The international Master of Arts MIREES is a second cycle joint degree (120 ECTS), awarded by the University of Bologna, Department of Political and Social Sciences together with Vytautas Magnus University at Kaunas and the University of Zagreb.
MIREES is an innovative graduate programme, taught entirely in English, unique in Italy and Europe, devoted to students who have a BA background in Economics, Politics, International Relations, History, Languages, or Cultural studies — and who would now like to acquire a specialised, in-depth knowledge of East Europe and the broader Eurasian space, from Europe to China.
Such variegated, geopolitically crucial area, can only be understood through an interdisciplinary approach which combines political, economic, sociological, and historical perspectives. The MIREES teaching staff shares this understanding of the programme, gathering together experts from Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.
Moreover, students are asked to gain direct experiences on the ground. First, through a five-month compulsory mobility in one of the partner universities from the area:
Second, via guest lectures with professors, activists, and politicians from Europe and the former Soviet space. Third, if they wish, students are encouraged to conduct fieldwork or further exchange programmes in preparation of their theses.
MIREES combines an academic approach with professional training, forging cohorts of area experts who can serve in a variety of roles with international organisations, state administrations, private and public companies, and NGOs. MIREES also provides a solid basis for further PhD studies.