European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives

The Master's

MAES offers a specialised analysis of the internal dynamics in Europe and of the EU's external policies in the world. The programme consists of two modules. The first has a strong focus on the transnational dynamics of Europe, assessing Europe as a continent made of historical, cultural and social diversities and connectivities. The second module emphasises the political, economic and legal dimensions of the external policies of the European Union in a context of globalisation and global governance. Through these two specific modules, MAES addresses the fundamental internal and external challenges Europe faces today.

My profile

In general

• You are able to study scholarly literature in English.
• You are able to discuss scholarly ideas in English.
• You have basic methodological skills for research in the humanities and with respect to ICT tools.
• You have the capacity to work individually on a research topic and to organise your work.
• You are willing to acquire a basic knowledge about the modern development of Europe in a fast reading track at the beginning of the programme if that knowledge is deemed to be too limited.
• You have good analytical skills and are open to interdisciplinary thinking.

With regard to Europe and the EU

The Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives is a specialised and demanding Master’s programme.

• All students should ensure that they have general knowledge of Europe, European history and European integration.
• Students who intend to follow Module I should have a good knowledge of the history and culture of Europe or certain European countries.
• Students who intend to follow Module II should have a good knowledge of the history, institutional and legal framework and policies of the EU, as well as of European integration theories.

Students who did not obtain this preliminary knowledge during their previous academic studies should prepare themselves through the thorough study of the following publications before the start of the academic year:

• General knowledge: D. Gowland, R. Dunphy and C. Lythe, European Mosaic. Contemporary Politics, Economics and Culture (Longman 2006, 625 pp.) and a general text book on the EU, such as: J. McCormick, Understanding the European Union (Palgrave 2008, 264 pp) or E. Bomberg and A. Stubb, The European Union: How Does it Work? (Oxford University Press 2008, 288 pp)
• Module I: an academic overview of European history and culture, such as P. Rietbergen, Europe: A Cultural History (Routledge 2006).
• Module II: an academic overview of the EU such as N. Nugent, The Government and Politics of the European Union. 7th edition (Palgrave 2010); M. Cini (Ed.): European Union Politics. 3rd edition. (Oxford University Press 2009); S. Hix: The Political System of the European Union. 2nd edition (Palgrave 2005)”

Study programme

Students select one of the two modules. These modules correspond to the two specialised interdisciplinary aspects of Europe mentioned above. The first, Transnational Perspectives on European History and Cultural Diversity, focuses on transnational and historical European political, religious and cultural diversities. The second, EU, Globalisation and Governance, analyses the external policies and relations of the European Union within the context of globalisation and new forms of global governance.

Assets

The interfaculty programme Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives (MAES) introduces you to the study of Europe as a continent of strong interactions across national boundaries and of constant exchange with the outside world. It is an interdisciplinary programme and includes courses and lectures on Europe by academics from different backgrounds.

The Master of European Studies is also a truly international programme. It is taught in English. MAES participates in the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window with Russia, India, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba and the Western Balkans. Currently, MAES has students of 30 nationalities from across the world. The programme is part of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on 'The European Union, Foreign Policy and Global Governance'.

Career prospects

Graduates of the European Studies Programme are equipped for many different future professional environments.

As the European Studies programme offers in-depth knowledge of various aspects of European politics, law, history and culture, trains its students in different research methodologies, and teaches them to communicate their findings to a diverse audience, graduates embark on diverse professional careers.

Many alumni work for European institutions and lobby groups, offer advice on European affairs to national, regional or local administrations and governments, or look after the European affairs of private companies and non-governmental organisations. Others are engaged in national and multinational diplomacy. Many hold academic positions in European politics, economy, history and culture at universities all over the world. Still other alumni inform the public about European affairs as journalists and cultural officers. Although the programme delivered its first graduates only 20 years ago, many of these them embarked upon impressive careers. What is even more striking, though, is that many of them refer to their MA degree in European Studies as a decisive factor in getting their current job.

Internationales Studieren in Leuven

Mit über 140 verschiedenen in der Studentenschaft vertreten Nationalitäten, ist die University of Leuven ein sehr multikultureller städtischer Campus. Etwa 15% der Studenten kommen aus dem Ausland und mehrere internationale Studentenverbindungen sind in Leuven aktiv.

Da die Universitäten in Belgien alle vom Staat mitfinanziert werden, können die Studiengebühren für Studenten - auch für internationale Studenten - niedrig gehalten werden.

Belgien ist der bunte, kulturelle Marktplatz Europas und Leuven als sichere, schöne und multikulturelle Stadt nur 20 Kilometer von Brüssel entfernt. London, Paris und Amsterdam sind in kürzester Zeit mit dem Zug erreichbar. Die vielen Studenten machen aus der Stadt einen lebendigen Ort und auch die Nicht-Akademiker in der Bevölkerung sprechen Englisch.

Leuven bietet seinen Studenten außerdem viele Kultur- und Freizeitangebote.