Why study EU external relations in Bruges?

The advanced MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies targets applicants who are:

  • familiar with the European Union, its institutions and decision-making processes and seek to specialize in EU diplomacy and external action, 
  • ready to take part in a highly demanding and equally rewarding one-year programme, 
  • curious about the EU’s role in the world and open to new ways of thinking, and
  • preparing for a career in the EU institutions, national diplomatic services and international organisations or in consultancies, NGOs and research.

Among the major reasons to study EU external relations in Bruges are:

1. the programme’s distinctive blend of knowledge and skills aimed at:

  • enhancing the understanding of diplomacy and EU external relations (such as foreign policy, legal aspects, security, trade and development, major bi- and multilateral relations, or external aspects of EU internal policies), including through a study visit to the international diplomatic hub of Geneva
  • acquiring diplomatic skills (negotiation analysis, simulation game, multicultural competences, insights beyond Europe, interaction with high-level visitors, etc.)
  • developing professional skills (critical analysis, public speaking, drafting, time management, teamwork, thinking ‘outside the box’, etc.)
  • strengthening personal language skills through coursework in English and French and the opportunity to learn a new foreign language

2. the unique, tailor-made courses:

  • ensuring a comprehensive understanding of EU diplomacy through carefully designed core courses 
  • allowing students to construct an individual curriculum including novel topics (for example, international mediation, intelligence analysis, political reporting, risk analysis, project and communications management)
  • offering a highly challenging but equally rewarding learning experience and encouraging continuous personal growth 
  • preparing for careers in the EU institutions, national diplomatic services and international organisations or in consultancies, NGOs and research

3. the people of the academic department:

  • academics from top universities, trainers from think tanks and practitioners from various sectors 
  • dedicated staff members supporting students in their learning experience 
  • immersion in a highly diverse and dynamic student body with intercultural exchanges opening new perspectives and creating lasting networks