The ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth is an international two-year academic programme tailored for future leaders and practitioners in social work focused on children, adolescents, and youth in diverse, multicultural settings. Delivered in English by a European consortium of four universities, this programme integrates rigorous academic study with practical research practice, comparative policy analysis, and digital social work competencies. Through structured mobility across four countries, the ESWOCHY programme equips graduates with a broad, internationally recognised skill set geared toward innovative social work practice.
Designed to blend theory, research, and practical application, the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth emphasises human rights, intercultural communication, and digital technologies in social work. Students develop specialised knowledge of European and national children’s and youth policies, gain experience in scientific research practice, and build leadership and mediation skills for working with diverse populations. The programme’s mobility structure fosters intercultural competence and prepares graduates for careers in NGOs, governmental bodies, international organisations, and community development sectors.
Key Details of the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth |
| Duration | 2 academic years (120 ECTS) |
| Degree Type | Joint Master’s Degree |
| Language of Instruction | English |
| Study Model | Year 1 at Mykolas Romeris University, Year 2 at consortium locations in Latvia, Slovakia & Portugal |
| Scholarship Type | Erasmus+ Joint Master Funding and Consortium Scholarships |
| Academic Focus | International social work, children & youth policy, intercultural communication, digital social work |
Project Status and Erasmus+ Funding Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Start Date | 15 October 2020 |
| End Date | 14 October 2026 |
| Action Type | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJM) |
Universities and Countries Involved in ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus
The programme is jointly delivered by a consortium of leading European universities:
| University | Country |
|---|---|
| Mykolas Romeris University | Lithuania |
| Riga Stradiņš University | Latvia |
| Catholic University in Ružomberok | Slovakia |
| ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa | Portugal |
Programme Structure
| Year | Location | Academic Components |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania (Semester 1) & Riga Stradiņš University, Latvia (Semester 2) | Core modules: Comparative European Social Policy for Children & Youth; Professional Development; Intercultural Communication; Scientific Research Practice |
| Year 2 | Catholic University in Ružomberok, Slovakia (Semester 3) & ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Portugal (Semester 4) | Advanced modules: Digital Social Work; Management and Leadership; Master Thesis Project |
| Optional Mobility | Additional research or practical placement | Study internship or supplementary research in consortium locations |
Research and Industry Links
The ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus programme maintains strong connections with social services, children’s and youth welfare institutions, NGOs, and policy organisations across Europe. Through the “Scientific Research Practice” component, students engage directly with social work settings, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on research strategies relevant to contemporary social challenges affecting children and youth.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in social work or related fields
- Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in social work with children and youth
- English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
- Motivation for international, intercultural study and research
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivation letter
- Two recommendation letters
- Passport identification page
How to Apply – Step-By-Step
- Visit the official ESWOCHY website and access the application portal
- Complete personal, academic, and background information
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Submit referee details for recommendations
- Review the application carefully before submission
- Submit before the deadline published on the official website
- If shortlisted, prepare for any interview or additional evaluations
Application Timeline 2025 and 2026 Intake
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | December |
| Application Deadline | January |
| Selection and Review | February |
| Final Results Notification | March/April |
| Programme Start | Early September |
Scholarship Benefits for ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Applicants
- Erasmus+ funding covering tuition and participation costs
- Monthly living allowance for the full duration of the programme
- Contribution to travel and installation costs
- Health insurance for scholarship recipients
- Support with research and academic activities
Guidance for a Strong Application
- Clearly articulate your motivation for specialising in social work with children and youth
- Highlight relevant academic, volunteer, or practical experience
- Provide well-written and professional supporting documents
- Demonstrate intercultural awareness and readiness for mobility
- Seek insights from alumni or faculty to strengthen your application
Alumni Experience
Graduates of the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Social Work with Children and Youth describe the programme as a unique opportunity to build international competence and professional networks across Europe. Alumni frequently find roles in international organisations, NGOs, community services, research institutions, and governmental agencies focused on children’s and youth welfare, policy development, and intercultural practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program?
The ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program is a two-year master’s in Social Work with Children and Youth, delivered by a consortium of European universities in Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, and Portugal.
How long does the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program last?
The ESWOCHY Program has a duration of two years, equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.
Who can apply for the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program?
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, along with strong academic records and language proficiency, are eligible to apply for the ESWOCHY Program.
What are the mobility tracks in the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program?
The ESWOCHY Program requires students to rotate across four countries, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, and Portugal studying at each partner university during the two years.
What scholarship opportunities are available in the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program?
The ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program previously offered Erasmus+ funded scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living costs for selected students.
What career opportunities does the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program provide?
Graduates of the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program are prepared for careers in international social work, child protection services, NGOs, government agencies, policy development, and academic research.
How does the ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program combine theory and practice?
The ESWOCHY Erasmus Mundus Program integrates classroom learning with a practical internship known as “Scientific Research Practice,” culminating in a master’s thesis.
