Thematic Paths
ENHANCE Thematic Paths are highly specialised, structured training programmes that bring together a curated set of courses pre-approved by ENHANCE Study Programme Coordinators. Building on the ENHANCE Guided Education Paths, Thematic Paths enable students to develop advanced expertise in a specific thematic or research area that may not be fully available at their home institution. In doing so, they strengthen the principles of synergy and complementarity across the Alliance’s educational offer.
In addition to completing a physical mobility semester at the ENHANCE partner university hosting the Thematic Path, students may complement their studies with further international learning opportunities identified by the coordinating professors. These may include Summer or Winter Schools, virtual or blended courses, short-term intensive programmes, and thesis research periods offered within the ENHANCE network.
Thematic Paths have been designed in direct response to a recurring need expressed by mobile students: the wish to specialise in a clearly defined research topic within their broader study programme. Students frequently seek academic guidance to ensure that their course selection during mobility forms a coherent and academically rigorous specialisation. Thematic Paths address this need by offering a structured framework that supports informed, targeted decision-making.
Through a predefined and thematically aligned course portfolio, enriched by short-term learning opportunities and the option of co-supervised Master’s thesis research, Thematic Paths guide students towards a focused and research-oriented academic experience. Where applicable, students may carry out their thesis research under the co-supervision of professors from different ENHANCE institutions, further strengthening the international and collaborative dimension of their studies.
Each course selection within a Thematic Path is assessed by the relevant Study Programme Coordinator. This academic oversight ensures consistency, academic coherence, and full alignment with both the student’s specialisation objectives and the programme’s academic standards. The combination of student choice within a structured framework and expert academic validation ensures that international mobility contributes meaningfully to students’ long-term academic and professional development.
Structure of a Thematic Path
Each ENHANCE Thematic Path consists of the following components:
Students are encouraged to select one of the following options:
Participation in a short-term mobility activity, such as a Summer School, Winter School, Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), Hackathon, or similar offer; or
Completion of a Master’s thesis research period under co-supervision within one of the predefined thematic areas.
In Summary, ENHANCE Thematic Paths Enable You To:
Spend one or two semesters abroad at an ENHANCE partner university
Enrol in pre-approved courses with guaranteed ECTS recognition
Combine semester mobility with thesis co-supervision, research stays, or short-term mobility
Receive an ENHANCE Degree Label upon successful completion
Currently available Thematic Paths
Additional study fields and ENHANCE member universities will be integrated in future calls, further strengthening international cooperation within the Alliance and expanding opportunities for students to gain a truly European academic experience
Funding Your Mobility
Participation in ENHANCE Thematic Paths can be supported through European Union and national funding schemes. Students are advised to contact the International Office at their home university to receive detailed information on available funding opportunities.
How to Apply
Available ENHANCE Thematic Paths are listed in the ENHANCE course catalogue:
Please verify your eligibility based on your home institution’s participation. For further guidance, contact the ENHANCE team at the International Mobility Office of your home university, who can provide detailed information on application procedures and specific calls.
