Regional and European Project Management

The Master's degree programme in Regional and European Project Management at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences of Zwickau is designed to prepare students for dynamic roles in the planning, execution, and evaluation of regional and European projects. This comprehensive programme provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to manage complex projects within diverse cultural and organizational contexts. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the course combines elements of public administration, economics, and social sciences to equip graduates with a holistic understanding of regional development processes. Students will engage with current issues concerning European integration, regional development policies, and cross-border cooperation, enabling them to contribute effectively to sustainable development initiatives across Europe. The curriculum covers core topics such as project cycle management, funding mechanisms, stakeholder analysis, and monitoring and evaluation techniques. Special modules focus on the legal and institutional frameworks of European projects, ensuring students are well-versed in compliance and reporting requirements. Practical training is a key component, with opportunities for internships, workshops, and collaborations with European institutions and regional authorities. The programme aims to foster competencies in leadership, negotiation, intercultural communication, and strategic planning, preparing graduates for careers in regional administrations, European institutions, consultancy firms, and NGOs involved in European projects. With a strong emphasis on applied learning and international cooperation, graduates will be equipped to address the challenges of regional development in a multicultural European context, contributing to innovative solutions and sustainable growth. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach and international orientation make it a distinctive choice for students aspiring to play a proactive role in European regional development.

Educational organisation

First semester
(UBS Lorient, France)
30 ECTS

Project Management (5 ECTS)
European Cooperation Policy (5 ECTS)
Methodology of Research (5 ECTS)
Strategic Project Development (5 ECTS)
English (5 ECTS)
Language German / French (5 ECTS)

Second semester
(WHZ Zwickau, Germany)
30 ECTS

Intercultural Project Management (7 ECTS)
Interregional Cooperation I (5 ECTS)
Methods in Qualitative Research (5 ECTS)
Multilingualism (5 ECTS)
Language German / French / English / Czech (8 ECTS)

Third semester
(USB Ceské Budejovice, Budweis, Czech Republic)
30 ECTS

Regional Management (5 ECTS)
Interregional Cooperation II (2 ECTS)
Environmental Management (5 ECTS)
Sustainable Development (5 ECTS)
Rural Sociology (4 ECTS)
Economics (6 ECTS)
Language German / French / Czech (3 ECTS)

Fourth semester
30 ECTS
(can be completed at one of the three university locations)
Internship (regional or international) (10 ECTS)
Master's thesis (20 ECTS)

Study abroad unit(s)

First semester in Lorient, France
Second semester in Zwickau, Germany
Third semester in Ceske Budjevice Budweis, Czech Republic
Fourth semester at one of the three university locations

Internships

12-week internship in fourth semester (10 ECTS)

Forms of assessment

Oral and written examinations, presentations, portfolio

Course objectives

In both theory and practice, the students will be prepared to meet the demands of project management, including project initiation, project development, and project control. Particular focus is placed on EU projects and principles of sustainable economic development. Students will understand the intercultural background at the project management level, at an interpersonal communication level, and within the social and corporate structures at a regional level. The students will be able to perform competently in intercultural and multilingual situations.
Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired a very good command of English (C1) and French (B2/C1), a good command of German (B2/B1), and the fundamentals of Czech.

With this degree, career opportunities will be open to the graduates within the European labour market, in the private business sector, and with NGOs as well as in regional management offices and organisations. The graduates will have a comparative advantage in terms of their multicultural knowledge of international communication and collaboration.

Language requirements

English B2 (all students)
French B2 (German and Czech students)
German B2 (French students)
German A1 (Czech students)

Academic requirements

Bac +3 (Licence/Bachelor) from a faculty of Languages, Humanities, Business Administration, Economics, or Social Sciences

Languages:
English B2 (all students),
French B2 (German and Czech students),
German B2 (French students),
German A1 (Czech students).

Enrolment fees

140 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Lorient
cost of living approx. 500 EUR per month
(230 EUR rent for dormitory or in a shared apartment)

Zwickau
cost of living approx. 400 EUR per month
(200 EUR rent for dormitory or in a shared apartment)
Modern cafeterias provide meals at low prices.

Budweis
cost of living less than in Lorient and Zwickau

Job opportunities

E.g., tutorial jobs, teaching assistant jobs, or jobs with local companies

Arrival support

Provided by individual mentors

Services and support for international students

Your first contact at the university is the international office (Akademisches Auslandsamt (AAA)). The office assists and mentors the international students at the WHZ. The AAA helps foreign students with public authorities, administration, and official paperwork.
See: http://www.fh-zwickau.de/aaa
In addition, individual mentors and language instructors from the faculty will provide support for international students.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Chemnitz-Zwickau Student Union or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 210 EUR. As soon as you are admitted to the university, you will be able to register for a dormitory spot.
Please see: http://www.swcz.de.