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Overview
Our European Studies MA course focuses on the politics, history, economy and societies of Europe and the European Union within an international context. You’ll understand contemporary Europe, particularly in terms of how it’s governed and the main national, regional and global challenges it faces, and you’ll learn how decisions are made and policies are shaped in the EU.
You’ll graduate with a range of transferable skills that include applying knowledge to advance informed and independent critical judgement, gathering and interpreting evidence from a range of sources, well-evidenced and persuasive writing and verbal communication, and beyond. And you’ll join an exciting alumni network with peers working across European institutions, government, international organisations, businesses and charities.
As a full-time European Studies MA student, you also have the opportunity to choose the French or German rather than the general pathway. Both options allow you to study abroad and spend your second semester in Paris or Berlin.
Key benefits
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the major interests, institutions and ideas that shape the politics, economics and societies of Europe.
- Study Europe from a variety of perspectives in an interdisciplinary programme hosted by an interdisciplinary department.
- Learn from world-leading scholars who contributed greatly to King’s being ranked first in the UK for research power in the field of politics and international relations in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, according to Times Higher Education.
- Join a world-class institution, ranked 12th in the world and 5th in Europe for politics by the 2024 QS World University Rankings.
- If you’re on the French or German pathways, spend your second semester in a prestigious institution in France or Germany. Our current partners are the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) and the Humboldt Universität.
- Enhance your language skills by taking one free but non-credit-bearing language module in addition to your European Studies MA modules.
Course essentials
This master’s in European studies is an interdisciplinary programme that provides an in-depth analysis of major scholarly debates across history, politics, political thought, political economy and international relations.
It’s ideally suited for anyone with a degree in European studies, politics, international relations or international political economy—but graduates from other disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and law, or those with a professional background, are also welcomed.
This European Studies MA offers three pathways to full-time students:
- The French Pathway allows you to spend your second semester studying in France. You may take modules taught in French or English, but you’ll need to have degree-level French (or at least at B2 level) to apply.
- The German Pathway gives you the opportunity to study in Berlin for your second semester. You’ll need to be fluent in German (or at least at B2 level). Since the Humboldt University only offers a limited number of modules in English, you must be prepared to do most of your study in German during your second semester.
- The General Pathway means you’ll stay at King’s for the duration of your studies. This is the only option available to part-time students.
Regardless of your chosen pathway, you’ll spend your first semester at King’s.
Special features
Optional study abroad
Key Information
Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time
Credit value:
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026
Administrative bodies
Awarding body
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating body
Application closing date guidance
Base campus