Pre-master European Studies
Are you a University of Applied Sciences student looking to obtain a university Master's degree? Or is your bachelor’s study insufficient for admission to the master’s programme of your choice?
If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of the Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. If you successfully complete this Pre-master's programme, then you can start the Master's programme in the subsequent academic year.
Check the requirements and the application procedure below.

European Studies
Who is the Pre-master's course for?
You can also choose to apply directly to the Pre-master's programme of academic year 2024-2025. For admission to the Pre-master's course you must have either a relevant bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences or another BA or BSc title that does not grant direct admission into the master's programme. You also have to satisfy the language requirements. The admissions committee of the programme will decide whether you are admitted.
Study fee academic year 2023-2024
The study fee for this programme is € 2,314 (for EU and non-EU students). For more information, see the enrolment provisions (art. 28).
Pre-master courses European Studies
The programme is composed of the minor European Studies and key courses taken from the Bachelor's programmes Arts and Culture and European Studies. You will gain a foundational knowledge in the field of study, get acquainted with problem based learning (PBL). And you will also train skills like speaking in English in public.
The students in the Pre-master’s programme will be granted admission to the related FASoS master’s programme after successful completion of its Pre-master’s programme of 60 credits (ECTS).
Pre-master courses
Period | Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
MES3000 |
9 |
|
MES3500 |
3 | ||
2 |
MES3001 |
9 |
|
MES3501 |
3 |
||
3 |
MES3002 |
Europe: a critical reflection |
6 |
Semester 1 as Minor ES | 30 | ||
3-5 | Thesis EUS3900 | Bachelor Thesis | 17 |
4 | EUS2513 | Research methods: Introduction to Qualititative Methods | 4 |
5 | EUS2014 | Policy Domains | 9 |
Requirements
Besides the general requirements:
- A recent passport picture
- A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card (valid on 1 September 2024)
- A copy of your most recent certified grades transcript and a copy of your certified diploma
All candidates should meet the additional requirements:
1. Submit proof of a bachelor's degree
All candidates must provide proof of having obtained a bachelor's degree in a relevant academic field with a good overall result (a certified copy of your diploma, including the supplement and associated list of grades). If you have not yet graduated you can upload your official lists of grades from your bachelor's programme.
2. Submit your curriculum vitae
All candidates must provide a cv. Please list your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship/professional experience.
3. Write a letter of motivation
All candidates must write a letter of motivation. Please provide good arguments about why you want to do this Pre-master's programme at Maastricht University and why you believe that you can successfully complete the programme.
4. Submit a writing sample
All candidates should provide proof of sufficient academic writing/research skills. The Board of Admissions asks the candidate to submit an independently-written research paper of at least 2,000 words (excluding the footnotes and reference list) on a relevant topic. You can use a paper from earlier studies or another occasion. The submitted work should be written in English.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in English
The language requirements below (for our FASoS Master's programmes) also apply to the Pre-master's programmes.
Language requirements for English-language master's programmes
As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.
Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.
Non-EEA students must pay a €100 handling fee
Non-EEA students who apply for this pre-master's programme will have to pay a handling fee. Your application will not be taken into consideration without the required fee of €100 (excl. bank costs) which you will have to pay when you apply.
The handling fee is to cover certain administrative costs in relation to your application.
Application for and admission to the Pre-master's programme
Registration can be done via Studielink as of 1 October 2023:
- In Studielink, select ‘Maastricht University’ in the first drop-down menu (‘Educational institution).
- Do not select anything in the other drop-down menus (Type of study programme, Academic load, Main language).
- Type ‘Pre-master European Studies’ in the search field. You can now select the Pre-master in the result overview.
Application deadlines:
Non-EU/EEA Students: up to and including 1 May 2024
EU/EEA-students: up to and including 1 June 2024.
Acceptance or rejection to the Pre-master
After the Admission Board has decided on your application, you will receive an email regarding acceptance or rejection to the Pre-master year.
The study fee for this programme is €2,314 (for EU and non-EU students). For more information, see the enrolment provisions (art. 28).
More info: masteroffice-fasos@maastrichtuniversity.nl