From 2022, the DIR and ES programs will be merged into the new Master of International Relations. Students who are already enrolled in the programs will of course continue in the DIR and ES programs, but new students will be admitted to the new master program. For more information about the program for Master of International Relations, please have a look at the website - Master of International Relations

The programme is open to Danish and foreign students with a B.S. or B.A. degree in social science.

European integration - subjects of your own interest

We offer an innovative Master's programme on European Integration, understood in a wide sense. The courses cover a wide range of issues in this context, but most of the time our students can work independently on special subjects of their interest, in group work but also individually. A simulation game is also part of the programme. The many common activities make it easy to find friends.

Problem-based learning in a colourful international milieu

We believe in interdisciplinarity and problem-based, active learning to a very high extent. An internship at e.g. an EU institution is also part of the programme, assuring a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge. Together with our neighbouring program of Development and International Relations, with whom we cooperate on many fields, we are part of a colourful international milieu, also on the side of the teachers. Our students thereby also learn to work in international teams, something which many employers appreciate. The Master's programme in European Studies aims at giving students a theoretical knowledge of economic and political developments in Europe and insights into the institutions and processes of the European Union. Students will also improve their ability to analyse economic, social, cultural or political aspects of developments in Europe within an interdisciplinary context.

Teaching period

Full degree students begin 1 September.
Guest/exchange students begin 1 September or 1 February.

Guest student programme

Students may wish to join us for a half year (30 ECTS) following either the first semester of the Master's degree, or alternatively the second semester. Students wishing to join the second semester, which rebuilds on knowledge of the European Union and its policies and of International Relations taught in the first semester, should possess a similar knowledge at entry, possibly through previous European Studies or Political Science courses. Please note the English skills requirements of the courses.

Job and career 

In the Europeaan Studies Programme you have the opportunity to become a dynamic practitioner in your field, whether your interests are strategic, managerial, policy-related, or all of the above.

As a comprehensive study undertaken by the Career Centre at Aalborg University revealed, our graduates have been successful entrants on the labour market, finding relevant positions in numerous fields, in the public sector and in private companies. This certainly also reflects the centrality which matters of European integration have acquired in most aspects of society.

Where do masters of European Studies get jobs? Examples from 2013 onwards:

• Diplomat of the Republic of Bulgaria
• Head of Section, Danish Energy Agency
• Development consultant Region Northern Jutland
• Impact Investing & Partnerships Management, Northern Jutland
• Special Advisor at the Danish Permanent Representation to the EU
• Strategical Advisor at Aalborg University
• Associate Professor at Royal Danish Defence College
• Multilingual researcher, Rumania
• Project Management Consultant at NTU International, Central Jutland
• Economy Consultant, Municipality of Kalundborg
• Team Assistant, Private Business, Copenhagen
• Germany Digital Organiser at 350.org
• Market Analysis Manager at Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen
• Head of Government Affairs & Patient Relations, Europe
• Controller at Copenhagen Properties & Buying, Copenhagen
• Business consultant, Næstved Municipality
• Head of Section, Danish Parliament
• Area Export Manager presso COS.PEL, Italy
• Head of Section, Greenland’s Home Rule Authority, Nuuk
• Director, Regulatory Policy & Intelligence at Novo Nordisk
• Project officer - Ressource City, Zeeland Region
• Policy and Projects Officer at Euroheat & Power, Brussels
• Project and Finance Manager at Slovak Agency for International Development Co-operation
• Finance Assistant at UNICEF, Hungary
• Project Officer - Knowledge Management for Policy, Brussels
• Manager at Plus Cool Tour Travel Agency, Romania
• Project Coordination Officer at UNOPS, Ukraine
• Chef de projets européens, France
• Fundraiser at Aalborg Universitet
• Parlamentary advisor, Bulgaria
• Accredited parliamentary assistant, Italy
• Policy Advisor, Brussels
• Global Partnerships Sales Engine Representative, Germany
• General Manager at Ramboll Management Consulting, Denmark

Specialisations within European Studies

The focus of the Master of European studies is EU and how it is organized and works both internally (the organization and the member states) and as a foreign political actor. Still, it is possible to tone your European Studies with an additional specialization. This implies that you basic education remains European Studies, but ‘with a little extra’. We offer the following possibilities:

Arctic Studies

Arctic Studies provide an opportunity for students to focus on the Arctic as a particular field of specialization within their chosen master’s degree programme. In the present years Arctic scholars have to rethink how we approach and understand the Arctic, not only because the ice is melting, but also because the political and societal scenes are changing rapidly. The specialization in Arctic Studies provides an advanced understanding of the Arctic region and its relationship with the rest of world, seen in historical, social, political and cultural dimensions. Arctic Studies contribute with new problem-based research and teaching that engages the real-life problems which Arctic communities are facing today. This specialization gives particular attention to studies in the human sciences within the areas of social, cultural and political analysis, inter-cultural communication, nation-building, post-colonialism, geo-politics, international relations, globalization, governance and sustainable development (including tourism and the management of the natural and cultural heritage).

China and International Relations (CIR) (7. and 8. semester in Aalborg, 9. and 10. semester in Beijing

China and International Relations (CIR) is a double degree MA programme offered by Aalborg University, Denmark and the University of International Relations in Beijing, China. It is a two-year program taught in English. The first year is spent at Aalborg University (AAU) in Denmark and the second year at the University of International Relations (UIR) in Beijing, China. The program currently admits 24 students in all, twelve from UIR and twelve from AAU.

Latin American Studies

Part of the specialisation programme under the Study Board of International Affairs, the interdisciplinary programme in Latin American Studies enables students to approach key issues confronting the region from multiple perspectives and study alongside our team of expert scholars. The course explores the main issues and dynamics of contemporary political and social issues in Latin America including the complex character of the society-environment nexus, new social movements and civil society organisations in the region, the politics of human rights and Latin American cultures and societies. Students undertaking the Latin American Studies pathway will develop skills and knowledge that will prepare them for a range of career paths in areas such as international trade, regional & multilateral institutions, the public sector, NGOs, etc.

Chinese Area Studies

Chinese Area Studies enables students to focus on "China" as a particular field of specialisation within their chosen Master’s degree programme. Chinese Area Studies provides a broad understanding of Chinese society, history and culture, economic and political development, as well as the scale of China's impact on the world economy and international relations.

Global Gender Studies

Gender and related categories of e.g. religion, ethnicity, ‘race’, class and sexuality pose multiple inequalities which are vital for our understanding of development and international relations in a globalising world. Discriminations and inequalities (e.g. at the labour market) can be related to different globalisation processes (e.g. global migration processes) as these can be recognised in different regions and continents of the world.

The Global Gender Studies programme gives a specific focus to gendered perspectives upon structures and processes in international law (including human rights), equality politics on national, transnational and international levels, global democracy and governance, international institutions and transnational actors.