European Union Studies

Degree: Master of Arts in European Union Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February (Start in September is strongly recommended)
Language of instruction: English
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The European Union is an increasingly complex and fascinating political and socio-economic landscape. The one-year MA in European Union Studies covers the EU’s broad geographical sweep from an interdisciplinary perspective.
On this programme you will be led by academic staff internationally renowned in their fields, many of whom can draw upon their practical experience in politics, government, advisory bodies and think tanks. They are therefore fully equipped to give you an insider’s viewpoint on the machinations of the EU’s governing bodies and day-to-day operations.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

Since the original six signatories of the Treaty of Paris—one of which was the Netherlands—set the European Union in motion, one of the main challenges has been to understand and satisfactorily address the core concerns of the EU. Today, with 25 members—and more set to join—these concerns are as pertinent as ever. The programme’s aim is to analyse and explore these issues, by looking at the internal and external developments of post-war Europe and examine the current state of affairs within the EU.

You will do this from a number of standpoints, which will include:

  1. Examining post-war Western Europe in its own institutional setting;
  2. Looking at Western Europe’s relationship with the rest of the world;
  3. Taking part in research seminars and guest lectures led by leading national and international experts and academics in the field;
  4. Addressing unique clusters of questions using concepts, theories, methodologies and models from:
    • Economics
    • History
    • Law
    • Political science

For extensive information about the programme please also see the European Union Studies website

What our alumni say

“To undertake an MA in EU Studies in Leiden was the best decision I could have made.”

“The decision to undertake an MA in EU Studies in Leiden was definitely the best career decision I could have made. Now, just a year after graduating, I work as a consultant at the EU Secretariat of the State Chancellery in Estonia. I believe my MA from Leiden was a great asset in getting the job.

On the one hand, Leiden itself is an excellent place to study due to its compact infrastructure, great facilities and inspiring academic environment. Add a very dedicated programme director, top-level professors and lectures, and a well thought-out curriculum, and you get probably one of the best places to undertake EU studies in Europe.

What I especially liked about our programme was its design: whilst you go through all the basics during the first half of the year, building a strong basis, the broad selection of possible courses in the second half of the year gives you an opportunity to specialise. This is when you choose your focus, and use the tools you have been given to study policy fields of your own choice in greater depth.

Furthermore, whilst the textbooks are there to support your studies, the lectures with hands-on experience are the real value of the second semester courses. It’s amazing how much more you can gain from them than from textbooks or from a purely theoretical learning environment.

I believe this master’s programme is an excellent start for a professional or academic career.”

Katrin Juhandi, consultant at the EU Secretariat of the State Chancellery in Estonia