NEOLAiA Multiple Degree · Master’s Programme
Inclusion Studies
Become a bridge builder for inclusive societies. Study in three countries, graduate with three Master’s diplomas.
ECTS credits
Semesters
Countries
Master’s diplomas
Taught entirely in English · Starts every winter term · One application at the University of Ostrava
A new way to study in Europe
What is a Multiple Degree?
Multiple Degrees represent a prestigious and innovative form of international higher education that allows students to simultaneously earn degrees from several European universities. Unlike traditional studies or standard short-term exchange stays, this type of programme is fully integrated.
Fully integrated curriculum
The curriculum is jointly developed by a consortium of partner universities, and international mobility is a logical, fixed and mandatory component of the programme.
Diverse academic environments
Each semester takes place at a different institution contributing its unique, specialised academic strengths – building intercultural competencies and complex problem-solving skills.
Unparalleled career advantage
Earning multiple national diplomas from a single cohesive programme shows adaptability, language proficiency and a global orientation – opening doors to a wide range of careers.
Inclusion Studies
Programme overview
The Inclusion Studies Master’s Degree programme is an innovative two-year academic degree (120 ECTS) developed under the NEOLAiA European University alliance on Inclusive Education in a broader sense.
It provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary framework designed to equip students with advanced theoretical, structural and methodological competencies for addressing the mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion in contemporary society. Taught entirely in English, the programme connects perspectives from social work, education, sociology, economics and psychology.
Graduates are experts in inclusion and social participation across educational, social and institutional contexts and become “bridge builders” who connect divided communities, resolve complex ethical dilemmas, and design context-sensitive inclusive strategies.
A close partnership of three European universities
University of Ostrava
Czechia
Faculty of Social Studies · Faculty of Arts · Faculty of Education
Bielefeld University
Germany
Faculty of Educational Science
Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava
Romania
Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences
Four semesters · three countries
Your mobility path
The study journey is clearly and logically structured – every semester brings a new city, a new academic culture and a new layer of expertise.
01
Semester 1
Ostrava
Czechia
Integrating perspectives from social work, education, sociology, economics and philosophy to understand social inequalities, housing precarity, educational barriers, and the role of language in (de)stigmatisation.
02
Semester 2
Bielefeld
Germany
Deepening knowledge through systemic and methodological reflections on educational contexts, emphasising international comparisons and the critical analysis of institutional structures.
03
Semester 3
Suceava
Romania
Specialised applications: assistive technologies, artificial intelligence, democratic culture, and psychological interventions grounded in resilience, wellbeing and positive education.
04
Semester 4
Master’s Thesis
Location of your choice
Dedicated to independent academic research. Students choose their location depending on thesis needs; this section is legally administered by Bielefeld University.
Degree awarded
Three diplomas, one programme
This is a fully integrated Multiple Degree programme. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, including the final thesis defence, graduates simultaneously earn three full Master’s diplomas:
Magistr (Mgr.)
University of Ostrava
Master of Arts in “Inclusion Studies”
Bielefeld University
Master of Education Sciences
Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava
How to apply
Admission & practical information
- Academic background: a certified and accredited Bachelor’s degree at EQF level 6.
- Language proficiency: English at a level no lower than B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- Professional qualifications: a general understanding of research methods (proven via a Bachelor’s thesis or other academic assessment); relevant practical experience in any form related to “inclusion studies”; and basic knowledge in at least two of the following areas: theories of inequality/difference/inclusion; theories of education/socialisation/sociology; theoretical knowledge of educational systems/social organisations.
- Application video: a short video of 3–5 minutes in which you explain your academic CV in English and describe what you expect from the programme and what opportunities you hope it will open up for you.
The admission process is organised centrally at the University of Ostrava.
- 15 November – 15 MarchApplication timeframe
- April / MayPreliminary admission notification
- 15 JulyFinal submission of documents (Bachelor’s degree and certificates)
- Winter termStart of the programme – each winter term only; no start in the summer term.
The Inclusion Studies programme emphasises student support.
- EU students do not pay tuition fees at the University of Suceava or the University of Ostrava; non-EU students might be subject to fees according to national rules.
- At Bielefeld University there are no tuition fees for any students, but a standard semester fee covering transport and campus services (including low-cost meals) is required for everyone.
- Travel and living costs during mobility periods can be supported by Erasmus+ grants – your Home University will assist you with the application.
Throughout their stay, students are supported by the respective Faculty and the International Office in finding housing, getting to know the area and other practical issues.
All courses are taught in English at all three partner universities.
Where Inclusion Studies can take you
Career opportunities
Graduates enjoy an unprecedented advantage on the international job market. They are prepared for professional roles in education, public administration, NGOs and private companies working with diverse populations at local, national and international levels.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Multiple Degree and a standard Erasmus exchange?
Unlike a standard Erasmus exchange, Inclusion Studies is a fully integrated programme where mobility is predetermined and mandatory for everyone. At the end of the programme, you do not just receive a transcript of records from a host institution; you receive full, officially recognised university diplomas directly from all the partner universities.
Will I receive one diploma or several?
As a successful graduate, you will simultaneously receive three independent university diplomas: Magistr (Mgr.) from the University of Ostrava, Master of Arts from Bielefeld University, and Master of Education Sciences from the University of Suceava.
Where will I study during the programme?
Your study plan consists of four semesters: the first in Ostrava (Czech Republic), the second in Bielefeld (Germany), and the third in Suceava (Romania). You can complete your fourth semester – primarily dedicated to writing and defending your Master’s Thesis – at a location of your choice, though it is legally administered by Bielefeld University.
What language is the programme taught in?
The entire Master’s programme is taught in English. You must provide proof of English proficiency at a minimum B2 level to be admitted.
Are scholarships available to support international mobility?
Yes. Students may be able to receive Erasmus funding for up to two semesters. The exact funding depends on the Erasmus+ rules and the funds available at your Home University. Your Home University will support you with the application process.
Do I need to apply to all three universities separately?
No, there is only one streamlined application and admission procedure for all three universities together, handled by the University of Ostrava. Once successfully admitted, you are enrolled or registered across the participating institutions according to the mobility plan.
Ready to become a bridge builder?
Applications are open from 15 November to 15 March through the University of Ostrava.
