During the first semester, students follow six compulsory courses, each of them corresponding to 3.5 ECTS (for a total of 21 ECTS) and 20 teaching hours. The aim of these courses is to equip students with solid knowledge on the historical, economic, political and societal dimensions of European transformation and integration processes, centred around a regional focus on Southeastern Europe and EU-Western Balkans relations. These courses will be offered in the following thematic areas:

• History of European Integration and Enlargement
• EU Constitutional Law and Decision-Making Processes
• The Single Market and the Political Economy of European Integration and Enlargement
• Political and Economic Transition in Southeastern Europe since the End of the Cold War
• EU Enlargement Policy
• History and Sociology of Nation-Building and Identity Politics in Southeastern Europe

Please note that the thematic areas listed above do not correspond to course titles, which are subject to changes. They refer to the content that will be analysed in the finalised courses.  

In addition, students follow a compulsory language course, running through both semesters and counting for 4 ECTS. Every student who does not have a B1 level of French will need to follow a compulsory French language course. Those students who already have a sufficient knowledge of French may decide to either improve their French by following a B2 or C1 level course or follow a compulsory language course in Albanian or German or an Introduction to languages of the region.

At the beginning of the first semester, students will be engaged in an immersive study trip, during which they will visit Western Balkans countries other than Albania. Through a series of lectures and interactive activities, they will get familiarised with the complex past and contemporary agenda of the region. Students will also be able to benefit from a number of optional compact seminars and workshops.