“Identity, Education and Competences for Democratic Culture” is an innovative Master’s Programme created in partnership by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the European Wergeland Centre.
Combining academic excellence with the Wergeland Centre’s extensive expertise in democratic citizenship and human rights education, this programme brings together theory, practice, and real-world engagement. It is administered by the Department of Theology in collaboration with the Department of Educational Studies, and the Department of Philology
While the 2024–2025 cycle is already offered in Greek, the fully English-taught version of the programme will launch in autumn 2025, welcoming international students and instructors.
Learn more about the Master’s
Below you will find more information about this offer.
The programme aims to:
- Equip students and educators with competences for Democratic Culture, in line with the Council of Europe’s Reference Framework.
- Empower students to design and implement participatory, inclusive, and human rights-based educational practices in both formal and non-formal educational settings.
It offers three specialisations:
- Religion, Education & Competences for Democratic Culture
- Language, History & Literature in Education and Competences for Democratic Culture
- Education for Democratic Citizenship & Human Rights Education and Competences for Democratic Culture
- Duration: 1 academic year (12 months)
- ECTS: 75-90 ECTS
- Mode: Fully online (synchronous and asynchronous)
- Approach: Interactive, dialogic, and participatory – not lecture-based
Students attend weekly live sessions, engage in collaborative activities for 10 weeks, and follow structured asynchronous coursework for 3 out of 13 weeks each semester.
Students have the option to attend a 21-day in presence Summer School in Greece focused on Democracy and Human Rights for Personal and Social Well-being. This summer school provides opportunities for intercultural collaboration, peer learning, and project development. This is combined with internship opportunities awarding a total of 15 ECTS (additional to the 75 of the totally online Program).
€3,400 (for students from Council of Europe countries).
€5,600 (for international students).
- University degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent)
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letter (PDF format)
- CV
- Copy of ID or passport
- (Optional) Proof of language proficiency
- Academic-practice synergy: Courses are co-designed by university scholars and EWC experts
- Fully online but highly interactive: Students use camera and microphone to engage with instructors and peers
- No passive learning: Courses foster personal reflection, dialogue, and collaborative analysis
- Built upon proven models: The MA draws from the successful Erasmus+ project STEP UP DC
- Part of a transnational community: Students build networks with practitioners across Europe
1. Select your preferred language (Greek or English) and specialisation
2. Submit the online application through the Master Program’s portal
3. Stay updated on deadlines through the programme website
The English-language track will officially launch in autumn 2025, with calls for applications released in advance.
You can contact the MA Programme’s Secretariat for additional information here
- First of its kind in Europe: A Master’s fully dedicated to education for democratic culture
- Flexible and accessible: 100% online, with part-time options for professionals
- Strong practical dimension: Real-world placements and participatory learning
- Joint vision: Delivered by a leading university and an international resource centre
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The programme is open to graduates of any academic discipline. It is particularly relevant for educators, education professionals, NGO staff, and students interested in democratic education and human rights.
Applicants must submit:
- Degree certificate or statement of expected graduation
- Academic transcript
- CV
- Recommendation letter (in PDF)
- Copy of ID/passport
- (If available) Master’s/PhD diploma and language certificates
The programme is 100% online, with:
- 75% synchronous instruction (live interactive sessions)
- 25% asynchronous instruction (self-paced activities and study)
All students are expected to participate actively in live sessions using camera and microphone.
Live classes are held:
- Fridays: after 16.00 (EET)
- Saturdays: Afternoon (EET)
Students are allowed up to 3 absences per course for the synchronous sessions.
Graduates are awarded a Master’s Degree (M.A.) from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the EWC, with 75 or 90 ECTS.
Yes. Part-time study is available, allowing you to complete the programme in 2 years instead of 1. This is especially recommended for working professionals.
Yes. Students who meet specific socioeconomic criteria (as defined by Greek law) may apply for tuition waivers. Additional scholarships may be offered based on academic merit.
The English version of the MA Programme will begin in autumn 2025. The application portal will open in early 2026.
Applications are submitted electronically via the Program’s website. Deadlines and instructions are published on the programme’s official page. You can also contact the Secretariat with any questions.