ERUA experts meet to discuss joint Master’s degree program in migration
A group of 18 experts from seven European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) member universities met in Sofia, Bulgaria at the end of May to discuss a common, ERUA-wide, Master’s degree program — “Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context”.
Joint degree offered by ERUA universities
One of ERUA’s goals is to explore innovative approaches to teaching in a broad European Education Area. Therefore, we have been diligently working on developing a joint Master’s degree program that would offer students a truly European education across different European universities, culminating in diplomas from several institutions. SWPS University is responsible for ensuring that the Alliance meets this important goal.
To bring the vision of the “ERUA Joint Master's Degree in Forced Migration: Europe in a Global”, experts from seven ERUA member universities gathered for an intensive workshop at the New Bulgarian University (NBU) in Sofia to further the development of the initiative. The universities present at the meeting, except NBU, included: the University of Macerata, the University of the Aegean, European University Viadrina, University Paris 8, Mykolas Romeris University, and SWPS University.
Over two days, they worked on the detailed program of study and ways of overcoming administrative challenges that such a joint degree, offered by several universities, poses. The experts made strategic decisions concerning admissions regulations, scholarships, and an application for additional financing from the Erasmus Mundus program.
Cultural integration
Working meetings are also a great opportunity to learn about the culture of countries where ERUA member universities are located. As May 21st is a holiday in Bulgaria — the Feast of St. Constantine and St. Elena — the team had a chance to participate in the local celebrations and taste traditional Bulgarian food. Such common activities are conducive to building friendships and professional ties, which lead to a smoother collaboration across the Alliance.
