New Master’s Programme Prepares Students for Careers in the EU
Could a career in the European Union be your next step? A new master’s degree programme at the University of Gothenburg offers students from a wide range of academic backgrounds an exciting opportunity to prepare for a career in the EU institutions.
In January 2027, the University of Gothenburg will launch a brand new programme which is part of a national investment aimed at strengthening Swedish expertise and representation in the EU institutions. The programme will build on the university’s long-standing tradition of multidisciplinary European research and education.
It is important for Sweden to have people working in the EU institutions with a thorough understanding of aspects that are special to Sweden, in terms of anything from climate to politically sensitive issues.
Linda Berg, Director of Studies for the Centre for European Studies at the University of Gothenburg emphasises that this is not only about recruiting students with a particular academic profile. “That is why we need people with all kinds of academic backgrounds to apply.
There is also an urgent need to prepare a new generation of Swedish professionals for EU careers. As many experienced Swedish civil servants are expected to retire in the coming years, the need to attract and train new talent is becoming increasingly important.
Strengthening Swedish EU Expertise
According to Berg, there is also a wider knowledge gap in Sweden when it comes to the European Union.
“In general, knowledge about the EU is too low, not only within public administration, but also in the society at large, among political parties, media and the general population.”
The new master’s programme aims to contribute to addressing this gap by giving students both a deeper understanding of the EU and the skills needed to pursue a career within its institutions.
Students will gain insight into what working for the EU actually involves, including the experience of living and working in an international environment such as Brussels. They will also develop the advanced academic and analytical skills needed to build on their existing expertise.
“The aim is that they should be prepared to pass the application process, have a better understanding of what a career within the EU institutions entails in practice, and advance the academic and analytical skills needed to succeed in their future EU career,” Berg explains.
An Opportunity to Discover a Different Career Path
The programme is also intended for students who may never previously have considered working for the EU, but who have expertise in areas of high demand.
Linda Berg encourages students to find out more about the opportunities available, whether through internships, speaking to people with experience from the institutions, or simply exploring what working in the EU is actually like.
And there is another, very direct invitation: “And then apply to our new programme of course!”
The initiative also includes activities beyond the master’s programme, such as EU boot camps, invited guest practitioners and opportunities for practical experience. These activities are intended to inspire a wider group of students to consider careers in the EU institutions.
“A program such as our new one, really fills a gap. In addition, the extra activities and attention will hopefully inspire more than only the ones we are able to admit.”
Strengthening Gothenburg’s European Environment
For the University of Gothenburg, being selected as one of only three Swedish universities for this national investment is also recognition of the university’s established European academic environment.
We are very happy to see that the Swedish government recognized the unique European academic environment we have here at the University of Gothenburg, with strong multi-disciplinary teaching and research on Europe since the 1990s.
The new programme will bring together a new student group with a broad range of academic backgrounds and expertise, further strengthening the university’s multidisciplinary European environment.
“This will be very positive for the European environment and the university!” Berg says.
With applications accepted until 15 October, the new master’s programme offers students an opportunity to broaden their expertise, gain first-hand insight into European working life and prepare for an international career at the heart of the EU.
Apply here by 15 October: https://www.gu.se/studera/hitta-utbildning/magisterprogrammet-i-eu-forvaltning-s2eua
The programme is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the EU institutions and are prepared to make an extra commitment during one year to strengthen their opportunities to do so. The programme is based on active, in-person participation at the University of Gothenburg, with many elements that cannot be replaced or completed afterwards.
To be eligible for admission, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree (180 credits) or equivalent.
- Have a passing grade in English 6 or English Level 2, or an equivalent qualification.
- Meet any additional entry requirements specified in the relevant course syllabi.
- Be a citizen of an EU member state.
- Be able to study full-time on campus at the University of Gothenburg throughout the programme.
- Be able to participate in a compulsory 1–2 week study trip.
The programme is suitable both for recent graduates and applicants with several years of professional experience, and students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Apply here by 15 October: https://www.gu.se/studera/hitta-utbildning/magisterprogrammet-i-eu-forvaltning-s2eua
