All SEOS students start their studies at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany. From semester 2 onwards, SEOS offers three specialisation paths, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in their area of interest:

In the fourth and final semester, students are required to complete a Master’s thesis, and they can choose to do so in any of the eight participating SEOS universities across Europe.

All information and details about targeted learning outcomes of modules and their overall integration into the study programme are explicitly stated in the Joint Programme and Module Handbook which will be published here soon.

Following the European Standards for Quality Assurance, each module listed in the Handbook has a concise profile, explaining the relevance of the module to superdiversity as well as the intended learning outcomes, the teaching methods and learning formats, programme and training activities, workload and corresponding ECTS-credits, modes of assessment, and any other necessary information.

Expected Competencies

The SEOS Master programme structure and its curriculum include modules with specific learning outcomes and competence-oriented examination formats. The programme is aligned with both the national and international qualification frameworks described in the latest European Qualification Framework standards for higher education (EQF-LLL). Graduates of the SEOS programme will have acquired the competencies detailed below:

Limited tuition scholarships available at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany:

We are pleased to announce that the RUB foundation (RUB Stiftung) will be able to offer up to two tuition scholarships for SEOS master students enrolling at Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. The scholarships cover tuition costs for the regular study period of 4 semesters, excluding social contributions.

This funding option is available to SEOS students beginning their studies in the Autumn of 2025 (1st cohort). The scholarships will be awarded primarily on the basis of prior academic and professional merit, which will be judged based on applicant’s SEOS application documents.

A separate application for the scholarships is not necessary. Prospective students’ regular application to the SEOS programme simultaneously functions as an application for the RUB scholarships. Potential recipients will be contacted shortly after they have been accepted as students in the SEOS programme.

The scholarships may only be awarded to SEOS students who are continually enrolled in the SEOS master degree at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, for the whole study period. Since physical student mobility is central to several SEOS study paths, the recipients will still be able study at our other SEOS partner universities during this time. They must register as on leave at RUB during these semesters.

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Apart from using your savings or a sponsor’s support (employer, sponsorship organisations, GoFundMe campaigns), there are other ways to finance your studies in the SEOS programme.

Applying for a scholarship, grant or educational loan that you are eligible for in your own country of citizenship or residence are possible ways too. Below is a list of possible scholarship or educational loan information resources:

• Students from Europe can use the European Funding Guide to search for financial support for studies in one of the EU-member states

• Students from outside of Europe can use the International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search online database that lists scholarships, grants, international student loan programmes and other information to promote study abroad

• Canadian loan schemes: we may accept students with Canadian loan schemes. For more information please contact seos@rub.de

• US student finance: we may accept students with US federal loan programmes. For more information please contact seos@rub.de

Costs Linked to the Participation in the SEOS Programme

In addition to the annual tuition fees, other administrative and social fees (such as stamp and certification fees, library and laboratory costs, social contribution fees, examination fees) and any other mandatory costs charged by the Partner institutions are to be paid by the students.

Students also must cover sustenance, accommodation, travel to and from partner universities, visa costs, etc. Any costs arising from unjustified prolongation of studies beyond the standard duration of the programme (four semesters) shall be charged at the publicly published standard rates of the partner institution involved.

1. Studying in Europe in a flexible format

Europe, where the SEOS partner universities are located, is among the most diverse regions. It is a continent characterized by complex processes of diversification and transformations in education, organisations and the wider society.

The eight participating universities have well-documented expertise in engaged research and teaching on superdiversity and inclusion and are pooling their complementary and internationally renowned expertise to deliver this programme.

You can explore what each of the eight partner universities offers regarding the campus location, the city, services for students and more in the Student Handbook, which will be made available soon.

The SEOS 2nd and 3rd-semester specialisation path options give students the flexibility to choose between virtual and physical mobility options according to their individual preferences, budget and family commitments.

2. Intersectional and interdisciplinary approach to superdiversity

The SEOS programme will be moving beyond and “in-between” single dimensions of diversity in its core modules and in the options provided for thesis work to admitted students. It brings educational sciences, social sciences and organisation and management studies together while also enabling students to specialise in one of these disciplines.

3. A booming academic and professional employment field

In most European countries, there is a need to analyse the impact superdiversity has in these domains and to develop co-creative capacities to shape the transition towards an inclusive European future.

Graduates with a Master in Superdiversity and well-developed professional and personal competencies related to diversity and inclusion are in high demand. Employment rates for DEI professionals soared by 85% in the last year, with Germany and France leading the charge. The number of DEI roles has doubled since 2019, and it's no surprise – companies know diverse teams drive innovation and profits. Besides tech companies and banks, governments, NGOs, and universities all need DEI talent. The average salary for a DEI specialist in Europe? A cool €65,000, rising to over €100,000 for senior roles*. So, if you're passionate about creating inclusive classrooms, workplaces and societies, this is the time to invest in your future – Europe’s forward-thinking organisations are waiting!

Representatives from eight city administrations, companies, NGOs and regional organisations will be invited to present challenges they face and discuss solutions to solve them, which may lead to new projects, suggestions for your Master thesis and new topics for City Labs. This early exposure to potential employers gives an advantage to SEOS graduates interested in pursuing professional career paths after graduation.

The support provided by the eight partner universitie’s career support and alumni support services will complement the job-readiness of SEOS graduates.

4. A joint degree/diploma

You will receive a joint degree from eight internationally renowned universities that are highly acknowledged by employers worldwide. You are also a member of a high-performance network: If you decide to pursue a career in academia after graduation, our partner universities offer first-rate doctoral programmes, career support and development options for obtaining executive positions in academia and research.

5. Dedicated student support and ease of mobility throughout the programme

During each of the four semesters, the student service units at the partner institutions provide support with respect to all social, cultural and university matters, as well as administrative and legal questions. By offering numerous events and advisory services, you will be assisted not only throughout your social integration in campus life but also when facing academic challenges.

You will be the recipient of a UNIC European student card. UNIC student cards allow for easy access to seamless European mobility, both virtual and physical; you are not limited to one campus or one city – you gain easy access to eight campuses located in Europe’s up-and-coming post-industrial cities.