M.A. in Liberal Studies

The M.A. in Liberal Studies provides a balance of theoretical, applied, and interdisciplinary exploration of the humanities and social sciences. Classes take place on the AAU campus in the neoclassical Thurn-Taxis Palace, situated in Prague’s city center, a renowned seedbed of history, culture, and political significance.

The overarching aim of the program is to develop you into a well-rounded, informed, independent thinker and articulate communicator. You’ll explore a mix of philosophy, social sciences, politics, history, and literature-based subjects, as you refine your capacity to think critically, become adept at analyzing contemporary issues from multiple standpoints, and conduct your own, original research.

Classes are led by accomplished international faculty and kept intentionally small, with a seminar format that encourages scholarly investigation, critical thinking, and thought-provoking discussion. You will cultivate essential skills in research, writing, and presentation in preparation for PhD studies or career opportunities across a wide range of fields, while the curriculum also allows you to explore and nurture your specific interests through numerous elective courses.

The program is broad in scope and multidisciplinary by design, an approach that runs counter to the increasingly specialized and fragmented trends in modern education, helping you become a versatile, thoughtful, and engaged citizen capable of making informed decisions in your own life and valuable contributions to society.

Karen Grunow-Harsta, PhD, dean, senior lecturer

A specialist in linguistics and endangered languages, Karen has taught, and conducted research, in Nepal, Sweden, Canada, Dubai and Hong Kong, as well as here at AAU.

Gerald Power, PhD, lecturer, chair of department of history and philosophy

Building on his specialism in British and Irish history, Gerald’s research interests have spanned everything from the reception of Margaret Thatcher in the Czech lands to British cultural diplomacy in the Middle East.

Joshua M. Hayden, EdD, lecturer, institutional research specialist, chair of department of social sciences

Publishing and teaching in leadership studies for the past ten years, Josh has also trained community, educational and organizational leaders in Haiti, India, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Uganda and Brazil.

Andrew Giarelli, PhD, senior lecturer, chair of department of art, culture & literature

A literature and folklore scholar as well as a journalist, Andrew has taught in New York, Utah, and at Portland State University, has twice been a senior Fulbright lecturer, and also teaches comparative literature at the University of Vienna.

Where do you want your study of the liberal arts to take you? The flexible nature of this program means you can tailor this master’s towards the areas that interest you most, whether that’s history and art history, literature, human sciences, or philosophy. Or if you prefer, you can study a mix of all of them. 

You’ll earn 60 US credits (120 ECTS credits) over a period of two years, by completing 20 courses. Below, you can find a list of courses and modules that form the program.

Required-optional courses (subject to change according to interest and availability):

The program culminates in a colloquium where you will have the opportunity to present your work alongside faculty and invited speakers in a professional forum. Having passed all the required and elective courses, you’ll then complete your studies by taking state exams and defending your research thesis.

For more detailed information about the modular structure and the study program, reach out to our admissions team at admissions@aauni.edu.

By the end of the two years, you’ll:

As a graduate of the VAS Program, you will be equipped to flourish in multinational environments. This in turn will open up career opportunities for you on a global scale in areas such as:

Additionally, our Career Center will assist you with internships in the course of your studies and landing a job after graduation.

Your chosen program is just one piece of your postgraduate journey. As a master’s student, you’ll have access to the many benefits and extracurricular activities that come with being part of the AAU community–from an assortment of student clubs and student support services to events featuring international scholars and authors of note, along with numerous opportunities for creative expression, intellectual exchange, and networking.

Thinking about joining the program but want to talk things through first? We’re here to help. Contact us at admissions@aauni.edu.

We provide a wide range of scholarships, tuition discounts, and financial aid options to help make quality education more accessible. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page to learn more.