus one optional course - (36 ECTS)
- Research seminar (6 ECTS) Core
The main aim of this course is to expose students to the process of doing research, presenting it in public and discussing it in a constructive way. The programme varies every year.
Research Track
- Dissertation (Assigned Tutor) (18 ECTS) Core (English or Spanish)
Students will develop their own research related to the contents of the MA under the supervision of a tutor. In their dissertation they will reflect what they have learnt during their courses on research design, the research seminar, as well as the different approaches and literature related to the specific topic. - Master thesis (Assigned Tutor) (6 ECTS) Core (English or Spanish)
Students will prepare and make an oral presentation of their paper in front of an Evaluation Committee.
Professional Track
- Internship (Assigned Tutor) (18 ECTS) Core (English or Spanish)
The specific activities will depend on each institution. Usually, they are specified in the bilateral agreements. - Master thesis (Assigned Tutor) (6 ECTS) Core (English or Spanish)
Students will write a report about the activities developed during their internship, related to the contents of the MA. They will make an oral presentation of their paper in front of the Evaluation Committee.
Electives (choose one):
- Contemporary Political Theory (6 ECTS)
- Elections and Electoral Behaviour (6 ECTS)
- Public Administration and Management (6 ECTS)
- Public Policy Analysis (6 ECTS)
- Quantitative techniques for research in Political Science (6 ECTS)
LUISS Guido Carli
- Dissertation (Assigned Tutor) (30 ECTS) Core (English or Italian)
Students will have to write a research paper related to the contents of the MA. They will have to make an oral presentation of their paper in front of the Evaluation Committee.
Extra courses
Should students be interested, they will have the opportunity to attend courses (taught in English or in Italian) offered by the Masters of the School of Government. These courses are not a substitute for the core courses in semester 3 and will not provide extra credits.
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Dissertation (Assigned Tutor) (30 ECTS) Core
Students will write a research paper related to the contents of the MA. They will make an oral presentation of their paper in front of the Evaluation Committee.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
Career prospects include the civil service, diplomacy, regional organisations such as the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Union, international organisations such as NATO and the United Nations, journalism, public opinion and market research, non-governmental organisations and charities, teaching, academic research, business, tourism and international trade.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees for 2023-24
IntM
Fees for the 2 year programme:
Home:
- £7,680 per annum
EU/EEA:
- £9,680 per annum
International fees:
- £15,680 per annum
The EU/EEA fee value reflects the difference in fee status at the EU partners in the programme consortium.
The fees listed here cover tuition only. The University of Glasgow can only collect fees in Pound Sterling at the published GBP values and subject to exchange rates at the time of payment. As the programme contains various mobility periods, students (funded and self-funded) will need to cover their own airfares between each chosen partner.
Deposits
All applicants are required to pay a deposit of £500 when an offer is made.
Additional fees
- Fee for re-assessment of a dissertation (PGT programme): £370
- Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: £350
- Registration/exam only fee: £170
Funding opportunities
Banco de Mexico
The Mexican National Bank (Banco de Mexico) provides special loans for students who wish to undertake a programme of postgraduate study. The University of Glasgow in partnership with Bank of Mexico FIDERH is offering a fee discount to holders of a Bank of Mexico FIDERH loan. See the FIDERH website for further information.
CONICyT (La Comsion Nacional de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de Chile)
The University of Glasgow offers a 25% discount to all successful CONICyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
CONACYT offers a non-refundable scholarship, a monthly stipend and medical insurance of an approximate total of $20,000 USD (in the case of the UK, no medical insurance grant is given since students are already covered by the National Health System) The University of Glasgow offer a 30% discount to all successful CONACyT scholars who enrol at the University of Glasgow to complete a postgraduate programme.
Alumni Discount
In response to the current unprecedented economic climate, the University is offering a 20% discount on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni, commencing study in Academic session 2023/24. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed a Study Abroad programme or the Erasmus Programme at the University of Glasgow. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. This discount can be awarded alongside most University scholarships.
The scholarships above are specific to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
Entry requirements
2.1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent in any subject. An interest in politics, international affairs, geography, history, classics, law, languages, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology, cultural and media studies would be beneficial.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
PTE (Academic or Academic Online)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country and within the last 6 years
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.
How to apply
For information on applications and to apply, please see the consortium website:
Apply to programme (consortium website)
