European Studies course summary

Projects 

Learning through doing is the best approach and you’ll get straight down to business with practical assignments in the first year. The subjects you cover are also integrated into the projects so you get to put the theory straight into practice. 

• Intro to the EU part 1: gives you an introduction to the European Union that includes an overview of European history and European institutions. You’ll also work on developing your skills in effective studying, speaking skills, organising, reporting and project-based working. 
• Communicating between cultures: enables you to explore European identity and the cultures that form Europe 
• Policy and Politics: an introduction to international relations and interests that play a role at a global level 
• Intro to the EU part 2: gives more insights into the organisations active in Europe and teaches you about organisational structures, communication and economics 

Subjects:

• Presentation skills 
• European Institutions 
• Research 
• Personal Leadership 
• Introduction law 
• Cultural awareness 
• Debating skills 
• Lobbying & Strategy 
• Policy 
• European Economy 

You will develop your skills in effective studying, making conversation, structuring and reporting and project-based working as well as presenting. You’ll also work on Dutch, German, French or Spanish language and culture, including speaking and listening skills, idioms, grammar and European insights. In addition, you will learn English writing skills. 

Study load: 20 contact hours, 20 self study hours per week | 60 ECTS per year

Projects 

In the second year, you work with other students on various projects covering policy and communications. 

• Intercultural Communication: Dive into the concept of European citizenship among diverse groups and work on current issues related to Human Rights while applying your knowledge and competence in intercultural communication. 
• Media Communication: Explore the world of media by creating your own productions and analyzing how various international media outlets cover current events.
• European Policy and Governance: You will specialize in a specific EU policy and write a detailed policy brief for a government body. This hands-on project will give you a deep understanding of the policy-making process and the impact of the EU on local governance. 
• European Funding: You will develop a comprehensive Europe strategy and create a detailed funding proposal. This project will equip you with strategic planning skills and practical experience in securing EU funding for local initiatives.

To help give you more insights into the EU and really get a sense of the atmosphere and how things are run, you will go on a field trip to Brussels, exploring the European capital and visiting European institutions such as the European Parliament. 

Subjects: 

• Intercultural Communication 
• Research 
• Personal Leadership 
• Interview skills 
• Media Communication 
• European Law 
• Human Rights 
• European Funding 
• Determining Strategy 
• Presenting Convincingly 
• European Policy & Governance 
• Geopolitics 
• Languages (English, Dutch, choice of Spanish, German or French) 

Study load: 20 contact hours, 20 self study hours per week | 60 ECTS per year

Minor subject (study abroad)

Internship

If you’ve already earned enough credits, you can opt to do an internship. You can work for a company operating in the field of European policy, legislation or politics so you not only increase
your work experience but also develop a useful network. You’ll also carry out research for an organisation of your own choice.

60 ECTS per year

Europe at a Crossroads

In this module, you get the chance to delve deeper into the issues and dilemmas at large in today’s Europe. You’ll discuss the future of Europe by covering subjects such as populism, nationalism, democracy, geopolitics and the possible enlargement of the EU. You will not only write a position paper but also carry out research in preparation for your graduation project.

Graduation

You’ll finish your studies by carrying out a graduation project during a final internship with a European-oriented organisation. You’ll carry out research and write, in English, about your findings in a dissertation. Your dissertation could, for instance, look into the influence of Dutch lobbyists in Brussels or be a study of international relations between European countries or regions.

60 ECTS per year