European Studies

Within the field of European Studies, you examine the most significant trends in Europe from a range of perspectives, including historical, political, economic, social, and cultural. Teaching addresses the growing importance of cultural identities, from established national identities to new identities shaped by migration. You learn to critically examine and reflect on Europe as both an idea and a reality, and to place Europe’s development in a global context.

This breadth of perspectives demonstrates that European Studies is an interdisciplinary subject, which is particularly valuable within the social sciences, where complex issues can rarely be understood from a single disciplinary perspective. Questions relating to democracy, migration, climate change, the economy, and security are shaped through the interaction of political decision-making, legal frameworks, economic structures, and historical experiences. By bringing these perspectives together, European Studies provides a nuanced and realistic understanding of how society functions and changes.

During your studies, you have the opportunity to combine theoretical coursework with internships and studies abroad. This offers valuable experience and prepares you for a labour market both in Sweden and internationally.

Programmes and courses

The University of Gothenburg offers English-taught courses and master’s programmes in European Studies. At the master’s level, several double degree options are available. A double degree means that you study for one year at the University of Gothenburg and one year at one of our partner universities in Germany, China, or the United States. These studies provide advanced subject knowledge and international experience, and lead to two degrees – one from each university.

You can find more information about each course and programme via the links below.