Master

European Studies

The master's programme in European Studies focuses on the international dimensions of European Union policies, governance and administration. It trains you to explore complex questions with a focus on understanding Europe’s place in the wider world. Trade, energy, climate change, migration, and conflict – some issues are just too big for any single state to tackle alone. You will look at how different European countries, with their own histories, interests, institutions, and political structures, come together to deal with common challenges. This student-centred, multi-disciplinary programme has been running for over 15 years. It is among the largest and most international in Europe and has an excellent reputation. We have a yearly intake of approximately 80-90 students and can provide you with small-scale lectures, tutorial groups and skills training seminars consisting of a maximum of 15 students.

Fast facts

Truly international: students from more than 20 countries
Learn from expert lecturers and professionals in the field
Small study groups of max 15 students
1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
Starts in September
Weekly: 10 contact hrs, 30 hrs group & independent study
You will get an MA in European Studies

Want to know more about this programme? Request a brochure

Elena Wind, Student ambassador MA European Studies 2024-2025

Why Elena decided to choose this programme:
“Maastricht University is a well-known university. I like the location of the city, right on the border of Germany and Belgium. I believe European Studies will help me to broaden my horizon. I hope to better understand the challenges we are facing in Europe. I’m interested to learn about the mechanisms that cause the crises we are currently facing, and what role different actors play.”

Where does she see herself in five years:
“Coming out of this programme, there are so many opportunities. I have some general ideas about what I want to do next. I want my job to be meaningful. I would like a position where I can change things for the better. Development aid or contributing to the bilateral relations between Germany and France could be interesting directions. It would be great if I could contribute to more mutual understanding between people in some way.”

20242810_fasos_master_ambasadeurs_nabewerkt-4044.jpg

"European Studies offers me the opportunity to deeply understand the complex challenges Europe faces today. I'm eager to explore the mechanisms and dynamics of various actors shaping Europe’s future."

UM and FASoS Campus Tour

At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 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.

Kickstart your career at our Master's Open Day

Experience Maastricht University: find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Master’s Open Day is on Saturday 15 November 2025.

Q&A sessions

We regularly offer Instagram Live Q&A sessions for students who are interested in our master's programmes. Our student ambassadors will answer all your questions about the programme of your choice and studying in Maastricht. For more information and registration, take a look at our Master events page.

Pre-master's programme

If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of this Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. Check out the Pre-master information and learn more about the programme, the courses and the requirements.

Pre-master European Studies

Student testimonials

The combination of theory and practice makes learning much more effective and prepares me better for the working environment.

Lucia Arroyo Carriedo

I’m inspired by the dynamics of the international economic systems, therefore, my goal is to work in an international environment focusing on trade policies.

Bianca Moldovan

I want to contribute to a European perspective on new technologies and their relation to EU politics and society.

John van den Berg

The programme allows you to evaluate the underlying reasons of your own viewpoints, questioning your beliefs and discovering the structures and processes that have an impact on the way the international order is designed.

Nicolò Pantaleo