European Studies at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków is a three-year BA taught entirely in English and run by the Centre for European Studies. Students study Europe through politics, law, economics, sociology and culture, then choose one of two specialisations: governing Europe and Central and Eastern European politics, or social change. Debates, simulations and research projects keep classes practical — and at the end you can check whether European Studies is the right programme for you.
European Studies at the Jagiellonian University (UJ) is an interdisciplinary programme about Europe: its politics, societies and cultures, and the processes that link them. It is run by the Centre for European Studies within the Institute of European Studies, part of the Faculty of International and Political Studies. The leading discipline is political science and public administration.
The emphasis falls on the institutional architecture and policies of the European Union, its relations with other regions and Europe’s role in the world. Ideas such as identity, diversity, democratic processes, Europeanisation and globalisation are discussed through sociological, political and economic lenses.
The BA is a full-time, first-cycle programme lasting three years (six semesters) and requires 180 ECTS credits. Classes are taught in English, so applicants are expected to have English that is already sufficient to begin studying. The degree is completed with a BA thesis defence.
The first year consists of mandatory courses worth 63 ECTS, designed to give everyone a shared base before specialising. The list includes:
Students also take a language course of at least 120 hours: Polish at four levels, or Russian, German or French at beginner level.
In the second year, students choose one of two specialisations within the programme, based on their interests and thesis projects. They complete all the courses of their track plus at least 12 ECTS from the other one, and fill the remaining credits with Institute electives. Both tracks share some obligatory courses, including Methodology, Borders and Boundaries of Europe and Gender Politics.
This track looks at political systems, governance structures and policymaking in Europe and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. Its courses, each worth 6 ECTS, include:
The programme points to careers in public administration, national and international institutions and organisations, EU institutions, NGOs, and media and publishing.
The second track concentrates on the forces that shape European societies, including digitalisation, environmental movements and social activism. It also asks how Europe responds to technological disruption, green transitions, migration and mobility. Courses include Dynamics of Social Change, Theory of Protest Movements in Europe and Green Revolution(s) in Europe. Careers named for this path include social research, policy analysis and advocacy, as well as work in international organisations, NGOs or the media.
Institute electives are announced each academic year. Examples include Contemporary European Philosophy, International Conflicts in Europe and Beyond, and Politics and Society in the Balkans.
Teaching combines debates, simulations, e-learning modules and students’ own research projects. The aim is to join academic knowledge with practical experience, and to build critical analysis, synthesis and interpretation, as well as the ability to work independently and in a group.
The Institute’s international side includes guest experts who co-teach classes and give open lectures. Mobility options include Erasmus+, CEEPUS, the Utrecht Network, bilateral exchanges and the Una Europa university alliance.
Students can also join the research circle Koło Naukowe Europeistyki and turn to the UJ Career Office for job and internship offers, counselling and mentoring.
The programme prepares graduates for the public sector, the private sector, NGOs and cultural institutions. Typical destinations are:
The BA is also described as a first step towards further education: second-cycle studies such as the MA in European Studies, postgraduate studies at the Faculty or a doctoral school. Current admission rules and fees are worth checking on the university’s admissions website, as they vary between intakes.
European Studies at UJ is a three-year, English-language BA that treats Europe as a subject for several disciplines at once: politics, law, economics, sociology, philosophy and culture. After a broad first year, students pick a track and write a BA thesis.
The mix of lectures, debates, simulations and research projects suits people who like to analyse current events and work in an international setting. Graduates can head into administration, international institutions, NGOs, media and think-tanks, or continue to a master’s degree.
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