Ethnic and Minority Policy MA
Mexico
Türkiye
Ethnic and Minority Policy MA
Ethnic and Minority Policy Expert
Degree program
Master
OH-FHF/138-4/2011.
English
4 semesters (2 years)
120
5
33
Global perspective - Interdisciplinary training - Professional relevance
This programme prepares future professionals to address one of the defining challenges of our time: how diverse societies can live together fairly, peacefully, and productively. Rooted in the study of Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean, it combines academic excellence with hands-on relevance for careers across public service, civil society, media, education, and international organisations.
Our approach is deliberately interdisciplinary. Drawing on political science, law, sociology, anthropology, history, and social policy, students learn to interpret complex social realities and translate them into meaningful strategies. By graduation, they are equipped not only to understand the causes of discrimination, conflict, and inequality, but also to design solutions, mediate tensions, and build more inclusive communities.
The programme is intentionally broad in scope. While many of our graduates continue on to doctoral studies and academic careers, just as many take their knowledge into professional arenas: shaping policy, leading NGOs, driving integration projects, or innovating in media and education. What unites them is a mindset—critical, adaptable, globally oriented—that allows them to navigate today’s fast-changing world of diversity and identity with confidence.
This is a programme for those who want to think deeply, but also act decisively. For those who want to understand difference not as a problem to be managed, but as an opportunity to strengthen societies. And for those ready to become the kind of professionals whose expertise is increasingly in demand: leaders who can bridge divides, foster cooperation, and make a tangible impact in the communities and institutions they serve.
The modern principle of multiculturalism, protection of minority rights, equal opportunities, anti-discrimination, and new challenges of inter-cultural integration of modern societies request more and more academics who intend to carry out research or teach about ethnic diversity and inter-ethnic relations. In post-industrial welfare societies there is a growing need for policy makers or expert advisors in issues and conflicts between regions, nations, ethnic groups, minorities, and majorities in Hungary or various parts of Europe. There is a considerable need for these types of professionals today, and this demand in the future will even increase as the historical legacy of Eastern and Central Europe, the renaissance of the national spirit, the intense immigration, and frequent ethnic and minority conflicts make the task of managing and reducing ethnic tensions more and more important. We expect that our graduates can find jobs in the different public or private agencies like in public (governmental) organizations and the minority self-governments, in public education, in research institutes, in the media, in civil organizations and NGOs, and in all such programmes and projects that aims to promote the successful social and cultural integration of minorities into the dominant society.
In today’s world of global migration, rising nationalism, and inter-ethnic tensions, professionals with expertise in minority and diversity issues are in high demand. This programme prepares graduates to meet that demand with confidence and flexibility.
Our alumni build careers in government and minority self-governments, NGOs and civil society organisations, and international agencies working on migration, integration, and community development. Others move into education, research, or media, where they shape public understanding and contribute to policy and practice.
Typical roles include project manager, policy advisor, researcher, and field coordinator—positions that require both deep knowledge and the ability to act effectively in multicultural environments.
- Project managers
- Policy makers
- Researchers
- Field coordinators
1550 EUR
3500 EUR
EUR 50 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025-15/11/2025______ EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 20/11/2025-15/01/2026______ EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 20/01/2026-30/04/2026______ EUR 200 (non-refundable) between 05/05/2026-31/05/2026
EUR 50 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025-15/11/2025______ EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 20/11/2025-15/01/2026______ EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 20/01/2026-30/04/2026______ EUR 200 (non-refundable) between 05/05/2026-31/05/2026
3500 EUR
EUR 50 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025-15/11/2025______ EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 20/11/2025-15/01/2026______ EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 20/01/2026-30/04/2026______ EUR 200 (non-refundable) between 05/05/2026-31/05/2026
Yes
01, Sep, 2026
31, May, 2026
No
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with a BA degree primarily in the fields of social sciences, humanities, pedagogy, law, or economics. Degrees in Social Studies, Sociology, Social Work, Political Science, Cultural Anthropology, or Social Pedagogy are especially relevant.
That said, we also encourage candidates from other academic backgrounds to apply. Each application is reviewed individually, and we value interdisciplinary experiences — applicants with such profiles may even receive extra credit.
If your previous degree does not fully cover the required areas, you can still be admitted. In this case, you may be asked to complete some additional credits in the first year of your studies, so that you can smoothly meet all program requirements.
BA/BSc degree.
Language requirements
Certification of English knowledge (both written and oral): B2
IELTS Score: 5.5
TOEFL IBT Band: 46-59
Cambridge English Scale Score: 162
If the applicant does not have any of the above certifications, their English proficiency will be assessed during the admission interview. Any letter of acceptance issued by the Faculty of Social Sciences is based on the verified fact that the applicant’s command of English has been assessed; therefore, they are considered eligible to pursue their studies at the institution.
