This MA programme gives a broad, in-depth understanding of Europe by combining perspectives from several academic disciplines. Teaching and coursework draw on history, social sciences, law, economics, literature and cultural studies to build a rounded picture of European developments, institutions and societies.
The curriculum also places strong emphasis on advanced research and methodological training, helping students to analyse complex, cross‑disciplinary questions about Europe. There is the option to spend a semester abroad at one of the university’s Erasmus partner institutions, allowing students to expand their academic and international experience.
This two-year programme is organised across four semesters and awards a total of 120 credits on successful completion. Teaching is delivered through a combination of assessed lectures and seminars: you must take at least 12 of these graded courses. In the third semester you choose between studying abroad or following a structured “stay-home” option at the host institution, and the degree is finalised by submitting an independent MA thesis.
The assessed courses (lectures and seminars) provide the core taught content and methodological training, while the third-semester mobility/stay-home phase gives you focused disciplinary or comparative experience. The MA thesis is the programme’s capstone, demonstrating your ability to design and carry out independent research. By the end of the programme you will have developed interdisciplinary analytical skills, advanced research competence, and experience applying theoretical approaches to contemporary European issues—skills that are valuable for further academic study, policy work, or international careers.
The credit total conforms to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), making it straightforward to recognise the degree across Europe and beyond. The third-semester mobility option is particularly useful for gaining international experience or for tailoring your studies to a specific regional or thematic interest. For a detailed breakdown of available courses and the semester-by-semester plan, please consult the programme webpage.
Requirements (at a glance)
Admission overview
To be considered for this MA programme you need a strong first university degree (typically a Bachelor's or its international equivalent) in one of the following areas: humanities, social sciences, economics, or law. The programme expects above‑average academic performance in that prior degree.
In addition to the academic qualification, admission is conditional on passing the programme’s selection procedure. Full details about how the selection is carried out, submission deadlines, and any supporting documents required are published on the programme website. International applicants should check whether their prior degree is recognised as equivalent and may find guidance on grade conversion on the programme pages or the university’s admissions information.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
1 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 June 2026
Graduates acquire interdisciplinary analytical skills, research competence and intercultural awareness that are applicable across academic, public and non-governmental sectors. Typical career paths include research and further study (e.g. PhD), roles in European and international institutions, policy analysis, cultural management, journalism, and consultancy.
The programme’s English-language instruction and optional Erasmus exchange also help students build international networks and practical experience, which can be beneficial for positions in international organisations, diplomacy, NGOs and private-sector roles that require a deep understanding of European affairs.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen