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

Maria Palazón Simón, Student Ambassador European Studies 2023-2024

Why Maria chose to study European Studies in Maastricht
“I took a gap year after high school, so I had plenty of time to think about what I wanted to study. I love history, politics, and languages. I wanted something that combined all these things. And I wanted to study in a very international environment. That’s why I chose to study in Maastricht.

“In my programme there are many nationalities in class. That way, I get to know many perspectives and opinions. The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method is new to me. In high school the teaching method focuses much on memorizing facts, and I want to develop interpersonal and communication skills. PBL is a great method to develop these skills. In the future I would like to work in one of the EU institutions, so being able to communicate with people from various background will be very important.

maria_palazon_simon_ba_es_3.jpg

“European Studies is a good degree if you are still unsure about your post-study path. It touches on many disciplines, allowing you to figure out the best fit.”

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 2024

Keuzegids 2024

UM is the 10th best Young University in the world

Times Higher Education 2024 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!

Information events

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 a Q&A session (online).

Programme video

In this video our teaching staff and students give you an impression about the content of the European Studies programme.

Bachelor European Studies

Sign up for our Experience days or Online Q&A sessions

An Experience Day allows you to experience what it is like to be a student in one of our bachelor's programmes. You will attend a lecture and participate in a tutorial group, accompanied by advanced students who will be happy to answer all your questions. Experience Days are intended for pre-university grammar school students in their last year of study who preferably have visited an Open Day at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in Maastricht. More information on the programme of the Experience Day and registration:

4 December 2024, 26 February 2025, 9 April 2025	Arts and Culture, European Studies
27 November 2024, 19 February 2025, 2 April 2025	Digital Society, Global Studies

During our Instagram live Q&A sessions you will be able to talk to our student ambassadors. They will answer all your questions regarding the content of the programme, living and studying in Maastricht and much more. More information and registration:

New dates will be announced soon

FASoS Experience Day 2024

UM and FASoS Campus Tour

At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 18 December, 12 March 2025 and 7 May 2025. During this campus tour, one of our student ambassadors will show you our faculty, inner city and all important UM buildings. Are you not able to come one of the aforementioned dates? Don't worry! We also offer campus tours during our Open Days, Experience Days and Introduction Days.

Online Campus Tour

Are you not able to come from abroad for a campus tour? We also offer a virtual campus tour! Check it out through the interactive video on the left.

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 12 October 2024.