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The Master

Why EMSEX?

Sexuality is a strategic determinant of public health, social inclusion, equality and democratic participation. Across Europe, fragmented and uneven training in sexology continues to limit professional capacity, weaken evidence-based policy implementation and perpetuate inequalities in sexual health, education and rights.

The European Master’s in Sexology (EMSEX) that we are currently designing aims to address this structural gap by establishing the first fully joint Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme exclusively dedicated to sexology. By integrating objectives, learning outcomes, assessment, mobility, and recognition across partner institutions, EMSEX consolidates fragmented national pathways into a single European qualification that supports workforce mobility, professional recognition, and policy coherence within the European Higher Education Area.

Designed for sustainability and long-term impact, EMSEX embeds joint governance, harmonised quality assurance, and structured stakeholder engagement. The programme strengthens system-level capacity across healthcare, education, social services and policy contexts, while positioning Europe as a global reference point in advanced sexology education and training.

A Joint European programme in development, shaped by international mobility, cultural diversity, and academic excellence.

The European Master's in Sexology (EMSEX) is currently under development through the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) initiative.

What is the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures?

The Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) is a European Union initiative that funds the creation of innovative, high-quality joint Master’s programmes between universities in different countries. It supports international academic teams in designing curricula, mobility schemes, and partnerships that meet the highest standards of excellence and inclusion.

Through Erasmus Mundus Design Measures, EMSEX is being developed collaboratively by institutions in Sweden, Portugal, and Spain, ensuring a transdisciplinary, multicultural, and research-based approach to sexology education.

The planned curriculum will combine scientific rigour, clinical practice, inclusive education, and socio-political perspectives, aiming to equip future students with a holistic understanding of human sexuality.

  • Transdisciplinary and international academic design
  • Grounded in human rights, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity
  • Rooted in real-world practices and research-based learning
  • Developed by three experienced higher education institutions with strong track records in sexology and health education

Joint Design and Quality Assurance

EMSEX is designed as a fully integrated joint programme. Curriculum development, learning outcomes, assessment methods, mobility pathways and recognition arrangements are jointly defined and implemented by all partner institutions.

Shared governance structures and harmonised quality assurance mechanisms ensure academic coherence, transparency and mutual trust, in line with Erasmus Mundus and European Higher Education Area standards.

Stakehold Engagement and Societal Relevance

EMSEX engages with professional bodies, civil society organisations and policy stakeholders to ensure strong alignment with real-world needs in healthcare, education, social services and public policy.

This engagement supports knowledge transfer, evidence-based practice and policy uptake, contributing to European priorities in health promotion, gender equality, social inclusion and lifelong learning.

Expected Impact

EMSEX is designed to generate impact at individual, institutional and system levels. The programme strengthens professional capacity across sectors, supports workforce mobility and contributes to the development of a shared European reference framework for sexology education and professional standards.

By promoting ethical, inclusive and evidence-based approaches to sexuality, EMSEX contributes to reducing stigma and inequalities in sexual health and rights across Europe.

Project Timeline

  • 2024–2025 – Erasmus Mundus Design phase: joint curriculum development, mobility model and governance framework
  • 2025–2026 – Quality assurance, accreditation and institutional approvals
  • 2026–2027 – Finalisation of joint structures and preparation for launch
  • 2027 – Expected launch of the EMSEX programme (first cohort)