Deadline extended! University of Tartu Summer School in Cyprus: Secessionist and Statehood Bids in Times of Crises
Against the backdrop of ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, questions of territorial integrity, self-determination, and international recognition have become central to contemporary international relations. Yet few places in the world offer a more compelling classroom for studying “frozen conflicts” than Cyprus.
Located at the heart of one of Europe’s most enduring divided societies, this six-day summer program by the University of Tartu examines sovereignty practices and territorial contestations through the lens of secessionist and statehood bids, combining expert lectures, guided discussions, and immersive field visits. It introduces key theoretical debates while critically engaging with how sovereignty disputes shape international order, regional security, and policymaking in today’s increasingly fragmented world.
Study period: 29 June – 4 July 2026
Location: UCLan Cyprus campus, Pyla
Application deadline: 6 April 2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of study: Face-to-face learning – 40 hours in-class, 10 hours in the field, 3 hours online component as preparatory for in-class activities, and 23 hours of independent work
Credit points: 3 ECTS (78 academic hours)
Price: 700 EUR (includes tuition, field trips, lunches on classroom days and welcome dinner)
How to Apply?
To apply for the summer school, please submit one-page motivation letter and one-page CV in English via e-mail to [email protected] and register via the button below by 10 April (deadline extended!).
Additional information and registration
"Secessionist conflicts, whether active or “frozen,” continue to shape international politics. In Cyprus, students have the opportunity to observe these dynamics first-hand and engage directly with experts and practitioners working on the ground."
This course explores central debates on sovereignty and statehood within secessionist conflicts, examining how movements mobilize self-determination claims and sovereignty practices to contest and reconfigure existing political orders.
The programme also analyses frozen conflicts, de facto states, and the politics of international recognition. Particular attention is given to counter-secession strategies, engagement without recognition, and the factors that shape the success or failure of secessionist movements.
The course takes a comparative and practice-oriented approach, combining lectures, discussions, independent work and film-based learning. Students will also participate in field visits to divided Nicosia and Famagusta/Varosha, as well as a negotiation simulation that provides practical insight into diplomacy and conflict resolution in the context of the Israel–Palestine conflict.
1. Learn from leading scholars
Students will learn from experts in International Relations, Prof. Eiki Berg and Dr. Shpend Kursani. The course combines lectures, discussions and case-based learning to explore secession, sovereignty and the politics of recognition.
2. Study Cyprus as a living laboratory
Cyprus offers a unique setting for studying secession and divided societies. The island remains politically divided between the northern and southern parts, allowing students to explore the realities of sovereignty disputes and conflict settlement in practice.
3. Simulation and practical skills
Students will participate in a negotiation simulation focused on the Israel–Palestine conflict, gaining practical experience in diplomacy, negotiation and conflict analysis.
4. International learning environment
The summer school brings together BA, MA and PhD students from different countries and academic backgrounds, creating an interactive and interdisciplinary learning environment.
5. Earn academic credit
Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive 3 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion from the University of Tartu.
6. Field trips to contested sites
The programme includes field visits to Nicosia and Famagusta/Varosha, allowing students to explore contested spaces, meet experts and observe how political divisions shape everyday life.
Nicosia
Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is uniquely defined as the last divided capital in Europe. A UN-administered buffer zone, known as the Green Line, bisects the city, separating the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. This stark division is visible in the contrasting urban landscapes on either side, with checkpoints serving as gateways between two distinct cultural and political worlds.
The city’s Old Town is encircled by impressive Venetian walls, offering a glimpse into its rich architectural and cultural heritage. The buffer zone itself remains a poignant reminder of the island’s unresolved conflict, with abandoned buildings frozen in time. Despite its division, the city thrives as a symbol of resilience, fostering dialogue and connections across its borders.
Route along Green Line with stops at road blocks, crossing to North Nicosia at Ledra Street, lunch at Büyük Han, free time in Northern section of Old Town, visit to Arabahmet neighbourhood, Home for Cooperation, crossing back through Ledra Palace checkpoint.
Varosha
Famagusta, located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, is a city steeped in history and poignant contrasts. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, these landmarks tell stories of its diverse past under Lusignan, Venetian, Ottoman, and British rule. Once a bustling tourist hub, Famagusta faced a dramatic turning point in 1974 with the Turkish intervention in Cyprus, leading to the abandonment of its modern Varosha district. Varosha remains a haunting symbol of the island’s division. For decades, the district remained frozen in time, with decaying buildings and deserted streets, serving as a poignant reminder of the island’s division. In recent years, parts of Varosha were reopened to visitors under Turkish Cypriot administration, sparking renewed international attention and controversy. Despite its desolation, Varosha continues to capture imaginations as both a tragic relic of the past and a potential site for reconciliation.
Route to Famagusta along the narrow land strip belonging to Sovereign Base Area (UK) and separating Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot administrated areas. Crossing to Northern Cyprus at Strovilia checkpoint, brief introduction to the place in Cyprus conflict at EMU, visit to Varosha, free time and lunch in Famagusta Old Town, visit to Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta at Deryneia.
*The programme includes two organised field trips that are included in the course fee. Transportation for field trips is organised by the programme.
Sunday, 28 June
Arrival day. First instructions. Get to know each other.
Monday, 29 June
10:00 – 13:00 Self-determination and Sovereignty Practices
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Peace and Violence in Secessionist Bids: What Works?
Tuesday, 30 June
10:00 – 13:00 De Facto States and “Frozen Conflicts”
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Patronage and De Facto State Agency
19:00 – 21:00 Film screening and discussion “The Divided Island” (2024)
Wednesday, 1 July
09:00 – 10:00 Trip to Nicosia
10:00 – 11:30 Discussions on technical committees
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 16:00 Strolling along the green line in divided Nicosia and crossing to the north of the city
16:00 – 17:00 Discussions on Track II diplomacy and civic engagement at “Home for Cooperation”
19:00 – Free time in Larnaca
Thursday, 2 July
10:00 – 13:00 Counter-secession Strategies and Engagement without Recognition.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Success and Failure of Secessionist Movements. Politics of Recognition.
Friday, 3 July
10:00 – 13:00 Negotiation and simulation exercises
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00 – 17:00 Simulation exercise: Israel-Palestine Conflict
Saturday, 4 July
09:00 – 10:00 Trip to Famagusta/Varosha
10:00 – 12:30 Discussions on Cyprus conflict settlement perspectives to be continued with the walk in Varosha
12:30 – 14:30 Lunch and free time in Famagusta
15:00 – 16:00 Meeting in the Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta
16:30 – Free time in Ayia Napa
Sunday, 5 July
Departure day
Flying to Cyprus
Nearest airport: Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Distance to UCLan Cyprus campus: 27 km (~20 minutes by car).
Larnaca Airport has direct connections to many cities across Europe and the Middle East.
Accommodation
Participants will stay in UCLan Cyprus campus dormitories.
- Apartment with two bedrooms: €60 per person per day
- Apartment with three bedrooms: €50 per person per day
Take a virtual tour in the campus
Expenses
The course fee includes tuition, field trips, lunches during classroom days, and a welcome dinner.
The fee does not include travel to and from Cyprus, accommodation, and personal expenses.
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