European Studies (Research)

The research-intensive master’s in European Studies is an interdisciplinary programme that combines political science, international relations and history. 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.

Research skills

The curriculum has an intensive focus on developing skills, such as:

• Searching for specialist literature
• Managing bibliographic references
• Designing a rigorous study
• Interpreting findings
• Presenting results
• Writing for publication  

Programme highlights

• tailored training for a career that requires strong research skills, such as in a think tank or in academia, or jobs in politics and journalism
• option to choose specialisations and research methods trainings
• optional Double Degree with Cologne University (Germany)
• hands-on experience through study trips, optional research internship and possibility to present your work at academic conferences in the Netherlands and abroad
• top-rated faculty in one of the largest and most international research groups in European Studies
• truly international: 18 students in the 2024/25 programme, with 8 different nationalities
• a small, close-knit community of students and researchers
• only research master’s programme in European Studies in the Netherlands
• according to Elsevier Best Studies, 81% of our students would recommend this programme to others (www.elsevierweekblad.nl)

Politics and Culture in Europe

Students in this programme also take active part in the Politics and Culture in Europe (PCE) research programme, which is one of the largest research groups in European Studies. PCE is an established interdisciplinary research programme at Maastricht University. It brings together 50 political scientists, historians and philosophers. The process of European integration since 1945 and questions of European democracy, governance, and foreign policy are central to the PCE research agenda. PCE researchers study the European Union and Europeanisation, yet they also contribute to debates on multilateralism and the global order, and take an interest in transnational history. Methodologically rigorous, the emphasis of PCE is on fundamental research with societal relevance. PCE research is integrated into the curriculum, and by participating in the research programme yourself, you will gain valuable research experience.

Master's thesis

As part of your master’s thesis, you will have frequent meetings with your supervisor and can consult with methodology specialists. Past topics have included:

• From Words to Action: Climate Security Mainstreaming in EU Foreign Policy
• Chinese Perceptions on EU Security Actorness in the Asia-Pacific Region
• Assessing Economic Resilience in Post-Soviet States: the Uncertain Role of the European Union
• Progressive pioneers or decisively indifferent? Studying the role of advocacy coalitions in the development of the Dutch Equal Treatment Act (1973 -1994)
• Source over Quantity? - The Effect of Civil Society Funding on Access to the EU Institutions

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