Course summary

Brussels is the centre of European decision making. It is estimated that 60% of national legislation of EU member states originates, in some form, in Brussels. Anyone wanting to enter a career in civil service, either at the EU level or in a national government in Europe, must gain a strategic understanding of the scope, content, decision-cycle and implementation of policy in Europe. In a quickly changing world, the European Union is a key actor. As the largest economy, it is the first trading partner for many countries around the world. But by developing its own foreign and defence policy, it equally seeks to become a crucial diplomatic player. This MA programme responds to an increasing need to study the EU’s external relations at an advanced level. The EU is studied in its different dimensions, such as foreign policy, security and external relations law, but also from an outsider’s perspective in a context of global change and regional instability. The programme draws heavily on the presence of the EU and other institutions in the proximity of the Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) and builds on the tradition of inviting high-level diplomats to share their views with students. Key modules are taught by leading experts in the field from both the Brussels and Canterbury campuses of the University of Kent. By taking an interdisciplinary and critical look at the EU’s international role, this MA programme prepares students well for careers in diplomacy, research and employment in diverse organisations that deal with the external dimension of the EU.