Skip to main content

Contemporary European Studies MA

2 years Politics, Policy and Society (Euromasters), starting in September 2025

Join our webinar about this course Apply to Bath Chat with our students Request a prospectus

Immerse yourself in the politics, policy and social evolution of the EU and European states. You’ll study at Bath and in Europe.

This course is part of the Euromasters Consortium, which gives you the chance to learn in different countries and enjoy an international degree.

You’ll combine studying at our Bath campus with time at prestigious European universities.

During your academic learning, you’ll focus on contemporary politics, culture and society in Europe, and the continent’s role in the wider world. You’ll learn about:

  • European Union (EU) institutions
  • European integration
  • societal modernisation and democratisation in different countries
  • Europe’s role in international relations

As well as these core topics, you’ll find out more about current issues, such as security, immigration, Euroscepticism, and economic disparities in the eurozone.

If you aspire to work in European or international institutions, or for private sector organisations that operate in Europe, this course will help you to develop the skills and experience to succeed.

You can find out more on the dedicated Euromasters website, which contains extensive information about the course and the Consortium, as well as guidance on applying.

This course is also available with a Transatlantic Track, allowing you to spend time in the United States during your studies.

Live and study in another country

A fundamental part of this course is spending time studying in different countries. You may study at up to three Euromasters Consortium sites (one being Bath).

During this time, you'll be able to develop a greater level of intercultural awareness, improve your language skills, and experience different ways of life.

Each partner institution will support you to find accommodation and will offer a range of services including careers advice, placement resources and pastoral care. A representative from the institution(s) you choose will work with you ahead of your semester(s) to support your preparation.

Please note: you must undertake at least one semester studying at one of the approved partner institutions as part of this course.

Language of instruction and locations

You are able to study at the following sites as part of the course.

English

English and French

English and German

You will need to be able to speak the language of instruction of your chosen country of study. Most units will be taught in English.

Learn from experts in their field

While at Bath, you'll learn from experts in European politics and international studies, as well as staff in the wider Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies community. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

As part of the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies, you’ll work with leading researchers with expertise in areas like international security, terrorism, foreign policy, international relations, gender politics, cyberspace politics, and the international political economy.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain:

  • a deep knowledge of contemporary European politics, society, and culture
  • an enhanced level of intercultural awareness, which is important for working in a range of international jobs
  • an increased professional network, including leading academic staff and researchers from your time studying at Bath
  • practical and transferable skills for a range of careers in the UK, continental Europe, North America and further afield

Graduate prospects

Studying this course will provide you with an excellent grounding for working in international organisations, government agencies, multinational corporations, NGOs, and public bodies.

Graduates from our MA Contemporary European Studies (Politics, Policy and Society & Transatlantic Track) courses have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including:

  • Danish EU Research Liaison Officer in Brussels, Belgium
  • Head of External Affairs, Northwest at Google, USA
  • Programme Officer EU Policies at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium
  • United Nations Postgraduate Fellowship, New York
  • Parliamentary Assistant for German MP in Bundestag, Berlin
  • Press Assistant in the European Parliament, Spain
  • Parliamentary Assistant for a Green MEP in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

After the initial Core Module at the University of Bath, you will undertake two taught semesters followed by the completion of a 15,000 word dissertation to be submitted by September in your second year.

You must study at a minimum of two sites, including the University of Bath. You may also choose to study at a third site.

The units available at each partner study site may vary from year to year. Available units will follow general themes. These are outlined below.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Core Module

You will study at the University of Bath from September 2025 to January 2026.

You'll study:

Plus 1 optional unit from:

Specialist Module 1

This module allows you to take advantage of core areas of academic expertise at various partner sites. Unit choices may vary from year to year, but each partner site covers general themes of study.

You can choose to complete Specialist Module 1 at one of:

  • Sciences Po Grenoble
    • Semester date: January - August 2026 (6-8 weeks of teaching, followed by an internship and report)
    • General themes: Policies and practices of international organizations
  • University of Bath
    • Semester dates: February - May 2026
    • General themes: Europe in an international world – trade, international security, crime
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
    • Semester dates: April - July/August 2026
    • General themes: Democratic governance and foreign policy in Europe

Please note: exact semester dates may vary from year to year.

University of Bath units

You can select 3 units from:

Humboldt University of Berlin units

Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied these core units:

Sciences Po Grenoble components

You’ll study a selection of specialised units (these usually take place during the first 6-8 weeks of the semester).

