European Studies

What European Studies offers

There’s an increasing demand for people with a broad knowledge of Europe, extensive cultural awareness and communication skills in different languages – for both national and international organisations. With the European Studies programme you learn about Europe, develop your international and practical insights and work on your personal development. The course covers a broad range of subjects including European law, governance, economics and public administration as well as multilingual communication skills and cross-cultural awareness. By the time you graduate, you will be optimally prepared to handle European and international matters effectively. Whether you work at local, regional, national or European level, you’ll be able to make a difference in a single Europe. 

Why not get an impression of what the programme is like and follow us on Instagram! 

European Studies in practice   

You work on assignments relevant to the field in each year of the course, collaborating in small groups and drawing on the skills and experience of lecturers and professionals in European matters. This method of working (Design-Based Education) means you learn to draw on feedback to adapt your ideas and become more flexible, while also developing your teamwork and leadership skills. It means you get hands-on experience of what it’s like to work together, delegate, carry responsibility and lead in a multicultural environment whilst tackling current issues at a national and European level. In your second year, you carry out research for a public affairs organisation representing interests in Brussels, enabling you to develop your own vision on European leadership and policy.   

Gain international experience  

Studying European Studies at the Thorbecke Academy at NHL Stenden means combining your cultural awareness and communication skills in different languages with your vision and insights into European policies and issues. You’ll spend part of your European Studies degree abroad, starting with a field trip to Brussels in your second year. Also, our participation in RUN-EU means you can join Short Advanced Programmes and carry out projects with partner institutions in Europe. In your third year, you will first study abroad for six months before moving on to doing an internship for a European organisation. If you opt for a minor at one of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences Grand Tour locations, you could find yourself going to South Africa, Bali or Thailand. Or you can go on an exchange to a partner institution and delve into a totally new way of studying. With over 100 different minors on offer through NHL Stenden and held at locations all over the world, you're sure to find the perfect specialisation, from International Relations to Cross-Border Migration, Governance and Security and from Mindful Leadership to Cyber resilience of citizens and organisations.

Thorbecke Academy

If you study European Studies, you will study at the Thorbecke Academy. The Thorbecke Academy at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences is a community of socially aware and socio-critical students, lecturers and professors with locations in Leeuwarden and Assen. A community that strives to create progressive solutions for tomorrow’s society in the fields of law, public administration and safety and security.

The Thorbecke Academy is the top institution when it comes to public administration degree programmes. The Academy was the first of its kind over 30 years ago and enjoys an excellent reputation in government circles. With programmes in Public Administration, Safety and Security Management and Law, its alumni include policy makers, security coordinators and politicians.

The reasons to study at NHL Stenden 

The things that make a difference in the world often start as ideas from people daring to question what others assume. At NHL Stenden, you work in mixed groups so you can use each other's perspectives to unravel unobvious choices. Through real-life projects you learn by doing and this, combined with your internship, truly gives you a head start on your career. With our international opportunities and study environment, you develop a global network while the extracurricular activities you can pick up mean you develop talents that help you explore beyond your studies. While this is all great for your future, we know you also need to focus on your time as a student. Which is why we aim to make NHL Stenden your home away from home, a community where you’re known by your name, so you can be the person you truly are. For us, that makes you original. And it makes NHL Stenden, home of the originals.