Ethnic and Minority Studies – (M.A.)

The programme offers a systematic study of inter-ethnic relations, minority problems, and processes in post-communist societies within a comparative perspective. Moreover, it provides background knowledge behind major trends in economy, politics, society, social policy, social geography, and social psychology of the countries in the region. It introduces students to basic skills which are necessary not only to understand but to intervene in inter-group conflicts likely to occur in ethnic communities, urban neighborhoods, industrial workplaces, political organisations, trade unions, mass media, etc. In the curricula of the programme theory, research experiences, applied knowledge, and intervention skills are joined together to provide a unique interdisciplinary academic opportunity and a ‘training-ground’ for future minority policy experts. As a benefit of expected international participation, the programme creates an international community of students who speak English and come mainly from countries where problems of ethnic and minority relations are rampant. Consequently, various viewpoints can evolve and therefore a specific balance of the student body is promoted. Extra-curricular activities have been designed to place students in various internships where they become acquainted with real-life minority situations, to offer field-trips for more direct experiences, and to introduce students to an active research culture in a supportive framework.

The modern principle of multiculturalism, protection of minority rights, equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, and new challenges of inter-cultural integration of modern societies request more and more academics who intend to carry out research or teach about ethnic diversity and inter-ethnic relations. In post-industrial welfare societies there is a growing need for policy makers or expert advisors in issues and conflicts between regions, nations, ethnic groups, minorities, and majorities in Hungary and various parts of Europe. There is a considerable need for these types of professionals today, and this demand in the future will further increase as the historical legacy of Eastern and Central Europe, the renaissance of the national spirit, the intense immigration, and frequent ethnic and minority conflicts make the task of managing and reducing ethnic tensions increasingly important. Graduates are expected to find jobs in the different public or private agencies like in public (governmental) organisations and the minority self-governments, in public education, in research institutes, in the media, in civil organisations and NGOs, and in all such programmes and projects that aim to promote the successful social and cultural integration of minorities into the dominant society.