European Union Studies (MA)

Why study European Union Studies at Leiden University?

The specialisation in European Union Studies examines the European Union through the perspectives of history, economics, political science, and law. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, you will learn to better understand the core concerns of the European Union, an increasingly complex and fascinating political and socio-economic landscape. In addition, you will study the context in which the European Union operates and its relations with other parts of the world through a critical lens. 

Our courses combine academic excellence with insights into the practical aspects of European policy making, through frequent encounters with practitioners during guest lectures and through experiences of our academic staff, many of which work closely with the public and policymaking communities.

The programme also organizes a three-day study trip to Brussels, during which we visit EU institutions, embassies, civil society organizations, and lobby groups for first-hand insights into the way the EU works.

Learn more about the study programme

EUS study trip

Every autumn, EUS students take the train down to Brussels to learn the secrets of European Union institutions. They get tips about securing a job in Brussels, learn about the EU institutions beyond what can be discoverd in the textbooks, meet former students and other important contacts, and get inspiration for their thesis topics. Read more.

What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in different sectors. Recent alumni have built successful professional careers as policy advisors, researchers, coordinators and advocates on EU matters in both government and private sectors. 

We regularly invite our alumni to give talks at EU seminars, and offer our students and graduates many opportunities to network with one another during events such as the EUS study trip to Brussels, on-campus alumni events, and the annual Alumni in Brussels events.

Find out more about the career prospects

Is European Union Studies the programme for you?

Are you interested in international relations? Do you want to understand and influence the inner workings of the European Union? Then the specialisation in European Union Studies at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.

Check the admission requirements

Europe Hub

Leiden University’s new Europe Hub is an interdisciplinary platform that showcases the university’s research and teaching expertise and capacities on the challenges that Europe faces, both at home and abroad. It draws upon scholars employed in various faculties - in particular the Faculty of Humanities (FGW), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW), and the Leiden Law School (FdR). Through the Europe Hub our students are invited to participate in EU-related events organized across the four faculties, enjoy broader networking opportunities, and participate in the annual contest for the Leiden University Europe Hub Thesis prize. Learn more about Leiden University's Europe Hub.

Do a second MA at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe: School of Advanced International Studies

A special agreement allows students with a Leiden MA degree in International Relations to earn a second degree at the European Campus of Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Bologna, Italy. Successful applicants can enroll straight in the second year of the research focused Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and will be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year MA. The programme is research-oriented and allows students to personalise their curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs aligned with their career interests. 

Benefit from studying at a Europaeum University 

Leiden University is part of the Europaeum network and students on the European Union Studies specialisation also benefit from studying alongside students on the 2 year Europaeum MA European Politics and Society degree programme, resulting in a more diverse classroom and social experiences. All students on the European Union Studies specialisation and the MA EPS programme are eligible to apply for attendance at the regular spring, summer and winter schools run by the Europaeum.