Interuniversity cooperation in Macedonia

School of Global Studies manages a capacity building project in Macedonia, entitled “Interuniversity 2nd and 3rd Cycle International Relations Study Programs in Macedonia”. The project is funded with support from the European Commission under the Tempus framework.

The project

The aim of the project is to develop Bologna-adherent MA and PhD programs in International Relations in Macedonia backed by a local Institute for International Relations. The study programs have three concentrations: Conflict Resolution, Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy, and Human Rights.

The new 2nd and 3rd cycle study programs and International Relations Institute will contribute to

• Unify the International Relations departments of local Macedonian universities
• Increase coordination with EU higher education institutions
• Introduce advanced research methods and ethical guidelines commensurate with EU modernization principles.

In addition to this, the project is instrumental in overcoming ethnic tensions and promoting stability within Macedonia and the region. Three Macedonian institutions cooperate in this regard: State University of Tetovo (SUT), Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKiM), and South Eastern European University (SEEU).

Other partners are University College Dublin, Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and University of Limoges.

Read more about the project in this article from the International Innovation Report of June 2011.

Our role

School of Global Studies is the Grant Holder and coordinator of the project. We have a long history of working with capacity building in war torn societies. In this project, we contribute with expertise and experience in:

• Managing projects in complex, conflict prone settings
• Developing and establishing study programs in the field of International Relations
• Teaching courses on International Relations, Conflict Resolution and Human Rights 

The future

In 2011, the project team is focusing on developing the PhD program in International Relations. On a long term basis we expect to gradually increase the focus on joint research projects, thus benefitting from the improved capacity at the local partner institutions in Macedonia. We are also aiming to build a global network of universities working within the field of reconstruction of war torn societies, peace building and reconciliation.