The new master’s programme will begin in January 2027 and will be hosted by the Department of Political Science. Both the one-year format and the broad eligibility requirements are deliberate choices intended to make the programme accessible to more people. A bachelor’s degree, regardless of subject area, is sufficient to apply, and the programme will be taught in English.
“The EU institutions need everything from translators and engineers to specialists in public health, the environment, and civil defence. The idea is an intensive one-year programme combining courses in Gothenburg with study trips to Brussels and other practice-oriented activities,” says Linda Berg, Director of Studies at the Centre for European Studies.
Part of a Larger National Initiative
Issues such as the energy transition, migration, and the labour market are increasingly decided at the European level, yet Sweden’s presence and influence within the EU remain limited. This forms the background to the government’s investment in new master’s programmes, amounting to SEK 30 million in 2026 and then SEK 60 million annually from 2027 onwards. In addition to the University of Gothenburg, the Stockholm School of Economics and Stockholm University have been selected to participate in the initiative.
“The fact that the government has selected us is recognition of the University of Gothenburg’s high scientific quality, pedagogical experience, and societal relevance,” says Therése Skoog, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Research Meets Practice
The Department of Political Science has a strong research profile with several internationally renowned research groups, but equally important is the broader interdisciplinary European studies environment that has been built up at the university since the 1990s. It includes political scientists, legal scholars, economists, and humanities researchers collaborating within the framework of the Centre for European Studies (CES) and the Centre for European Research at the University of Gothenburg (CERGU).
“That combination provides uniquely strong conditions for combining research-based knowledge with proven practical experience,” says Linda Berg.
Anders Sundell, Deputy Head and Director of Studies at the Department of Political Science, emphasises that the new programme complements rather than replaces the existing offerings.
“The programme is more practice-oriented and shorter in order to make an impact quickly. The degree project is more policy-focused than a traditional dissertation. But like all our programmes, it is grounded in a solid scientific approach and informed by cutting-edge research in the field.”
Direct Connection to the EU
The programme has been developed in collaboration with several units within the University of Gothenburg as well as external partners, including the City of Gothenburg and VUB in Brussels. To ensure a strong connection to the labour market, an advisory group linked to the programme will continuously monitor recruitment needs within the EU.
The new master’s programme is a concrete step towards increasing the number of Swedes working in EU administrations and institutions, and a valuable addition to the University of Gothenburg’s already broad range of educational programmes in European studies.
Press release: The government awards funding to three universities for new master’s programs to strengthen Swedish influence in the EU
