European Studies: Ideas and Identities

European Studies: Ideas and Identities at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the histories, cultures, politics, and societies of Europe. This programme is designed for students interested in understanding the complex and evolving dynamics that shape the continent’s nations, regions, and communities. Throughout the course, students examine key themes such as European integration, national identity, cultural diversity, democracy, and the challenges facing Europe today, including migration, economic change, and political conflict. The curriculum combines insights from political science, history, sociology, and cultural studies, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of European ideas and identities. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of case studies and theoretical frameworks, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The programme encourages active participation through seminars, workshops, and research projects, enabling students to develop their own informed perspectives on European issues. Additionally, the programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, journalism, and the private sector, where a deep understanding of European affairs is valuable. With its academic rigor and emphasis on contemporary relevance, European Studies: Ideas and Identities at LSE is ideal for motivated students seeking to contribute meaningfully to debates on Europe's future. The programme benefits from LSE’s renowned faculty, extensive library resources, and engagement with European institutions, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into European affairs.

The MSc in European Studies: Ideas and Identities at the London School of Economics and Political Science offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex landscape of European political, social, and cultural identities. This programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the historical development, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary issues shaping Europe today. Throughout the course, students will examine the notions of national identity, sovereignty, multiculturalism, and integration, critically analyzing how ideas and identities influence policymaking, social cohesion, and international relations within Europe.

The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with engaging discussions and case study analyses, enabling students to develop both theoretical insights and practical skills. Core modules cover topics such as European political thought, identity politics, migration, and European integration processes. Students can also tailor their learning experience through elective modules that focus on specific regional, historical, or thematic areas, such as Eastern Europe, history of European thought, or republicanism.

In addition to coursework, students undertake research projects, group work, and presentations, fostering collaborative skills and independent research capabilities. The programme also encourages engagement with contemporary debates through seminars, guest lectures from leading scholars and practitioners, and opportunities for internships and networking within European institutions.

Graduates of this programme are well-equipped for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, NGOs, journalism, and diplomatic service. They gain critical perspectives on how ideas about identity shape political developments and societal change across Europe. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining political science, history, sociology, and cultural studies, making it ideal for students interested in understanding the diverse and evolving nature of European identities and their global implications.

The MSc in European Studies: Ideas and Identities at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) requires students to complete a combination of core courses, options, a dissertation, and participation in seminars and workshops. Typically, students are expected to take a set of core modules that provide an overview of European political theory, intellectual history, and identity politics, complemented by a selection of optional courses allowing specialization in areas such as European integration, cultural identity, or security and migration issues. Proficiency in research methodology and academic writing is emphasized throughout the programme, with students required to undertake independent research culminating in a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words. Attendance and participation in weekly seminars and discussions are mandatory, fostering engagement with contemporary debates and policy issues in Europe. Language requirements generally include proficiency in English, demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores, if applicable. The programme duration typically spans one year for full-time students, with some options available for part-time study over two years. To successfully complete the programme, students must achieve a minimum overall grade in line with university regulations, and submit all coursework and the dissertation by the specified deadlines. Additional requirements may include an interview process during the application stage and relevant academic or professional background in European politics, history, or related fields. The programme aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyze and critically assess ideas and identities shaping Europe’s political and cultural landscape.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Fee reductions and rewards
LSE undergraduates starting taught postgraduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction in the region of ten per cent of the fee. These reductions are available for UK, EU and non-EU students. The School offers a range of rewards for early payment of fees for all self-financed students.

Scholarships for study at LSE

LSE makes available over £12 million annually in financial support for its students via a range of scholarships, bursaries and award schemes, details of which can be found on these pages. LSE's world class programmes attract a consistently high calibre of applicants, many of whom seek financial support from the School, so there is always much competition for our awards. Securing the necessary funds to attend LSE can be a difficult and time consuming process so you should start to think about it as early as possible. Please be aware that the School will be unable to offer you any financial assistance if you knowingly register under funded. The relevant link on the left will take you to the awards available for your chosen level of study.

The School would like to thank the many donors who have contributed to the New Futures Fund, which provides funds for a number of discretionary scholarships.

Diploma, LLM, MA, MSc and MSc (Research) programmes

There are a range of awards available for study at this level. Approximately 19% of taught masters offer holders are successful in obtaining some form of financial support from the School. The value of support ranges in value from 10% of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award.

Graduate Support Scheme

LSE's major financial support scheme for study at taught masters level is the Graduate Support Scheme (GSS). This scheme is open to all applicants, with the exception of those undertaking specific modular or executive programmes such as the MSc in Finance (Part time) or the MSc in Health Economics, Policy and Management. Around £2 million is available annually in the form of awards from the Graduate Support Scheme. The Scheme is designed to help students who do not have sufficient funds to meet all their costs of study. GSS awards range in value from £3,000 to a maximum of £10,000, and have an average value of £6,000. Application to the Graduate Support Scheme is via the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application form. This form will be made available to you once you have submitted an application for admission to the School. The form will then be available until 27 April 2011.

Awards

If you complete the LSE Graduate Financial Support Application form, and are made an offer of admission by 27 April 2011, you will also be automatically considered for any other awards being offered by LSE, for which you are eligible, with the exception of Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding where there are separate, department led processes in place. AHRC and ESRC funding is relevant to Home UK and Home EU applicants only, and there are also subject restrictions in place. We offer a range of awards based on different criteria such as a specific programme of study, nationality, or country of permanent domicile. In addition, a number of external organisations offer funding to support postgraduate study. We recommend that applicants follow up as many avenues as possible to find funding. Please be aware that if you accept funding from an external source, it is your responsibility to check the terms of the award. Some awards are accompanied by specific terms and conditions which you should be sure you able to meet before accepting the award. Information about other Awards offered by LSE or external organisations. Please take some time to look at all the other awards available to support your study at LSE. The details of these awards are updated each October, but new LSE awards may become available during the course of the admissions cycle. We will only write to successful applicants for these awards. Selection for these awards will take place between May and July 2011 and all successful applicants will be notified by 31 July 2011.

The MSc in European Studies: Ideas and Identities at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a dynamic postgraduate program designed to explore the multifaceted nature of Europe, focusing on its ideas, identities, and political developments. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of European integration, cultural diversity, and political transformation within a global context. It combines interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating history, political science, sociology, and cultural studies, enabling students to critically analyze contemporary issues facing Europe. The curriculum includes core modules that cover key themes such as European political thought, identity politics, history of European integration, and comparative regionalism. Students also have the flexibility to choose from a range of optional courses, allowing them to tailor the program to their specific interests in areas like European law, economics, security, and social policy. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, research capabilities, and critical thinking, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, international organizations, or the private sector. The faculty comprises leading experts in European studies, offering students unparalleled access to cutting-edge research and discussions. The program usually includes a dissertation component, where students undertake independent research supervised by faculty members, culminating in a substantial thesis that demonstrates their understanding of European issues. The MSc European Studies: Ideas and Identities is highly international, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and countries, fostering a rich learning environment. It is ideal for those interested in understanding the complexities of Europe’s political and cultural landscape and seeking to make an impact in areas related to European integration and identity. Graduates often pursue careers in diplomacy, European institutions, think tanks, NGOs, or further academic research. The program’s location in London provides students with access to a vibrant political and cultural scene, enhancing their learning experience through various seminars, conferences, and networking opportunities. Overall, this program offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of Europe’s ideas and identities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and influence European affairs in an increasingly interconnected world.