There are few better places to study politics and international relations than the continent where so much of global governance is actually headquartered. The EU institutions, NATO, the international courts and agencies, and a dense network of think tanks and diplomatic missions mean that European programs teach world politics from inside the machinery, not at a distance. That proximity shapes the experience: students engage with practitioners and policymakers, and many programs build in access to internships at international organizations that would be far harder to reach elsewhere. Europe's own patchwork of political systems — parliamentary and presidential, large states and small, old democracies and newer ones — also makes it an ideal setting for comparative politics. English-taught master's degrees are widespread, and the discipline has become noticeably more rigorous on methods and data. Specializations span international relations, European studies, security studies, diplomacy, political economy, and human-rights politics. Graduates move into diplomacy and the civil service, the EU and international organizations, NGOs and advocacy, political risk and consulting, journalism, and the policy and public-affairs teams that now shape decisions across the private sector.
Featured Politics & International Studies Programs in Europe
A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.
Economic Diplomacy and Statecraft
Krakow University of Economics Krakow, Poland
Economic Diplomacy and Statecraft Krakow University of Economics
Visit Program WebsiteInternational Relations
ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University Budapest, Hungary
International Relations ELTE – Eötvös Loránd University
Visit Program WebsiteMaster's Degree in International Relations
UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia Murcia
Master's Degree in International Relations UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
Visit Program WebsiteMaster's Degree in European Union Studies and Human Rights
UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia Murcia
Master's Degree in European Union Studies and Human Rights UCAM – Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia
Visit Program WebsiteWhy Study Politics & International Studies in Europe?
EU institutions and international organizations based in Europe
NATO and international organizations
Diverse political systems to study
Strong political science tradition
Access to practitioners and policymakers
Popular Specializations
Focus areas within Politics & International Studies
Admission Requirements
What you'll need to apply
Bachelor's Programs
- High school diploma
- Interest in politics and current affairs
- English proficiency
- Strong analytical skills
Master's Programs
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- Academic excellence
- English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ for competitive programs)
- Research or policy experience valued
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
What You'll Study
Typical curriculum and coursework
Political theory
International relations
Research methods
Regional specializations
Policy analysis
Language training
Thesis or capstone
How to Prepare
Tips to strengthen your application
Follow international news closely
Develop analytical and writing skills
Learn additional languages
Gain experience through internships or Model UN
Understand different political perspectives
Build knowledge of specific regions
Career Paths
Where a Politics & International Studies degree can take you
Diplomat
Represent your country abroad
Policy Analyst
Analyze and advise on policy
EU Official
Work at EU institutions
NGO Program Manager
Lead NGO programs
Political Journalist
Report on political affairs
International Organization Officer
Work at UN, NATO, etc.

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