The bachelor's programme in European Studies originated from one core idea: It is impossible to understand modern-day Europe and European integration from the perspective of only one discipline.

Take the war in Ukraine, or the challenges presented by Covid-19 as examples. These crises can never be fully understood from an economic, political or financial perspective alone. In order to understand what is happening, and to grasp how the European Union responds to these challenges, we also need to analyse the historical developments and different political and cultural backgrounds of European countries that are cooperating to manage the crises.

Societal and political challenges can only be understood in the broader socio-cultural contexts. Politics, law or economics alone are not enough to solve the European 'puzzle'. Therefore, European Studies adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights and methods from political science, history, international relations, law, economics, philosophy, and sociology. 

The big questions of Europe and the EU:

In the European Studies programme, you will explore the answers to questions such as:

• What is Europe and how do we define it?
• How has Europe’s history shaped the continent?
• What impact does the integration process have on Europe’s cultural diversity?
• How has the disappearance of internal European borders changed border regions?
• What is the relationship between European institutions and national governments?
• How does European legislation affect our daily lives?
• Does the elected European Parliament have enough power to exercise democratic control over Europe’s governance?
• What role can a united Europe play in international politics?

Small-groups = big advantages:

As with many Maastricht University programmes, European Studies is taught using Problem-Based Learning. You will do a lot of your work in small tutorial groups of no more than 15 students. Together you will work on abstract and concrete ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations.

Learning takes place in an active, constructive and collaborative manner. Though intensive and much more interactive than traditional lessons, the benefits of this kind of interaction with fellow students are evident, as it has one of the highest knowledge retention rates of any educational method.