European Union Studies (MA)

Why study European Union Studies at Leiden University?

The specialisation in European Union Studies examines the European Union through theories and concepts from various disciplines, such as history, economics, political science, and law. Through this multi-disciplinary approach, you will learn to better understand the core concerns of the European Union, an increasingly complex and fascinating political and socio-economic landscape. In addition, you will study the context in which the European Union operates and its relations with other parts of the world through a critical lens. 

Our courses combine academic excellence with insights into the practical aspects of European policy making, through frequent encounters with practitioners during guest lectures and through the experiences of those academic staff who work closely with the practioner and policymaking communities.

Among other events, our programme organizes a three-day study trip to Brussels, during which you will visit EU institutions, member states’ representatives, and lobby groups. During your studies, you will also benefit from the close contacts between the university and (inter)national government institutions in the Hague, as well as the expertise on area studies at Leiden University.

Learn more about the study programme

Taking Brussels by storm – the EUS 2023 study trip

Every autumn, EUS students take the train down to our neighbours in Belgium to learn the secrets of European Union institutions. They get to hear tips about securing a job in Brussels, engage in learning about the EU institutions beyond what can be discoverd in the textbooks, meet important contacts, and get inspiration for their thesis topics. Read more.

What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in almost every sector of the job market. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, NGOs and academia. Recent alumni have build successful professional careers as policy advisors, researchers, coordinators and advocates on EU matters in both government and private sectors. 

In order to help our students find their way in the world of work, the European Union Studies programme works closely with the Alumni office of the Faculty of Humanities to maintain contact with our alumni and learn from their experience. We regularly invite our alumni to give talks at EU seminars, and offer our students and graduates many opportunities to network with one another during events such as the the EUS study trip to Brussels, on-campus alumni events, and the annual Alumni in Brussels events.

Find out more about the career prospects

Is European Union Studies the programme for you?

Are you interested in international relations? Do you want to know everything about the inner workings of the European Union? Then the specialisation in European Union Studies at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.

Check the admission requirements

Europe Hub

Leiden University’s new Europe Hub is an interdisciplinary platform that showcases the university’s research and teaching expertise and capacities on the challenges that Europe faces, both at home and abroad. It draws upon scholars employed in various faculties - in particular the Faculty of Humanities (FGW), Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA), Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW), and the Leiden Law School (FdR). Through the Europe Hub our students are invited to participate in EU-related events organized across the four faculties, enjoy broader networking opportunities, and participate in the annual contest for the Leiden University Europe Hub Thesis prize. Learn more about Leiden University's Europe Hub.

Do a second MA at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe: School of Advanced International Studies

Due to a special agreement, students with a Leiden MA degree in International Relations can earn a second degree at the European Campus of Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Bologna, Italy. Successful applicants gain access to the second year of the research focused Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and will be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year MA. The programme is research-orientated and allows students to personalise their curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs aligned with their career interests. The courses offered at SAIS Europe emphasise economics, political science, history and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach.

Benefit from studying at a Europaeum University 

Leiden University is part of the Europaeum network and students on the European Union Studies specialisation also benefit from studying alongside students on the 2 year Europaeum MA European Politics and Society degree programme, resulting in increasingly diverse classroom and social experiences. All students on the European Union Studies specialisation and the MA EPS programme are eligible to apply for attendance at the regular spring, summer and winter schools run by the Europaeum.