Why this programme?
The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that combines political science and international relations with history and sociology. Research plays a primary role from the outset, with research projects integrated into each core module. You will gain in-depth training in methods such as quantitative and qualitative techniques, comparative methods and discourse analysis. You will also develop skills in designing research, writing research proposals and policy reports, publishing your work and applying for funding and research positions in think tanks, governmental institutions or academia. For the elective component, you can complete a research internship, do an exchange abroad or do a Double Degree at the University of Cologne.
In this programme, you will:
- Learn to critically analyse and discuss challenges facing the EU
- Gain experience working in a multidisciplinary, international academic environment
- Receive in-depth training in conducting high-quality research
- Focus on designing, implementing and publishing your own research
Programme highlights
The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is unique in that it:
- Prepares you for a high-level research career in academia or the professional world
- Involves senior faculty members who do research with one of the largest and most international research groups in European Studies and who bring this research into the classroom
- Has a truly international student body: in the academic year 2021/2022 our 17 students came from 8 different countries
- Allows you to specialise in qualitative or quantitative research and in a research theme: Historicising European Union, Governance & representation in Europe, or Europe & the world
Research skills
The curriculum has an intensive focus on developing skills, such as:
- Searching for specialist literature
- Managing bibliographic references
- Designing a study
- Interpreting findings
- Presenting results
- Writing for publication
A future in research
The overall objective of this programme is to equip graduates for high-level research careers in and outside academia. Thanks to the networks and activities of the research staff at Maastricht University, you will enjoy unique access to researchers at other universities, policymakers at EU institutions and member state administrations, Brussels-based interest groups, think tanks and other actors. Students in this programme also take active part in the Politics and Culture in Europe research programme, which is one of the largest research groups in European Studies.
Next to this, research master students from Maastricht University are often invited to join the activities organised by the Netherlands Institute of Government (NIG) and the Research School Political History (RSPH).”
Politics and Culture in Europe
Students in this programme also take active part in the Politics and Culture in Europe (PCE) research programme, which is one of the largest research groups in European Studies. PCE is an established interdisciplinary research programme at Maastricht University. The group seeks to understand and explain the process of European integration and its political, institutional and ideational aspects by viewing the EU policymaking process against the backdrop of its historical, cultural and international contexts. Its research focuses on Public Bureaucracies of a Globalising World. This research is integrated into the curriculum, and by participating in the research yourself, you will gain valuable research experience.
PCE research themes
- Administrative governance in the EU and beyond
- Europe in a globalising world
- Historicising the EU: Forms of European cooperation since the 19th century
Master's thesis
As part of your master’s thesis, you will have frequent meetings with your supervisor and can consult with methodology specialists. Past topics have included:
- The new European right: Exploring the reasons for varying success of radical right populist parties in Western Europe
- Security for whom? A discourse analysis on the emergence of the security-development nexus at the European level
- EU external governance and the Iranian and North Korean nuclear crisis. A comparative analysis of the EU’s nuclear non-proliferation regime (2002-2006)
- A normative power Europe? The case of the EU’s promotion of human rights towards China
- An asymmetrical economic and monetary union for Europe: Balancing technical argument and political will in the negotiations on economic and monetary union (1988 - 1991)
Teaching methods
The research-intensive master’s in European Studies integrates the teaching of advanced knowledge with research done by the students themselves. This integration is achieved through the use of various teaching methods:
- Seminars are given in modules of four or eight weeks in which the most important theories and concepts pertaining to a substantial theme are taught via lectures and tutorials
- Tutorials are small group discussions on lectures and literature
- Workshops give you the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned; they're organised around research assignments carried out individually or in small teams
- Methodology courses take place in parallel to the modules and provide you with the necessary methodological concepts and techniques for conducting research
- Skills trainings provide you with the practical skills for conducting and presenting research, such as research design, publishing and grant acquisition
- Research projects include a substantial research paper at the end of the first year and a master’s thesis to be presented at the end of the second year
International classroom
From day one, you will be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. Your worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, helping you develop international accessibility and understanding. Roughly 90% of the students in this master’s programme come from outside the Netherlands. Such diversity creates an international atmosphere that is strengthened by the international orientation of the programme.
Teaching staff
PREMIUM honours programme
Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. You'll also work on a personal development plan, receive intensive individual coaching and attend master classes and workshops. All of this will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.
Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?
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