Bachelor of European Studies

The programme (180 ECTS) spans over three years, divided into six semesters.

In semesters 1, 2 and 3, you follow the truncus communis (92 ECTS), including introductory courses to various disciplines, multidisciplinary courses on Europe, a methodology track and language courses.

In semesters 4, 5 and 6, you follow a major and a minor module (78 ECTS) and you develop a bachelor's thesis (10 ECTS). In some specialisations, you can replace one course from the major module with an optional internship (6 ECTS). You follow one major module for up to 60 ECTS and one minor module for at least 18 ECTS out of two different fields of study.

Year One

First Semester

The study programme may change slightly every year. The official study programme that applies to the year in which you are studying can be consulted from 15 July onwards in KU Leuven's online programme catalogue, which is best viewed on a large screen.

• European Cultures and Society
• Introduction to Law and Economics
• Introduction to Politics and IR

Second Semester

The study programme may change slightly every year. The official study programme that applies to the year in which you are studying can be consulted from 15 July onwards in KU Leuven's online programme catalogue, which is best viewed on a large screen.

• EU Economics or EU Law
• Introduction to History & Philosophy
• Language
• Methodology & Research Design

• Are you interested in Europe?
• Do you want to know more about Europe’s past and present? Have you ever thought about the relationship between Europe and other parts of the world?
• Are you looking for a program that provides you with truly multidisciplinary knowledge of Europe?
• Are you also looking for a program which offers you tailor-made disciplinary specializations in philosophy, law, economics, history, politics, international relations, and linguistics, and which prepare you for your future studies?
• Do you want to benefit from truly transnational European mobility and take courses in up to three different outstanding European universities during your bachelor studies?
• Do you like to study with other students from all over Europe and the world?
• Do you consider a future career in the context of international organizations, the European Union, national public services and diplomacy, the private business sector, think tanks and interest groups, or non-governmental organizations?

Then this programme is a perfect fit for you!

Fully taught in English, also available in Dutch.

• Credits: 180 ECTS
• Degree Type: Bachelor
• Specifications: Bachelor of Arts.

What sets us apart as a university?

A highly ranked university

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.

Research-based education

Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.

Affordable tuition fees

Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.

International student life with respect for diversity

According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.

KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.

As a bachelor of European Studies, you will have a deep understanding of the complexities of Europe and European organizations, which have become increasingly important in the context of ever-deeper European integration and globalization. In addition, students will develop a full suite of transversal skills acquired through intra-European mobility, language skills, and group work carried out in a multicultural context.

You will therefore be ideally placed to take on key positions in a wide variety of leading international companies and organisations. In addition to Europe-focused organizations, European studies graduates are attractive candidates for national and subnational public services, transnational consultancy and lobby groups, national economic sectors, cultural sectors, and news organizations.

Further Study

The Bachelor of European Studies grants access to multiple master's programs in Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Arts, Economics, Law, and Philosophy, depending on which university you will enroll in.

Master program opportunities after BAES:

• KU Leuven
• Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna
• Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• Uniwersytet Jagiellonski w Krakowie
• Freie Universität Berlin
• Helsingin Yliopisto/Helsingfors Universitet
• Université Paris 1 de Panthéon-Sorbonne.