10th anniversary of the graduation of the European Studies Masters’ Programme

On June 8th, at 6:00 p.m., in the Great Hall of  University of Latvia the  10th anniversary of the graduation of the European Studies Masters’ Programme and the presentation of the book "Interdisciplinary and Social Science: Does It Provide Answers to the Current Challenges in Higher Education and Research?” is going to take place. The event is organised by the European Studies Masters’ Programme and Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence and representatives of ministries, ambassadors, the authors of the book and other invited guests will participate in this event. The European Studies Masters’ Programme, which was established in 2001, is an interdisciplinary academic programme which provides students with the opportunity to study topics in European economy, politics, and law. Our main goal is to provide students with a better understanding of the European integration process, and to analyse EU functional principles, procedures and major policies beyond disciplinary boundaries. It permits students to receive specialised knowledge in EU law, trade, energy issues, migration, regional and social dimensions, and external relations. Moreover, the study programme provides an opportunity to participate in practical research week in Brussels and Luxembourg, where our students can meet experts from EU and NATO institutions. More than 500 graduates work in international, European and national public and private institutions, diplomatic services, as well as in the area of communication and international journalism. Many also serve as political, economic and legal advisors and continue studies in doctoral programmes in Latvia and other universities in Europe. Among this year’s graduates there are students from Georgia, Montenegro, Russia and Thailand. The European Studies Masters’ Programme has received the highest evaluation of the Higher Education Council’s project made within the framework of the European Social Fund „Evaluation and proposals for quality improvement of the higher education programmes” The book "Interdisciplinary and Social Science: Does It Provide Answers to the Current Challenges in Higher Education and Research?” are the first proceedings in Latvian language, where members of teaching staff from Latvia and other EU member states stress the importance of interdisciplinary in the higher education, research, modern society, economics and EU level decision making process. Proceedings reflect the diverse understandings about the concept of interdisciplinary and its meaning in the higher education and research, at the time stressing the main challenges in the 21^st century society. Authors conclude that interdisciplinary approach has become an integrated part of modern education and research methodology, especially in social sciences. “If we want to comply with the high standards of our modern society, we need to forgo the habit of separating different processes,” in the preface says the Director of European Commission DG Education and Culture Pierre Mairesse The proceedings have been made with the professional and financial support of the University of Latvia and the Representation of the European Commission in Latvia and its editors Dr.oec. T.Muravska un Prof. Dr. paed. Zaneta Ozolina