OVERVIEW

 project aims to develop a high-quality graduate curriculum in EU studies, centered on three interrelated modules: EU’s Global Presence, EU Diplomacy, and Approaches and Methods in EU Studies. These modules are grounded in the disciplines of political science and international relations and reflect the combined academic strengths of scholars from the Open University of Israel, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and the University of Piraeus. Together, they form the foundation of a broader inter-institutional MA program currently under development, addressing a significant gap in Israel’s academic landscape, where no dedicated political science or international relations graduate program in EU studies currently exists.
The project also aims to enhance access to EU studies across all regions and sectors of Israeli society. By offering the modules primarily online and drawing on the Open University’s extensive experience in digital learning and its nationwide reach, the program will overcome geographical and socio-economic barriers that prevent many students from participating in campus-based education. This inclusive approach is designed to serve not only students in major urban centers but also those in the country’s social and geographic periphery.
In parallel, the project seeks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the EU’s global role among diverse audiences. Each module will consist of pre-recorded lectures by leading scholars, digital readers featuring foundational texts, structured pedagogical tools, and live online sessions for discussion and practical application. Public online events involving academics and policymakers will further ensure that the modules engage both academic and non-academic communities.
A key objective of the program is to foster meaningful dialogue between the academic world and wider society. This will be achieved by involving policymakers, civil servants, civil society representatives, educators, and media professionals in both public events and classroom settings. Additionally, study materials will be shared with key figures in media and education to broaden the dissemination of knowledge and promote informed discussion of EU-related issues.
The program will equip students with analytical tools and research skills that will enable them to engage professionally with EU affairs, whether in academia, policy-making, or the public and private sectors. In doing so, it contributes to a better-informed public debate, supports EU policy understanding, and helps strengthen EU-Israel relations.
Finally, the project is designed to reach priority target groups, including graduate students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, outstanding high school pupils, and learners in non-EU countries. By requiring students to produce accessible public-facing outputs such as blogs, podcasts, and videos, the program encourages public engagement and ensures that the knowledge produced through the modules has a broad societal impact.