Postgraduate Center
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European Studies

Master's Program

  • Short Facts
    Academic Degree

    Master of Arts (Continuing Education)

    Scope

    120 ECTS Credits

    Format

    Hybrid (in-person attendance is preferred, digital participation is possible); Max. 1-3 times/semester on-site

    Language

    English

    Duration & Tuition fee

    4 semesters (part-time)

    EUR 3,577.50.- per semester (+EUR 1,590.- deposit)

    (excl. costs for the excursion to Brussels)

    Application Deadline

    September 6, 2026

    Start

    October 2026 (starting every 2 years)

    Register here

Institutions, Economy and Social Dynamics

Europe shapes political decision-making, economic structures, cultural dynamics and social change far beyond institutional borders. This postgraduate master’s program approaches Europe as a space of ongoing transformation, integration and debate. You examine current and historical developments of European integration and analyze how legal, political, economic and socio-cultural processes interact across regions and governance levels.

The master´s program combines academic depth with strong practical relevance. You acquire structured knowledge of the European Union’s institutional architecture, its legal foundations, political processes and economic frameworks. Cultural and social science perspectives support critical reflection on Europeanization, diversity and societal change.

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  • Porträt Christoph Reinprecht
    Postgraduate Center Universität Wien
    Critical thinking, knowledge of social change and interdisciplinary understanding of the historic and thus economic, political and legal conditions of the Europeanisation are in demand, now more than ever.
    Univ.-Prof. i.R. Mag. Dr. Christoph Reinprecht, Academic Director
  • I teach EU project development and EU careers at the master program. In my courses you can expect to learn why EU projects are important and how to develop them, and to get an overview of EU career possibilities.
    Mag. Daniel Spichtinger M.A., Lecturer
  • In current discussions on European security it is important to apply a broad, knowledge-based and fact-based approach and it is my intention to contribute to this aim with my lecture.
    Univ.-Doz. DDr. Heinz Vetschera, Lecturer
  • My goal is to deepen students’ understanding of the global ripple effects of EU policymaking. In an era of growing interdependence and uncertainty, I believe in fostering dialogue and empathy to encourage more inclusive and cooperative globalization.
    Dewa Gede Sidan Raeskyesa, MSc, Lecturer
  • Doctoral researcher and lecturer at the University of Vienna
    In current discussions about Europe, I hope we remain humble about the fact that the legal frameworks of fundamental rights which are applicable in Europe depend on choices to be rendered effective.
    Mag. Wenjun Lisa Chi, Lecturer
  • Professor for Russion History at the University of Vienna
    It is my goal to offer a solid understanding of historic and current international factors, processes and decision-making mechanisms in a time of random (dis)information. It is important to realize that history is never completed.
    Prof. Wolfgang Müller, Lecturer
  • Former Commissioner of the European Commission
    It is important to have a sound understanding of the organization of the EU so that one can correctly interpret the various decisions taken on political level in the EU.
    Dr. Moritz Röttinger, Lecturer

Here you can find all upcoming events of the program. Feel free to check in regularly for the latest updates.

Occupational Fields and Careers

As a graduate of this master´s program you pursue Europe-related professional activities that require analytical skills, interdisciplinary knowledge and intercultural competence. Typical fields include public administrations, European and international organizations, NGOs, media institutions and private companies with a European or international focus. Many graduates integrate European Studies expertise into their existing professional roles and expand their scope of responsibility.

The qualification profile reflects a future-oriented understanding of Europe. You develop strong subject expertise alongside excellent communication and teamwork skills. You act with intercultural competence, adopt multi-perspective approaches, and develop solution-oriented responses to current European challenges.

Der Knopfdrücker

Modules

The curriculum is structured into seven thematic modules and the master’s thesis. Each module builds specific academic and practical competences and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Europe as a legal, political, social, and cultural space.

This module introduces the European Union as a legal system and examines its foundations, structures and instruments. You analyze how EU law shapes policy fields and interacts with national legal orders.

Courses: 

  • Introduction to European Union Law
  • EU Anti-Discrimination Law
  • EU Institutions
  • EU Legislation 

The second module focuses on political processes and governance structures within the European Union. You examine institutions, actors, and decision-making mechanisms across different policy areas.

Courses: 

  • Governance in the EU
  • EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy
  • European Integration since 1945
  • European Security Policy

This module explores Europe’s role in a globalized world. You analyze economic, political and social interdependencies and assess Europe’s position in global and regional contexts.

Courses:

  • Fundamentals of European Economic Policy
  • Selected Topics and Current Developments in European Economic Policy
  • Legal Aspects of Globalisation of World Trade
  • International Relations after 1945 Part I
  • International Relations after 1945 Part II

Covering cultural, social, and symbolic dimensions of Europe, this module provides insight into how identities, boundaries, and forms of belonging are constructed and contested.