If the applicant can prove that they completed their former education entirely in English by submitting a notarized attestation and a detailed academic transcript, no proof of language knowledge will be required throughout the admission process.
Recommended readings for the entrance exam:
- Eriksen, Thomas Hylland. 2010. „1. What is Ethnicity?” In Ethnicity and Nationalism. Anthropological Perspectives. 1-23. London, New York: Pluto Books.
- Eriksen, Thomas Hylland. 2010. „6. Nationalism.” In Ethnicity and Nationalism. Anthropological Perspectives. 117-146. London, New York: Pluto Books.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
| Bachelor-level degree | |
| Transcript of records | |
| Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid) | |
| Motivation letter | The general guidelines and expectations for the letter are: the applicants introducing themselves, their motivation, interests and goals with the programme. The length of the motivation letter is between 1500 and 4000 characters |
| Copy of application fee transfer | needs to be valid |
| Language certificate | required |
The application starts at the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Students who hold Hungarian citizenship and/or dual citizenship, must apply through felvi.hu Please note that if an application is submitted not according to the aforementioned, it will be rejected.
Procedure of the entrance examination:
The application deadline refers to the final submission of the complete application package through the online application system.
For the September intake, there are four application periods:
- Super Early Bird Period: 2025 October 1- 2025 November 15 (23:59 CET)
- Early Bird Period: 2025 November 20 – 2026 January 15 (23:59 CET)
- Regular Period: 2026 January 20 – 2026 April 30 (23:59 CET)
- Last Call Period: 2026 May 5 –2026 May 31 (23:59 CET)
These distinct periods allow applicants the flexibility to submit their applications at their convenience. All applicants within each period have an equal chance of gaining admission to the programme.
After each application deadline, the Admission Board reviews the applications. After the admission interview, applicants are informed of the selection outcome through the online application system within approximately one month. If the offer is accepted, admission letters are sent out through the online application system as soon as possible, as specified in the offer decision.
Applicants with a full application package will be notified after the application deadline about the exact time and date of application interviews conducted via Ms Teams. Applicants are responsible for having technically suitable conditions for the interview from their side.
Applicants are expected to be prepared taking questions regarding the compulsory admission materials (see: Recommended readings for the entrance exam) from the side of admission committee composed of a professor, a lecturer and a student representative.
Based on the results, certain students may be placed on a waiting list. Final results are expected by the first half of August (September intake).
Type of entrance examination: Oral
Place of entrance examination: Online
Recommended readings for the entrance exam:
-
Eriksen, Thomas Hylland. 2010. „1. What is Ethnicity?” In Ethnicity and Nationalism. Anthropological Perspectives. 1-23. London, New York: Pluto Books.
-
Eriksen, Thomas Hylland. 2010. „6. Nationalism.” In Ethnicity and Nationalism. Anthropological Perspectives. 117-146. London, New York: Pluto Books.
-
Okin, Susan Moller. 2004. „Multiculturalism and feminism: no simple question, no simple answers.” In Minorities within Minorities. Equality, Rights and Diversity edited by Eisenberg, Avigail and Jeff Spinner-Halev. 67-89.
-
Pettigrew, Thomas F. 1998. „Reactions Toward the New Minorities of Western Europe.” Annual Review of Sociology 24: 77-103.
Further details of selection and evaluation
Applicants with a full application package will be asked to participate in an oral entrance exam. The institutional admission scores are based on a total evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam. The entrance exam seeks to assess the general and professional knowledge and interest of the applicant.
A successful oral entrance exam is the prerequisite of getting admitted. If the applicant fails the oral entrance exam, the application will be rejected.
Dr. Miklós SZABÓ
Associate professor
Florian SIMON
Position: Department Administrator
E-mail: florian.simon@tatk.elte.hu
International Office, Faculty of Social Sciences
E-mail: international@tatk.elte.hu
More information
Faculty Website
Facebook page of the Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences
Faculty of Social Sciences
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) offers more than 60 degree programs in foreign languages in the fields of Education and Psychology, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Social Sciences and Science. Currently, about 2400 international students study at ELTE and the community of international students is growing from year to year. Check out what our international students think and discover the wide-range of opportunities waiting for you at ELTE. Join the growing international community of ELTE.
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) offers more than 60 degree programs in foreign languages in the fields of Education and Psychology, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Social Sciences and Science. Currently, about 2400 international students study at ELTE and the community of international students is growing from year to year. Check out what our international students think and discover the wide-range of opportunities waiting for you at ELTE. Join the growing international community of ELTE.
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