Why this programme?
The master's programme in European Studies focuses on the international dimensions of policy, governance and administration. The programme looks beyond the institutions of the European Union and the mechanics of European integration to examine global developments and multi-level governance in a broader context. The programme employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining political science, history, international relations and economics. The focus is on the underlying issues of power, influence and governance.
What will you learn?
You will study the role of Europe in the wider world. You will examine the types of ethical and practical issues underpinning international cooperation and conflict, applying insights from contemporary European history, lnternational Relations theory, foreign policy analysis, and international political economy. As such, the programme provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the role of European states and the EU in the world, as well as its historical and theoretical underpinnings. While taking into account the domestic factors that shape the political choices of European states, you will adopt an outward-facing perspective and treat the EU as both an intergovernmental arena and as a significant player in international relations. As such, you will look at the relations of the EU with other (emerging) global players and regional organisations. Special attention is paid to non-European perspectives on solutions to global challenges and to the institutions supporting global governance.
You will also be trained in professional skills, such as writing press releases or speeches, communicating through social media, giving engaging presentations and negotiating strategies. You will be guided by staff members with internationally recognised expertise in research and teaching in European Studies, covering a wide range of issue areas from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. This research is embedded in the Centre for European Research in Maastricht (CERiM) and Politics and Culture in Europe (PCE).
You will like this if you...
- Have a strong interest and engagement in international and European affairs
- Are interested in how key issues are tackled at EU and international levels
- Preferably have a sound knowledge of European studies and the EU in particular
Customise your programme
You will be able to choose from four elective courses based on the policy domains and geographical focal points that interest you. You will research and write your thesis on a topic of your choosing which builds on the topics covered in your taught courses. You will receive supervision from our academic staff and individual feedback on your work throughout the academic year. You will be further supported through a thesis skills course that will help you develop your research skills and methods with a view to developing the research design for the thesis.
A programme but also a community
Our programme kicks off with a series of activities designed to acquaint you with your fellow students and integrate you into the community. First is an introduction day where you meet your fellow students, who come from over 20 countries. In the spring all students take a two-day trip to Brussels to visit various EU institutions, think tanks, and lobbies, and to meet informally with some of the 250 programme alumni living and working in Europe’s capital. Not only do these activities ease you into the social life of the university, but they also provide valuable experience and exposure, helping you to broaden your network.
Teaching staff
- Francesca Colli (Programme director)
- Thomas Conzelmann
- Assem Dandashly
- Camilo Erlichman
- Elsje Fourie
- Ferenc Laczo
- Gergana Noutcheva
- Peter Petrov
- Aline Sierp
- Sophie Vanhoonacker
International experience
European Studies is a highly international programme, reflecting the curriculum and the goals of most participants to work in the international sphere. More than 120 international research and policy-making institutions are based in Maastricht, and programme staff members publish research that has an international outreach and impact. In addition, every year in February, the entire programme goes on a two-day trip to Brussels to visit various EU institutions, think-tanks, and lobbies. Students gain insight into these institutions and first-hand access to key figures in the ‘European Capital’, an empowering experience. For many students, this trip is their first impression of Brussels and the hive of activity centred on the Rond-Point Schuman.
Master's thesis
You will write your master's thesis on a topic that you choose. You will receive guidance by our academic staff and will follow a thesis course devoted to developing your academic skills. This course will help you practice research design and methodology and you will receive individual feedback on your work.
Links with research
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has a permanent research programme covering a range of aspects of the role of the EU in the world. These topics make up the core of the curriculum. Staff members are active in both national networks and international research communities, contributing regularly to academic debate in international peer-reviewed journals. Accordingly, the programme has a strong research orientation.
Problem-Based Learning
As with many Maastricht University programmes, European Studies is taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Most of your work will be done in small turorial groups, where you team up with your fellow students to seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations. The tutorial group is the heart of PBL and is a forum for research, analysis, debate, negotiation and feedback. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it’s needed. This allows you to build independence and develop problem-solving skills that you’ll need in your career.
You'll also participate in seminars, which are thematically-related lectures by experts that involve reviewing literature and providing information necessary for participating fully in tutorials. Various lectures are also given by academics and practitioners from European Union institutions, providing insights into specific dimensions of EU external relations.
Skills training
You will also be trained in professional skills such as writing press releases or speeches, giving engaging presentations and negotiating strategies.
- Writing policy papers and blogs
- Drafting briefing notes
- Negotiation skills
- Communication via (social) media
PREMIUM honours programme
PREMIUM is our Honours programme for high-performing master’s students. If selected, you will work in an interdisciplinary team on a project for a real client from the public or private sector (e.g. Cisco, DHL, EcoAct). Along with guidance from a project mentor, you will receive individual coaching focused on your personal and professional development. You will also attend several workshops and events designed to cultivate valuable knowledge and skills, as well as build a network that provides you with the best preparation possible for the job market.
Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?
Programme highlights
- 100 students in the 2022/23 programme, with 25 different nationalities
- guest lectures and involvement of experts from professional practice
- annual trip to EU institutions and organisations based in Brussels
- extensive alumni network and links to Brussels and national capitals
- strong focus on professional skills
- you will study European Studies in the place where the European Union was founded through the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in February 1992
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