Courses: 

  • Migration: Boundaries, Borders, Barriers
  • Human Rights in Europe
  • Multilingualism in Europe
  • Inequalities in Europe

This module analyzes social transformation processes in Europe. You explore historical and contemporary changes and compare societal developments across regions.

Courses:

  • Structure and Change of European Societies
  • Plans for Europe and their Historical Context before 1945
  • Current and Future Challenges for the EU
  • Current Topics in Europe
  • Communication in and about Europe

Linking academic knowledge with applied skills, this modules allows you to work on concrete European topics and strengthen professional orientation for European contexts.

Courses: 

  • Excursion
  • EU Working Language Course: French
  • EU Working Language Course: English
  • EU Working Language Course: German
  • EU funding possibilities and EU projects
  • Career Perspectives in the EU Institutions

This module prepares you for independent academic work. You develop research questions, apply appropriate methods, and strengthen academic writing skills.

Courses: 

  • Academic Writing
  • Research and Academic Methods
  • Presentation Skills and Use of Media

You develop a practice-oriented topic for your master’s thesis in European Studies and produce a rigorous, well-founded analysis. The master’s thesis allows you to set individual areas of focus that reflect your personal interests and career goals. 

What our Graduates say

  • Porträt Andrea Heigl
    adownstairsaffair
    I decided to study European Studies because my career had always revolved around Austrian politics and I wanted to extend my playing field beyond Vienna. What exceeded my expectations were the students and the professors, who really impressed me.
    Mag. (FH) M.E.S. Andrea Heigl, Graduate
  • Porträt Bartosz
    Bartosz Szydełko
    The program has met all my expectations. I can apply the knowledge I gained to my daily work. What I enjoyed most was the diversity of people on the program. I don't think it's very likely that I would meet all these people in one place otherwise.
    Bartosz Szydełko, Graduate
  • Portrait Zuzana Paukova
    Postgradaute Center Universität Wien
    I hope that I will continue my professional career and life in european institutions and NGOs.
    Zuzana Nalevanko Pauková, Graduate

Insights

Further Insights

Admission Process

  • Requirements

    A completed bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, or doctoral degree, along with relevant work experience, is required. The program is taught exclusively in English. If English ist not your first language, you have to provide proof of English proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

  • Application

    Please submit the following documents via the registration form: 

    • CV
    • Letter of motivation
    • Copy of university diploma
    • Proof of several years of work experience
    • Proof of English sufficiency (min. B2)
    • Photo-I.D.

  • Further Procedure

    Applications are reviewed on a regular basis and you will be informed on your application status in a timely manner. Admission is determined by the Academic Director, taking into account available study places and individual qualifications.

Ready for your next step?

Register here

Funding and Financing

Your continuing education is an investment in your future. The Postgraduate Center supports you in finding the right funding opportunities. Find out about educational grants, tax deductions, and financial support options: Funding and Financing

Take the opportunity to find out about state grants, scholarships, and employer subsidies – there are many paths to continuing education.

Der Knopfdrücker

Living in Vienna and Visa Matters

Vienna offers an international academic environment, a high quality of life and excellent infrastructure for students from around the world. As a central european metropolis, the city combines cultural diversity, political relevance and strong connections to european and international institutions. Participants benefit from short distances, efficient public transport and a wide range of cultural and social opportunities alongside their studies.

Find out more about residence permits, visa requirements, entry regulations, accommodation, health insurance, registration procedures, and everyday life in Vienna here.

Please note that it is your responsibility to take care of matters such as visa applications, funding, and finding accommodation. As these processes can take several months, we recommend starting them well in advance to ensure a smooth start to your studies.

FAQs

The program starts every second year in October. The next starting date is listed in the short facts section on top of this page.

A completed bachelor’s, master’s, diploma or doctoral degree is required for admission.

English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required.

Courses take place on Thursday and Friday in the late afternoon and on Saturday throughout the day. Mandatory in-person days are announced in advance.

The program follows a hybrid format, with in-person participation preferred. Digital participation is always available. Please note that 1–3 sessions per semester take place on campus only; information about these dates is provided well in advance to allow for proper planning.

The program structure supports professional and personal responsibilities through fixed teaching times and hybrid participation options.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Program Management.

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Academic Director

Porträt Christoph Reinprecht
Postgraduate Center Universität Wien
Univ.-Prof. i.R. Mag. Dr.

Christoph Reinprecht

Academic Director

Contact

Porträt Annleena Backhaus
Postgraduate Center Universität Wien

Annleena Backhaus

MA

Program Management

Postgraduate Center
Campus of the University of Vienna
Spitalgasse 2, Court 1
Entrance 1.14.1
1090 Vienna
 

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+43-1-4277-10865

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Vier Studierende sitzen in der Wiese am Campus, sie schauen alle interessiert auf einen Laptop der gehalten wird von einer der Personen.
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