European Union Studies

Specialisation of: International Relations (Humanities)
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60734
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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.

Research/PhD

Successful completion of this Master’s programme can also lead to more advanced Master’s programmes, PhD research and eventually to an academic career. Examples of advanced Master’s programmes in Leiden are those in Law (European and International Law), Political Science (International Relations and Diplomacy) and Public Administration (European Governance).

Information about application and programmes can be found at the Leiden Humanities Gradute School website.

Prof. Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths

“I am proud that we have managed to attract many people from the ‘real world’ to higher education. People with valuable hands-on experience.”

“When teaching my specialist subject, the History of European Integration, I take my students back to the roots of the present day. The interdisciplinary character of the Master’s in European Studies is very exciting: it is fascinating to communicate historical concepts and methods to non-historians. I also find it interesting to integrate history into societal discussions about the EU. Certainly within an international group of students, this sparks off some very good discussions.

This programme is unique in the Netherlands. We first put together an interdisciplinary curriculum and then went looking for lecturers, rather than the other way round, as is often the case. I am also proud that we have managed to attract many people from the ‘real world’ to higher education, people with valuable hands-on experience. In the second semester the entire body of staff comes from outside the university. There are staff from the WRR (The Scientific Council for Government Policy), the SER (The Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands) and the House of Commons, including the Euro¬pean spokesmen from the CDA and PvdA, and a former Minister of Defence. These people are delivering complete courses. In addition, we also have an impressive list of guest lecturers. Of course, Leiden benefits from having both a physical and a personal close relation¬ship with the Hague. Close proximity to a centre of government is a great advantage for a course of this kind. The EU is occupying an increasing role in our lives. There is a growing demand in the Netherlands and elsewhere for high quality knowledge about the EU.”