Bachelor

European Studies

What is Europe and how do we define it? How has history shaped our current understanding of the continent? How has European integration changed Europe? In the bachelor's programme in European Studies, you will work with your fellow students to develop answers to these complex questions. You will explore Europe and European integration using insights and methods from history, political science, international relations, law, economics, philosophy, and sociology. This programme trains you to become a critical thinker who can understand, analyse and explain complex current problems at the European level from various disciplinary perspectives. You can use this expertise to work in European institutions, public administration, management and consultancy.

Fast facts

Interdisciplinary study of Europe and the EU
Small-scale groups of about 15 students
Study abroad or do an internship during the elective semester
3-year, full-time bachelor’s, taught in English
No numerus fixus, starts in September
Weekly: 10-12 hrs classes, 25-30 hrs selfstudy
You will get a BA in European Studies

Want to know more about this programme? Request a brochure

Kato Degrave, Student Ambassador European Studies

Kato comes from Belgium and is currently in her third year of European Studies.

Why Kato chose the bachelor’s programme in European Studies:
“I chose to study European Studies at Maastricht University because of the multidisciplinary aspect of the programme. I love that we can get a taste of different topics from European law to economics and international relations. The wide variety of courses was appealing because I was not ready to make a more specific choice. I am convinced that this approach will help me to select an interesting master’s programme in the future, which will allow me to work in the field of sustainable development or global leadership.

The other reason to choose this programme at Maastricht University is the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system. I have always preferred working independently and the PBL system allows me to work on my own while still interacting with my peers. This has helped me to be even more engaged in the study programme.

What I particularly like about the city of Maastricht is that I get to meet a lot of international students. This city has a lot to offer, but at the same time its centre is sufficiently compact to run into my friends all the time.”

Kato Degrave, Student ambassador BA European Studies 2021-2022

‘The multidisciplinary aspect of the programme allows us to get a taste of different topics.’

Follow Kato:

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More about European Studies on our Virtual Open Day.

Experience what it’s really like to study at UM:

Explore our facilities
Learn about student life in Maastricht
Hear what students say

Take a virtual tour

03 VOD European Studies

Student testimonials

What I like about the programme is the variety of the courses offered and the different lenses through which Europe is looked at.

Fara Gijsen

My goal is to pursue a master’s in Development Studies, because ultimately I would like to work for the EU or an EU-related organisation on the policy side.

Sen Cicalo Ikeda

European Studies is the #1 European Studies bachelor’s programme in the Netherlands: Keuzegids 2023

Keuzegids 2023

UM is the 13th best Young University in the world

Times Higher Education 2023 Young Universities Ranking

Compare the FASoS bachelor's programmes

Are you curious which of our bachelor’s programmes suits you best? Would you like to know what your career opportunities are after finishing one of our four bachelor’s programmes? Are you still unsure which bachelor’s programme to choose? Below you find a useful tool to compare our bachelor’s programmes in terms of content, student profile, and career prospects.

Compare the FASoS bachelor's programmes!

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Online information events

Online information event for new students of Maastricht University

Are you a prospective student and interested in one of our bachelor's programmes?
We would like to offer you several online resources which can give you a feel of what it is like to study at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and provide you with some answers to questions you might have. You can visit a Virtual Open Day, compare our bachelor's programmes or make an online personal appointment for more information about the programme of your choice. You can also register for one of our Experience Days (on campus or online).

UM Campus Tour

Are you in the final year of secondary school and are you in the process of admission to one of our Bachelor's programmes? Our UM Campus Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to explore the city, our faculty buildings and facilities for students. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city.

Bachelor's Open Day

Find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, experience our unique approach to teaching, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Bachelor's Open Day is on 7 October 2023.