About us

The Institute for Social & European Studies (ISES) together with Corvinus University of Budapest, offers international multidisciplinary research and educational programmes that provide young academics and thriving professionals with a diverse education in European integration and regional cooperation, international studies and cultural heritage management.

In the beginning of the 1990's, it was clear that the great social, economic and political challenges facing Europe, particularly Central Europe, could not be met by the traditional structures of the higher education system or existing research structures. In order to compete successfully in a globalized world and to take part efficiently in the project of European integration, the need  was clear to develop multidisciplinary educational programmes that would reinvent institutional structures and innnovate regional and international research.

Internationally recognized for its high level of academic achievements, ISES was awarded the designation of Jean Monnet European Centre of Excellence in June 2010. This award is granted to university-level institutions by the European Commission for top quality research and innovative teaching related to European Integration. ISES was also recently awarded a UNESCO Chair in Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development.

ISES is located in a beautiful Sigray palace, the Europe House, in the picturesque medieval city of Kõszeg, Hungary.

Our Vision

The Institute for Social & European Studies (ISES) integrates theoretical and practical research, responds rapidly to social and economic changes, initiates and participates regularly in activities of national and international political, social, economic and cultural life.

From the beginning, the objective of ISES has been to provide the institutional framework for intellectual, academic and educational work devoted to enhancing the cooperation among Central and East European countries and to contribute to the process of European integration.

Since 2005, ISES has offered an English language MA programme in International Economic Relations with a Special Focus on European Integration Studies to more than 100 students from over 25 countries. Multi-disciplinary education is vital to understanding contemporary complexities and broader global issues. We offer courses in economics, law, European history, culture, philosophy, and current issues related to civil society, nationalism and globalisation. 

We believe that the issues of European integration cannot be narrowed to the problems of the EU. Therefore, special attention  is paid to countries and regions outside the EU including Turkey, the Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States. We also understand that we live in an increasingly interconnected world and have expanded our focus of study and research to include issues of globalization and international relations.

ISES has participated in a number of leading national and international research projects and  continues to broaden and deepen its networks with partner institutions. Through international conferences, publications and regional co-operation programmes, ISES increases the potential impact, cohesion and influence of the region and the EU.

Moving forward, our aim is to maintain institutional excellence while expanding  programmes to address regional and global needs. In the next decade, the role of ISES as a leading think tank and research centre in Central Europe, will continue to grow, developing high quality academic programmes (including e-learning) and research, providing a home for the minds of the future to grow and prosper. Beginning September 2010, ISES has added another degree program, the MA Cultural Heritage Management & Sustainable Development.

FAQ about studying at ISES