The Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies boosts the University of Granada in the WURI ranking 2024

The Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies, jointly developed by the University of Granada (UGR), the University of Graz, Leipzig University and Vilnius University, has placed UGR 72nd in the world in the category of Student mobility and openness, in the 2024 edition of the prestigious World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). This recognition highlights the ability of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme to train students in the research of social actors in Europe and abroad, consolidating its focus on internationalisation and academic innovation.

The WURI ranking, which assesses the impact of universities through creative and innovative approaches in their programmes, has recognised UGR as one of the most innovative universities in the world, placing it in 233^rd place worldwide. One of the key achievements that has contributed to the University of Granada’s position in the WURI 2024 ranking is the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies. 

This Programme, coordinated by Leipzig University, brings together four highly renowned Arqus universities (Granada, Graz, Leipzig and Vilnius) and offers a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to exploring Europe’s role in the world, analysing the relationship between Europeanisation and globalisation and Europe’s evolving place in global affairs. 

Now in its second edition, it exemplifies the collaborative strength of the Arqus Alliance, offering a joint degree that promotes a global perspective on Europe’s future.

The recognition of this Joint Master’s Programme in the category of Student mobility and openness strengthens the Alliance and UGR’s efforts to promote international experiences for its students and open up new academic and professional opportunities in different countries. The Programme provides training that enables students to address the complexity of social issues from an international perspective, which has been crucial to its inclusion in this important ranking.

Amelia Díaz Pérez, Coordinator of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies at the University of Granada, emphasizes: “The originality of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme is evident in its structure, which includes 30 online credits organized and delivered collaboratively by the four partner universities. This effectively provides all enrolled students with the equivalent of a semester of virtual mobility. Moreover, students have the opportunity to design their academic itineraries with the assurance that they can undertake physical mobility for one or two semesters if they wish. This flexibility allows them to tailor their studies to their interests and expectations, taking advantage of the strengths and specialities of each partner university.

Those who choose not to pursue physical mobility, still benefit from a minimum of 30 ECTS of virtual mobility, adding an international dimension to their education through interactions with faculty and peers from the other partner universities. Additionally, our coordination team, comprised of academic and administrative staff, has been working together for years, fostering personal and professional relationships that thrive in an atmosphere of cordiality, trust and efficiency”.

When asked how this recognition reinforces the Programme’s impact on the training of future professionals, she responds: “This recognition is undoubtedly a strong endorsement and confirmation that we are working in the right direction”.

For her part, Guadalupe Soriano, Director of Arqus UGR, expresses: “We are delighted that the initiatives we are actively involved in within Arqus are being recognised. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and staff of the four Arqus universities involved in the Programme. This award highlights the quality of education that Arqus provides and the vital role that the Master’s in European Studies plays in preparing future professionals to tackle global challenges. We look forward to continuing to provide an enriching educational experience for our students”.

In addition to this achievement, UGR has also been recognised as 14th in the world in the category of Application of Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, thanks to the UGR MediaLab project, which has led to innovation in the social sphere through the use of digital technologies.

Launched in 2020, the WURI ranking focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, the application of new technologies and social responsibility, making it a global reference for evaluating universities with innovative approaches.

In addition:

• Leipzig University has been ranked 51st in the Symbol/Promoting category.
• Vilnius University has been ranked 79th and the University of Graz 85th in the Leadership category.
• Maynooth University has been ranked 87th in the Infrastructure/Technology category.

Thanks to these achievements, the Arqus Alliance continues to be at the forefront of educational innovation.