European Studies (MA)

Overview

This English-taught MA trains students to analyse, evaluate and influence how European Union policies are made. The curriculum combines political science with perspectives from sociology, cultural studies and economics to give you a rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of EU policymaking and its social, cultural and economic dimensions.

What you'll learn and how

When you apply, you select one of two specialisations: European Social and Economic Policy Analysis (EPA) or European Social and Cultural Policy Analysis (CPA). The programme links academic theory with practice-oriented teaching, helping you think critically about current European challenges and design evidence-based policy solutions. Coursework also stresses transferable skills — communication, teamwork and knowledge transfer — so graduates are well prepared for careers in policy, research, advocacy or related fields. Teaching is delivered in small, interactive groups with close supervision from the programme team.

Requirements (key points)

• Choose one specialisation on application: EPA (European Social and Economic Policy Analysis) or CPA (European Social and Cultural Policy Analysis)
• Programme language: English
• Interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on political science, sociology, cultural studies and economics
• Practice-oriented teaching with small-group formats and personal supervision
• Focus on developing policy analysis skills plus communication, teamwork and knowledge-transfer abilities

This two-year MA program builds solid disciplinary foundations in the first semester and then progressively moves students from theory to applied policy work. Early coursework refreshes or establishes the academic and methodological tools needed for European Studies, while subsequent semesters introduce core policy analysis and optional specialisations. The second year emphasizes applying those skills in real-world policy settings, broadening perspectives beyond the EU, and finishes with a collaborative project and an independent Master’s thesis.

Across the four semesters students will:

• Start with thematic introductory lectures, seminars tailored to their chosen focus, and modules in research methods to ensure strong methodological competence.
• Take a central policy-analysis core module in semester two, with alternative focal tracks introducing either economic policy analysis or intercultural communication, supplemented by elective courses chosen individually.
• In semester three apply academic approaches directly through a transfer module that pairs academic methods with critical engagement alongside EU practitioners; electives expand analytical reach to global politics, economics, and cultures.
• In the final semester work in interdisciplinary teams on self-selected policy problems presented at a student-organised conference, and complete an independent Master’s thesis.

Key modules

• Disciplinary and methodological basics (introductory lectures, seminars, research methods)
• Core policy analysis module (with pathway to economic policy analysis or intercultural communication)
• Transfer module linking academic methods with EU policy practice and practitioner engagement
• Electives addressing politics, economics, and cultures beyond Europe
• Interdisciplinary group project and student-organised conference
• Master’s thesis

Learning outcomes

• Command of foundational theories and research methods relevant to European Studies
• Ability to conduct policy analysis and apply either economic-policy or intercultural communication approaches
• Practical experience translating academic knowledge into policy-relevant recommendations via practitioner interaction
• Broadened comparative perspective on global political, economic, and cultural contexts outside the EU
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary problem-solving and independent research leading to a Master’s thesis

Graduates are prepared for roles that require expert knowledge of EU policy-making and policy analysis. Typical employers include EU institutions, national and regional public administrations, ministries, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutes, where alumni can work as policy analysts, advisors, project managers, or researchers.

The programme’s emphasis on applied policy analysis, practitioner engagement, and transferable skills (communication, teamwork, and knowledge transfer) also supports careers in consultancy, public affairs, political communication, and the private sector units that interact with European regulatory and cultural frameworks. Optional internships, practical modules, and international networking opportunities further enhance employability.