European Studies - Research

Application deadline: EU/EER: 15 July, non-EU/EER 1 May

About European Studies:

Why this programme?

The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that combines political science and international relations with history and sociology. Research plays a primary role from the outset, with research projects integrated into each core module. You will gain in-depth training in methods such as quantitative and qualitative techniques, comparative methods and discourse analysis. You will also develop skills in designing research, writing research proposals and policy reports, publishing your work and applying for funding and research positions in think tanks, governmental institutions or academia. For the elective component, you can complete a research internship, do an exchange abroad or do a Double Degree at the University of Cologne.

In this programme, you will:

• Learn to critically analyse and discuss challenges facing the EU
• Gain experience working in a multidisciplinary, international academic environment 
• Receive in-depth training in conducting high-quality research
• Focus on designing, implementing and publishing your own research

Programme highlights

The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is unique in that it:

• Prepares you for a high-level research career in academia or the professional world
• Involves senior faculty members who do research with one of the largest and most international research groups in European Studies and who bring this research into the classroom
• Has a truly international student body: about 90% of our students come from abroad
• Allows you to specialise in qualitative or quantitative research and in a research theme: Historicising European Union, Governance & representation in Europe, or Europe & the world

Curriculum and Overview

The research-intensive master in European Studies focuses on research into the politics and policies of the European Union and into the wider historical and international contexts of the process of European integration. You will develop the theoretical and methodological knowledge and the analytical skills to pursue a high-level career in EU research.

In the Research master’s programme European Studies, you have the opportunity to customise your programme.

In your first year you can choose 1 out of 3 specialisations:

1. Histories of European Integration
2. Democracy and Representation in Europe
3. Europe and the World

In your second year you can choose 1 out of 3 graduation options:

1. A Double Degree with Cologne University Germany
2. A Research Internship
3. Study Abroad As part of your master’s thesis, you will have frequent meetings with your supervisor and can consult with methodology specialists. 

Teaching Methods

The research-intensive master’s in European Studies integrates the teaching of advanced knowledge with research done by the students themselves. This integration is achieved through the use of various teaching methods:

• Seminars are given in modules of four or eight weeks in which the most important theories and concepts pertaining to a substantial theme are taught via lectures and tutorials 
• Tutorials are small group discussions on lectures and literature
• Workshops give you the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned; they're organised around research assignments carried out individually or in small teams 
• Methodology courses take place in parallel to the modules and provide you with the necessary methodological concepts and techniques for conducting research
• Skills trainings provide you with the practical skills for conducting and presenting research, such as research design, publishing and grant acquisition 
• Research projects include a substantial research paper at the end of the first year and a master’s thesis to be presented at the end of the second year
  

Career Prospects

Graduates of the research-intensive master’s in European Studies are fully prepared to pursue a career which requires strong research competences. Our alumni either go on to do doctoral research or find a professional research position at a think tank, consultancy, NGO, government agency or private research institute.

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