Study Guide

<p style="text-align:justify;">The following are admitted to the MA "Religion, Geopolitics and Global Security"</p><p style="text-align:justify;">a) graduates of the Undergraduate Program of in Theology and the Undergraduate Program of  Islamic Studies, at the School of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">b) graduates of theology, political sciences, law, international relations, public administration and generally of the Humanities of Higher Education Institutions in Greece or similar institutions abroad.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">c) graduates of Academies of the Armed Forces, Police and other Security Corps equivalent to Higher Education Institutions.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">d) graduates of any School of any Higher Education Institution who are interested in Religion, Geopolitics and Global Security.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">In order to obtain the MA degree, the student is required, during the first two semesters to attend and <span style="color:black;">be successfully examined in </span>eight (8) courses of of 7.5 ECTS each, that is sixty (60) ECTS. <span style="color:black;">In each semester, there are </span>four (4) courses, of 7.5 ECTS each or thirty (30) ECTS in total. Attendance is compulsory.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In the third semester the student has the possibility to choose:</p><p style="text-align:justify;">1. to write a MasterThesis, that is credited to thirty (30) ECTS). The postgraduate Thesis is presented publicly, examined and rated by a three- member selection board of Professors.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">2. to attend and <span style="color:black;">be successfully examined in </span>four (4) courses of of 7.5 ECTS each, that is thirty (30) ECTS in total.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:black;"><strong>Aim</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The aim of the MA program “Religion, Geopolitics and Global Security” is to promote specialized knowledge, provide high-quality research ability, provide specialized skills, as well as to shape attitudes and perceptions in this specific scientific field of Religion, Geopolitics and Global Security, in accordance with international scientific standards and with respect for academic freedom and ethics. Emphasis is placed on: a) the study of the role of religion in the international arena, its interconnection with geopolitics and the foreign policy of States, as well as the contribution of international religious organizations to conflict prevention, peace and security building. b) the methodology of human resources management and the enhancement of administrative effectiveness in multicultural environments, through the cultivation of intercultural communication and the modification of attitudes and stereotypical perceptions. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">MA program also aims to train high-level scientists and managers who are capable of operating effectively at both theoretical and practical levels in the field of the relationship between religion, geopolitics, and security in the contemporary international environment. The program seeks to deepen studentsnderstanding of this field and to equip them with the skills necessary to lead effectively. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The subject is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective, encompassing knowledge areas such as theology, religion, Islam, geopolitics, society and culture, state and economy, international security and organizations, crisis management, leadership, human resource management, and decision-making.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>General</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Graduates of the Post Graduate Program of the School of Theology are able to: 1. apply knowledge in practice, 2. search, process, analyze and synthesize data and information, using the appropriate technological tools, 3. adapt to novel situations and make decisions, 4. work independently or in groups in international and/or interdisciplinary contexts, 5. respect diversity, multiculturalism and the natural environment, 6. demonstrate social, professional and moral responsibility and sensitivity to gender issues, 7. view themselves, as well as others, critically, 8. promote free, inductive and deductive thinking, 9. demonstrate sensitivity to social issues.</p><p><strong>Specific</strong></p><p><strong>Knowledge</strong></p><p>Graduates of the MA Program "Religion, Geopolitics and International Security" upon successful completion of their studies have:</p><p>-specialized knowledge of the historical, social, cultural and geopolitical significance of religion</p><p>-an advanced understanding of how religion can influence the behavior of individuals and communities</p><p>-specific knowledge of elements of Christian, Jewish and Islamic history and theology in order to interpret the contemporary cultural, political, economic and religious challenges facing the Arab world and the peoples of the Middle East</p><p>-specialized knowledge of the contribution of the Orthodox Church to the global geopolitical scene and to the dialogue between Christianity and religions</p><p>-specialized knowledge of the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism and radicalization, distinguishing their cultural, historical, theological and political causes</p><p>-an advanced understanding of the contribution of religion to international security and public peace and social cohesion</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Competences</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Graduates of the  MA Program "Religion, Geopolitics and International Security" upon successful completion of their studies are able to:</p><p style="text-align:justify;">-act in accordance with academic ethics and ethics</p><p style="text-align:justify;">-act with respect for human rights and European values</p><p style="text-align:justify;">-assess new and evolving forms of religious beliefs and practices in an ecumenical and reconciliatory spirit</p><p style="text-align:justify;">-understand the importance of co-existence with people from different religious and cultural backgrounds </p><p style="text-align:justify;">-approach the concept of religious freedom and equality in the context of the Greek Constitution and European legislation </p><p style="text-align:justify;">-have a more sensitive approach to issues of social prejudice and exclusion</p><p>The learning outcomes of the individual courses of the MΑ are posted on the website of MO.DI.P. (https://qa.auth.gr)</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The Postgraduate Degree of Specialization is sufficient for employment of the graduates in the public or private sectors.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:black;">Access to the attainment of Doctoral Degree</span></p>

<p>The grade scale for the evaluation of the postgraduate students is defined from 0 (zero) to ten</p><p>(10) as following:</p><p>Άριστα (Arista) Excellent: 8.50-10.00</p><p>Λίαν Καλώς (Lian Kalos) Very Good: 6.50-8.49</p><p>Καλώς (Kalos) Good: 6.00-6.49</p><p>Ανεπιτυχώς (Anepitychos) Fail: 0.00-5.99</p><p>Minimum passing grade: 6</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The duration of the postgraduate program for the attainment of the Postgraduate Degree of Specialization is three (3) semesters, that is ninety (90 ECTS). </p><p style="text-align:justify;">A full academic year is equivalent to 60 ECTS and each semester 30 ECTS (1 ECTS=25-30 hours). Compliance with the ECTS regulations started in 2007, when the Greek Legislation was harmonized with the relevant European Legislation (Ministerial Decision n. Φ5/89656/Β3, art. 1-3, Hellenic Government Gazette n. 1466/B/2007). Each course is credited with a number of ECTS (>=2) according to the studentworkload (contact hours, laboratory work, examination etc.) and the accumulation of credits (ECTS) is accomplished after successful completion of the course.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:black;">Full Time Studies</span></p>