We are designing a new and innovative European Master’s in Sexology – a two-year joint European programme shaped by international mobility, cultural diversity, and academic excellence.

The master's is being developed by universities in Portugal, Spain and Sweden, combining scientific rigour, clinical practice, inclusive education, and socio-political perspectives.

Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
Status: Under development through the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) initiative.

Why EMSEX?

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

Mobility Scheme

A collaborative learning journey across three countries, three cultures, one shared vision

The EMSEX consortium is designing a mobility structure that ensures all students experience diverse academic environments and cultural contexts throughout the two-year programme.

Students will study at Malmö University (Sweden), Lusófona University (Portugal), and University of Almería (Spain) during the two-year programme, ensuring exposure to diverse academic environments and cultural contexts.

Course Curriculum

The EMSEX curriculum is currently being co-developed by academic experts from the three partner universities. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive education in sexology, integrating biological, psychological, clinical, pedagogical, social, and legal dimensions.

Prospects after Graduation

Once implemented, EMSEX will aim to prepare graduates to work in a wide range of fields, including:

Clinical sexology and counselling
Public and community health
Education and teacher training
Research and academia
Advocacy, policy, and human rights
NGOs and international development organisations

Graduates will be equipped to critically engage with sexual health and rights challenges in diverse contexts, contributing to inclusive and evidence-based practices.

Awarded Degrees

The awarded degrees are currently being designed under the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) phase.

Associated Partners

Practice-oriented collaboration with institutions across Europe and beyond

The EMSEX consortium is building a network of associated partners that will contribute to the programme's quality, relevance, and impact. These include:

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)
Public and private healthcare providers
Cultural institutions and advocacy groups
Research centres and policy organisations

A full list of associated partners will be published once the programme is officially approved.

Lusófona University (Portugal)

Lusófona University hosts one of Portugal’s most innovative programmes in transdisciplinary sexology. Through its Master's in Sexology, clinical training centre, and research activities, the university promotes a holistic understanding of sexuality combining biomedical, psychological, educational, and social approaches. It also delivers community-based services and actively contributes to sexual health promotion.

www.ulusofona.pt

University of Almería (Spain)

The University of Almería launched one of the first official Master’s degrees in Sexology in Europe and has over 20 years of experience in the field. Its academic offer includes pedagogical innovation in sex education, inclusive health strategies, and methodological training for research. The university also fosters dialogue between academia, practice, and policy in the field of sexuality.

https://www.ual.es/en

Malmö University (Sweden)

Home to the Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Malmö University is a leader in interdisciplinary research on human sexuality. The centre integrates medical, psychological, sociological, and cultural perspectives, and is internationally recognised for its critical approach to sexual health and rights in contemporary societies.

https://mau.se/en/malmo-university/

FAQs

Is EMSEX an accredited Erasmus Mundus Master programme?

Not yet. EMSEX is currently under development with support from the Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM). The consortium plans to submit a full Erasmus Mundus Joint Master application in 2025.

Can I apply to EMSEX now?

No. Applications are not yet open. All information on this website is provisional and meant to inform potential future applicants and partners. Updates will be posted here when the call for applications officially opens.

Will EMSEX offer Erasmus Mundus scholarships?

If the programme is approved as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master, scholarships funded by the European Commission will be available to top-ranked applicants from around the world.

Where will the classes take place?

The programme is designed to include mandatory mobility across the three partner institutions: Malmö University (Sweden), Lusófona University (Portugal), and University of Almería (Spain). Each semester takes place in a different country, with a final thesis project hosted by one or more of the institutions.

News and Events

Stay informed about the progress of the EMSEX initiative and upcoming opportunities to engage with the consortium.

This section will include:

Announcements about the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master application process
Events, such as project meetings, scientific events and public lectures
Publications and interviews featuring EMSEX contributors
Updates on the final curriculum and application procedures