National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the European Wergeland Centre

Online Joint MA Program Identity, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture

The programme combines live online teaching (75%) with structured asynchronous study (25%). Students complete two semesters of coursework followed by the Master’s Thesis.

Specializations

Candidates choose one of the three (3) specializations in their application, as well as the language of the program they wish to attend.

Religion, Education, and Competences for Democratic Culture

Religion is a key factor in shaping modern culture, but also a structural element of individuals’ identity. Therefore, the MA Program’s specialization “Religion, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture” aims to approach religion as a cultural phenomenon, as well as to examine how it is intrinsically linked to Democratic Culture. This is crucial to pinpointing how religion can be used in a variety of educational environments aiming at defending human rights, respecting cultural diversity and developing Intercultural Competence. In order to complete their studies and their Master's Diploma, students are required to successfully pass a total of 8 courses (6 compulsory and 2 optional) and write up the mandatory Master's Thesis.

Language, History, and Literature in Education and Competences for Democratic Culture

Language, History, and Literature are prominent subjects of the Curriculum of all levels of Education, but also manifestations of written culture with a special emphasis on the formation of identities. This particular specialization examines how the teaching of these courses can lead to the development of Competences for Democratic Culture with an emphasis on the theory and practice of Education, as well as the defense of human rights, respect for cultural diversity, and the development of Intercultural Competence. In order to complete their studies and receive their Master's Diploma, students are required to successfully pass a total of 8 courses (6 compulsory and 2 optional) and write up the mandatory Master's Thesis.

Education for Democratic Citizenship (EDC) and Human Rights Education (HRE), and Competences for Democratic Culture

Education for Democratic Citizenship (EDC), Human Rights Education (HRE), and their intersection with Competences for Democratic Culture (CDC) are at the center of global action aiming at improving human life, the well-being of all individuals, and social change. This specialization aspires to offer teachers and trainers of formal, informal, and non-formal education training in Competences for Democratic Culture with the vision of disseminating Democracy in all educational environments, defending human rights, and developing Intercultural Competence in an inclusive educational setting. In order to complete their studies and their Master's Diploma, students are required to successfully pass a total of 8 courses (6 compulsory and 2 optional) and write up the mandatory Master's Thesis.

Internship-Summer School (optional)

The MA programme includes optional on-site opportunities in Greece, such as a four-week international summer school or internship. Participation is entirely optional and not required for completion of the online degree.

These opportunities provide additional experiential learning and networking, but students may complete the programme fully online without any physical presence.

Why choose the optional internship or the summer school

• Hands-on experience in the field of study
• Support during the research phase for the master's thesis
• Additional support in the thesis writing process
• Live contact with professors and fellow students
• International educational programs with specialized instructors
• Contact with people from all over the world!
• Extra ECTS

June 5th 2026- Register below

The programme is delivered entirely online, through:
• Live synchronous classes (interactive lectures and discussions)
• Structured asynchronous study weeks

Classes take place on Fridays and Saturdays, making the programme accessible to students across different time zones.