MA Border Studies

Our Master's in Border Studies is a two-year joint international study programme that addresses the complex economic, political, social and cultural issues of borders and of border regions in Europe and beyond. The study programme is designed for students with different disciplinary backgrounds who wish to develop the necessary skills and competencies to work in intercultural and cross-border settings. The multilingual study programme is located in three countries at four different universities: University of Luxembourg (LUX) University of Lorraine (FR) Saarland University (DE) University of Kaiserslautern (DE) Courses in this Master's in Border Studies are taught in German, French and English. Border Studies: Addressing the challenges of the 21st century In the wake of the abolition of regular border controls in Europe and the fall of the iron curtain, the field of Border Studies has opened up new objects of research and has experienced a noticeable development boost. At the same time, European societies experience the challenges of new closing of borders. The Master's programme in Border Studies provides students with the major concepts and analytical tools to understand the social, cultural, political and economic challenges of border regions and cross-border cooperations. Students gain theoretical knowledge of border problems, border cultures, border literatures and constructions of “otherness”. Students acquire the needed skills to play a crucial part in the increasing discussions on national and European identities, worldwide mobilities, migration, cultural diversity, citizenship and cross-border cooperation – especially in the Greater Region. Students may specialise in one of the two tracks : spatial track including geography and spatial planning language and cultural track including cultural studies, literature, linguistics, intercultural communication The Master's programme in Border Studies prepares for a career in cross-border and intercultural working settings , especially in border regions in Europe (such as the Greater Region) and beyond. The careers of our graduates show that they find attractive positions very quickly, sometimes directly after they finish the compulsory internship. Some examples from the Greater Region, the home countries of students and all over Europe include: Cross-border cooperation projects (INTERREG and LEADER projects, for example regional development of rural areas or the development of cross-border education projects) Cross-border administration and associations like Eurodistricts, Interreg authorities, University of the Greater Region Higher educational institutions (supporting international students, international projects) National and regional ministries (Departments for Europe/Cross-Border Cooperation, Foreign Policy Department, Security Authorities) Diplomatic service Migration services Political education (foundations) Companies (international marketing) Journalism Academia and research (PhD)