European Union Studies

Note: The information on this page is from 2025-2026. New information will follow as soon as possible. Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.

European citizens are more and more looking to the European Union for a sense of security and belonging as climate change, migration and war grab news headlines across Europe. The European Union, which began as a project of economic integration, has responded by expanding its policy and governance reach to more and more fields. Today, the EU attempts to leverage its position as the world's largest single market to, among other ambitions, lead the world's energy climate and transition, prevent clandestine migration, and engage in common borrowing to expand Europe's military response capacity.

To cope with these challenges, the EU is in constant need of policy experts--and so too are the many organizations such as businesses, journalists, and politicians that engage with the EU. For students interested in gaining the expertise needed to work for or engage with the EU, the European Union Studies minor programme is the only minor dedicated to analysing the European Union. EUS minor students follow core courses on history, political economy, institutions and current affairs that train students to understand why European integration began, how it has developed, and where it is heading. A standout feature of our program is our elective seminars, where students receive personalised attention and instruction in small class settings. Students have extensive options when choosing elective seminars, which focus on topics including foreign and security policy, migration, Europe's relationship with Russia, populism, social policy, and climate and energy policy.

Courses In this minor, you have the opportunity to learn about the European Union from the perspective of several disciplines – history, political science, economics, and law. These are taught through four core courses that provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the European Union’s institutions, economy, history, and current challenges. You can also tailor your learning experience by choosing two electives and deepen your knowledge of individual policy areas while working in small seminar groups. Check the Prospectus for details on our course offer.

Extracurricular The European Union Studies minor seeks to combine academic study with a more practical understanding of the way the EU works. To that end, our programme organises regular EU Seminars with representatives of EU institutions, politicians, journalists, activists, and other professionals. Our students also have a chance to participate in the Humanities Career Office’s study trip to EU institutions in Brussels where they can learn more about the workings of the EU and meet our alumni who already work there.

Good to know Students who have completed the Minor European Union Studies are eligible for admission to the specialisation European Union Studies of the MA International Relations after submitting an application through the Online Application System.

Maximum number of participants: 95 Language of instruction: English Prospectus number: 5000MEUSTN Registration: via EduXchange see More Info 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

• Extent: 30 EC (only in 1st semester)
• Intended for: students from all disciplines
• Language of instruction: English
• Websites: n/a
• Programme coordinator: Dr. B. Shaev
• Study adviser: Mw. E.J. (Janneke) Walstra MA
• Board of Examiners: International Relations
• Department office: Education Administration Office Huizinga
• Information: Keuzeruimte
• Registration: via EduXchange: 19 May (13:00hrs) until 30 June 2026

Request an eduID account to register in EduXchange. On how to do this, watch Explore & register for your minor via eduXchange. Students from another university: please visit Info about minors

• From July, register separately for the courses via MyStudymap (only applies to LEI students!) Guest students will be helped with their course enrollment.

Students who have completed the Minor European Union Studies are eligible for admission to the specialisation European Union Studies of the MA International Relations after submitting an application through the Online Application System.