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Human Resources and Education Policy in the European Union

Course abstract

The aim of the course is to enhance knowledge, skills, and competence regarding EU human resources and education policy in order to facilitate support for career management. The course emphasizes the ability to locate, explain, analyze, integrate, and evaluate information about the European Union (EU) and its institutions within the context of human resources and education policy. Students develop an in-depth understanding of the potential of human resources policy and the content of the education area in relation to career management support within the EU.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Students are able to factually formulate, summarize and explain information about the formation, development, and institutions of the European Union (Practical Assignment 1); students are able to explain the nature and development of the European Education Area (Practical Assignment 2). Test.
Skills.
Professional skills.
Students are able to collect and analyse information on the functions of EU institutions in the context of human resources and European Education Area policies, as well as the importance of career support in the EU (Practical Assignment 3). Students are able to collect and analyse information on human resources policy and security in relation to career management support in the EU and to discuss these issues using well-founded arguments (Practical Assignment 4).
General skills.
Students are able to engage in reasoned discussion on the functions of EU institutions in the context of human resources and European Education Area policies, as well as the importance of career support in the EU (Practical Assignment 3). Students are able to engage in reasoned discussion on human resources policy and security in relation to career management support in the EU (Practical Assignment 4). Students are able to collaborate with others during practical assignments when necessary.
Competence.
Students are able to integrate and critically evaluate knowledge and skills related to the opportunities offered by the European Education Area in the context of career management support and lifelong learning (Independent Assignment 1). Students are able to integrate and critically evaluate knowledge and skills related to EU human resources policy and security in relation to career management support (Independent Assignment 2).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies.
Lectures (8 h):
1. The formation and development of the European Union (EU) in the context of human resources and European Education Area policies. EU symbols, values, objectives, priorities, treaties, institutions, and their functions (4 h).
2. The nature, establishment, and development of the European Education Area. Use of documents and recommendations in lifelong learning and career management support (2 h).
3. The role of career management support in the EU and in international organisations (1 h).
4. Human resources policy and security in relation to career management support in the EU (1 h).
Practical Assignments (16 h):
1. The formation and development of the European Union (EU) in the context of human resources and European Education Area policies. EU symbols, values, objectives, priorities, treaties, institutions, and their functions (4 h).
2. The nature, establishment, and development of the European Education Area. Analysis and use of documents and recommendations in lifelong learning and career management support (6 h).
3. The role of career management support in the EU and in international organisations (3 h).
4. Human resources policy and security in relation to career management support in the EU (3 h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Pass/fail evaluation. Completion of four practical assignments, submission of two independent assignments, and completion of the test.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

1. Independent Assignment 1. Analysis and evaluation of information on the European Education Area in the context of lifelong learning, career support, and career management.
2. Independent Assignment 2. Analysis and evaluation of information on human resources policy and security in relation to career support and career management in the EU.
3. Test. Analysis of information on the formation and development of the European Union and the functions of its institutions in the context of human resources and European Education Area policies and career management support.

Students are introduced to the assessment criteria for independent work and the test questions during classes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The pass/fail evaluation is based on the completed practical and independent assignments and the test. Each of these must be completed with a minimum achievement level of 60%.

Compulsory reading

1. A Short Guide to the European Union. Luxembourg: Publication Office of the European Union, 2026, 34 p. Available: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/736395fe-fbf9-11f0-8da5-01aa75ed71a1
2. Eiropas izvēle. Politikas pamatnostādnes nākamajai Eiropas Komisijai (2024-2029). Leyen U. von.der u.c. Strasbūra: Eiropas Savienības Publikāciju birojs, 2024, 34. lpp. Pieejams: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/f208985a-50a5-11ef-acbc-01aa75ed71a1
3. Europe’s Choice. Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029. Leyen von der U. et al. Strasbourg: Publications Office of the European Union. 2024, 31 p. Available: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/f208985a-50a5-11ef-acbc-01aa75ed71a1
4. Īss ceļvedis par ES. Luksemburga: Eiropas Savienības Publikāciju birojs. 2026, 34 lpp. Pieejams: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/736395fe-fbf9-11f0-8da5-01aa75ed71a1

5. Sienkiewicz L. Human resource Management: How to Attract, Retain and Develop Talent. Brussels: European Commission. 2018, 30 p. Available: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/d20b3853-9ef8-11ea-9d2d-01aa75ed71a1

Further reading

1. Building Career Management Skills. Eds. Sovet, L. et. al. Network for Innovation in Career Guidance and Counselling in Europe (NICE), 2025, 362 p. Available: https://nice-network.eu/building-cms/

2. Working conditions and sustainable work. Working anytime, anywhere: The quality of working time in the EU. Amereiros C.B. et al. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. 2026, 98 p. Available: https://op.europa.eu/publication-detail/-/publication/bc259c0f-87ce-11f1-bf5e-01aa75ed71a1

Periodicals and other sources

1. Eiropas Savienība. Pieejams: https://european-union.europa.eu/index_lv
2. European Union. Available: https://european-union.europa.eu/index_en
3. Viegli lasāma versija – Eiropas Savienība. Pieejams: https://european-union.europa.eu/easy-read_lv
4. Easy to read – The European Union. Available: https://european-union.europa.eu/easy-read_en
5. Eiropas Savienības Publikāciju birojs. Pieejams: https://op.europa.eu/lv/
6. European Commission. Human Resources and Security. Available: https://commission.europa.eu/about/departments-and-executive-agencies/human-resources-and-security_en#latest European Education Area. Available: https://education.ec.europa.eu/lv
7. Publications of the NICE Network. Available:
https://nice-network.eu/pub/

Notes

Elective course: Faculty of Economics and Social Development. Professional Master’s Study Programme "Human Resource Management and Career Counselling", 7th level.