European Studies

What will you learn at European Studies in Maastricht?

At the bachelor European Studies, you will:

• learn about the foundations of Europe, by studying how major events in history, politics and cultures have shaped the European continent.
• learn about the European institutions, policy making and culture and the impact it had and has on national and local governments, society and companies
• develop your intercultural communication skills and knowledge of English and French, German or Spanish
• develop practical skills that will prepare you for your job after graduation.

The study programme of European Studies in Maastricht is based on the types of jobs you can fulfil after you graduate. You will gain theoretical knowledge, which you will also apply into practice. In each study block, you work on a task that you could come across in the professional field. These tasks entail providing strategic communication and policy advice, developing the associated plans, organising events and representing an organisation.

Skills
At the hbo bachelor European Studies, team work is a substantial part of the programme. You will develop essential skills such as organising and planning your projects, communicating in foreign languages, writing, presentation and (intercultural) communication skills. Moreover, by carrying out different tasks throughout the study programme, you will develop new talents and discover new fields of interest.

Coaching
During your studies, one of your lecturers will be your mentor throughout all four study years. Your mentor will guide you whenever necessary. In addition, your lecturers will support you and your fellow students when carrying out assignments for the European Studies bachelor. Next to regular classes, there are supervision sessions where you can work on your project and where you can consult with your lecturer for advice, tips and guidance.

Supervision
Supervision on both the progress of the task and the group process by one of the lecturers of the international European Studies team is of course provided. All students will have a mentor to keep track on the study progress throughout your study period at European Studies in Maastricht.

Study load
The hbo bachelor European Studies is a full-time study programme. This means you are expected to spend on average 40 hours a week studying, during group work, individual assignments and preparing exams and classes. 

Is the bachelor European Studies programme right for you?

In addition to having the correct prior education , your chance of success in the European Studies program is greatest if you recognize yourself in the following characteristics:

• You are interested in the European Union
• You can easily adjust to new situations
• You aspire an international career
• You are interested in other countries and cultures
• You have a good feeling for languages and you like to communicate
• You are independent, but you also like to work with others
• You are eager to study abroad

How to apply

Can you see yourself working as a policy advisor for the European Union? Or are you more interested in working in the public relations and communication department? Even if you don’t know what you want to ‘be’ upon successful completion of the European Studies programme, the possibilities are almost endless. A few challenges European Studies graduates work on:

• Work in or with the European Parliament
• Initiate and maintain contacts for European collaboration
• Maintain social media for (governmental) institutions
• Work at an NGO/IGO

These are some examples of job opportunities for graduates in our programme:

• Public affairs manager
• Lobbyist
• Communication advisor
• Public relations manager
• Staff member at the European Parliament/House of Representatives/Ministry/Embassy
• Spokesperson

Continue studying

After graduation, you can transfer to a master’s degree programme. European Studies graduates have followed master’s programmes such as:

• International relations
• Political science
• European Studies
• Public administration
• Law
• Communication and Information Sciences

Note that some universities in the Netherlands and abroad require you to follow a 1 year pre-master course after graduating from the hbo bachelor European Studies at Zuyd in Maastricht.