European Union Studies (MA)
About the programme
The specialisation in European Union Studies offers students an opportunity to study the processes of European integration from a multi-disciplinary perspective and combines academic excellence with practical insights into the processes of policymaking in Europe.
Course overview
The European Union Studies study programme includes four core courses specific to our specialization (History, Institutions, Law, and Economics of the European Union), one core course in the broader IR programme (Regions in World Politics), a thesis preparation course, three electives, the EU Seminar, and the final Master's thesis.
For a detailed programme, check the Prospectus where you can find more information on the courses offered in the European Union Studies programme.
Please note that the guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
You have the opportunity to undertake an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
- Dutch Ministry of Defense
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world
- Media outlets such as EenVandaag
- Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations
- Netherlands Institute for International Relations ‘Clingendael’
- The International Centre for Counterterrorism
- The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
Please note that you will need to find your own internship and have to follow an internship procedure for approval. Pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
Alongside the regular study programme, students of the specialisation in European Union Studies also attend EU seminars with practitioners from various backgrounds. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the current challenges the European Union is facing and to become familiar with the day-to-day work of European institutions. Recent speakers have included Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, formerly the Secretary General of NATO (2004-09) and Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002-03). Learn more about the EU seminar series.
Pamela Mulder
Graduated in MA European Union Studies
"I work as a European subsidy advisor for the province of South Holland. It’s a big field and the work is diverse: from a farm at Texel that works with salty strawberries to a university that works on artificial lungs. People often do not realise how much influence the European Union has on the provincial level. You can have a lot of influence on what’s happening around you."
Broaden your horizon of job opportunities "When I was studying, everybody was focused on working in Brussels for the European institutions, but there are so many job opportunities on a regional or local level, where you are still working with EU related issues. I would advise students to look into those jobs as well."
Is European Union Studies the programme for you?
Check the admission requirements to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme.