Bielefeld University (Germany), University of Ostrava (Czech Republic) and Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (Romania) have signed the agreement for the new multiple degree master course “Inclusion Studies”. From the winter semester 2027/2028, the English-language degree programme will be offered jointly. Graduates will receive a degree from all three universities. Bielefeld University, University of Ostrava and Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava are partners in the European university alliance NEOLAiA.
“A degree programme with qualifications from three European universities: The development of this innovative study model was only possible thanks to the close cooperation with the European partners within the NEOLAiA university alliance. In Bielefeld, we are sharpening our international courses offered with this new English-language Master’s programme. With this degree programme, we are setting new accents and impulses in research, teaching and studies on inclusion,” says Professor Dr Angelika Epple, Rector of Bielefeld University.
“I’m glad the degree programme jointly designed with the partner universities in Germany and Romania already has a clear shape. And I’m also very happy to see the participation of three Faculties of the University of Ostrava viewing social inequalities from different perspectives, The importance of the topic is growing in the Czech Republic as well as across Europe. The students will have an enriching opportunity to learn from the approaches in other European countries and experience them on the spot,“ says Petr Kopecký, Rector of the University of Ostrava and the Vice-President of the Alliance.
“Through the NEOLAiA Alliance, we are now able to develop a flexible and robust academic framework for the implementation of a study programme that brings together innovative approaches to inclusion and the expertise of distinguished specialists from partner universities, benefiting local communities. We are confident that this initiative will play a key role in advancing inclusive education and reinforcing long-term institutional cooperation at European level“, says Professor Dr. Mihai Dimian, Rector of Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava.
The Master’s programme is primarily aimed at Bachelor’s graduates from NEOLAiA partner universities with a suitable Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Educational Science or Social Sciences). Students from outside the university alliance can also apply. The programme follows a structured course: Students spend the first semester in Ostrava, the second semester in Bielefeld and the third semester in Suceava. In the fourth semester, they write their Master’s thesis and are free to choose one of the three partner universities as their place of study. This means that students from the participating universities complete two firmly integrated stays abroad. Funding via Erasmus+ is possible.
Graduates acquire a Master’s degree from all three universities. They combine academic expertise in the field of inclusion with international and intercultural experience. Appointments open up in the education system, in research or in international organisations, for example in the coordination of the implementation of inclusive standards.
The application period is scheduled for mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027.
Professor Dr Angelika Epple, Rector of Bielefeld University (front left) signs the agreement, next to her Professor Dr Michaela Vogt, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Diversity and Society (front right). Also present (back from left): Dr Markus Symmank (International Office), Professor Dr Anna-Maria Kamin and Despina Henke (both Faculty of Educational Science), Stefanie Güther (Department of Studies and Teaching), Professor Dr Saskia Bender and Professor Dr Barbara Thiessen (both Faculty of Educational Science). Not in the picture: Bastian Simon (Department of Studies and Teaching).
Professor Dr Soňa Kalenda (Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies), Dr Petr Kopecký (Rector of the University of Ostrava), Dr Renáta Tomášková (Vice-Rector for International Relations) and Marie Špiláčková, PhD (Director of the Inclusion Studies Degree in Ostrava) after the signing of the agreement at the University of Ostrava (from left to right).
Professor Dr. Mihai Dimian, Rector of Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (front middle) signs the agreement. Next to him: Professor Dr Doina Maria Schipor (front left) and Professor Dr Aurora-Adina Colomeischi (front right, both Department of Education Science. Also present (back from left): Gabriela-Mihaela Blumenfeld (Department of Education Science), Stefan Purici (Vice-Rector with the image of the university, international relations and European development) and Prof Dr. Otilia Clipa (Department of Education Science).