The remainder of the semester is made up of an internship followed by a report,[1] which is your opportunity to use the skills gained during your studies and acquire real-world experience.

Typically, you will also be able to take part in professional workshops.

Component choices may vary from year to year.

Specialised units

You'll complete 4 units. Students have recently studied units such as:

  • Europeanisation of Public Policies
  • Droit européen de l’immigration et de l’asile, European Economic Governance (Taught in French)
  • Welfare state in the EU
  • La politique européenne de voisinage (Taught in French)
  • The EU and international security
  • EU External Action

All units are taught in English, unless otherwise stated.

[1] It is your responsibility to find a suitable internship opportunity, but you will receive support and guidance from Science Po Grenoble.

Specialist Module 2

This module allows you to take advantage of core areas of academic expertise at various partner sites. Unit choices may vary from year to year, but each partner site covers general themes of study.

You can choose to complete Specialist Module 2 at one of:

  • Sciences Po Grenoble
    • Semester dates: September 2026 – December/January 2027
    • General themes: Policies and practices of international organisations
  • University of Bath
    • Semester dates: October 2026 – January 2027
    • General themes: Security in Europe and a globalised world
  • University of Siena
    • Semester dates: October 2026 – February 2027
    • General themes: Europe in the twenty-first century – choices and challenges
  • Humboldt University of Berlin
    • Semester dates: October 2026 – February/March 2027
    • General themes: Democratisation and political change in Europe

Please note: exact semester dates may vary from year to year.

University of Bath units

You can select 3 units from:

Humboldt University of Berlin units

Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied these core units:

  • Democracy and democratisation in Europe
  • Europe’s borders and neighbours
  • Facets of Europeanization. For this, you will select a unit from a list of options. These options will vary from year to year.

University of Siena units

Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied these core units:

  • Multiculturalism in Europe: the Mediterranean dimension
  • From the nation state to European polity
  • The political economy of the EU

Sciences Po Grenoble components

You’ll study a selection of specialised units, take part in professional workshops and seminars, and complete two units with a language focus (English and a second language). Component choices may vary from year to year.

Specialised units

You'll complete 4 units. Students have recently studied units such as:

  • EU Law and Politics
  • Les entreprises dans l’Union européenne (Taught in French)
  • European Political Parties
  • L’UE et la protection de l’environnement (Taught in French)
  • Interest Groups and collective Action in the EU
  • Public Opinion in the EU
  • The Relations between Europe and the US Since World War II

All units are taught in English, unless otherwise stated.

Thesis Module

You will complete your MA in Contemporary European Studies dissertation from April to September 2027.

You can only complete this at the University of Bath, or the site you study at during Specialist Module 1 or Specialist Module 2.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Research project
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Oral presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Contact hours and workload

You are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 hours of this being structured classes.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

A headshot of a young woman with dark brown hair (Tabea) in front of a plain background
‘If you feel European and you believe that it's good to look at a problem from different perspectives, you will love the Euromasters course.’
— Tabea Weiß MA Contemporary European Studies (Euromasters) (Graduating year, 2019)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as European Studies, International Relations, Modern Languages, Politics, History, Economics or Sociology.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum of 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Contemporary European Studies MA Politics, Policy and Society (Euromasters)

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

Enrolment fees

Some of our partner institutions have enrolment fees. You will need to pay these directly to the institution when you start your studies there.

Humboldt University of Berlin charge an enrolment fee of around €315, which must be paid for each semester at this site. This includes service fees as well as a seasonal student ticket for public transport (Semesterticket) in and around Berlin for six months. You’ll need to register with the Students’ Union at the Humboldt University of Berlin to receive this.

For further information about this fee, you can check with the Humboldt University of Berlin lead contact.

Visas

You will need to cover the cost of your visa when studying with our partners around the world. The cost of this will vary depending on your nationality. You should check the latest visa advice from the country you are intending to study in:

As part of your visa application, you may be required to provide proof of personal savings (which can exceed £10,000) over a period of several months before you travel.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Our Euromasters scholarship will open for applications soon.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

You should budget for the costs of all travel, accommodation, visas and food and drink in the UK and also while you are abroad.

Application information

  • Course title
    Contemporary European Studies
  • Final award
    MA
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUPL-ES01
  • Department
    Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    30 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    30 May 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

Course enquiries