European Union Studies (MA)
The Master’s in European Union Studies at Leiden University offers students an opportunity to study the EU from multiple disciplinary perspectives.
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Start in February 2024
The deadline for applications for September 2023 is now closed. You can still apply until 15 October to start the programme in February 2024. Start your application.
Questions about starting in February? Join our online Q&A on Friday 9 June.
Master International Relations at Leiden University
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Why study European Union Studies at Leiden University?
During the EU Studies programme you will be guided in your studies by academic staff members who are internationally renowned in their field. You will also explore different policies and political challenges of the European Union in depth in elective courses taught by academics as well as practitioners, and thus combine academic insights with practical experience in politics, government, advisory bodies, NGOs and think tanks.
Learn more about the study programme
Explore the EU’s core concerns
This international Master’s examines the European Union through theories and concepts from different disciplines: History, Economics, Political Science/International Relations and Law. You will learn how to explore and better understand the core concerns of the European Union, an increasingly complex and fascinating political and socio-economic landscape. You will also learn to understand the European Union in the context of broader developments of post-war Europe and study its current evolution and challenges through its relations with the rest of the world.
Real-world learning
A highlight of the Master’s in European Union Studies is a three-day trip to Brussels, where you will visit EU institutions, member states' representations and lobby groups. During your studies you will also benefit from the close contacts between the university and national and international government institutions in The Hague, as well as the unique wealth of area studies at Leiden University.
EU Seminar series
Alongside the regular course offer, students of the MA European Union Studies also benefit from regular EU seminars with practitioners from various backgrounds who come to Leiden to share their perspectives on the challenges the EU is facing and offer hands-on insights into day-to-day work of European institutions. Recent speakers have included Roberta Metsola MEP, the 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."
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 54 Government and semi-government organisations
- 15 Non-profit
- 10 Communication and marketing
- 5 Financial institutions
- 4 IT
- 4 Education
- 4 Consulting
- 4 Media and journalism
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA European Union Studies 2016-2020.
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Admission and Application
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International Relations Degree
European Union Studies at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of International Relations. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in International Relations and the title Master of Arts (MA).
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Do you have a question about student life in Leiden, studying at Leiden University, or do you want more information about the International Relations master's programme?