Bachelor of Arts in European Studies (BAES)

The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies (BAES) is an international joint degree, co-organized by ten universities of the UNA Europa alliance. It offers a unique multilingual and multidisciplinary curriculum combined with inter-European student mobility. The program explores the EU’s core values, institutions, and societal dynamics while equipping students with research tools to evaluate Europe’s global influence and pressing challenges.

Students in the BAES have the chance to study at multiple European universities, including the University of Zurich (UZH), gaining firsthand experience in different academic environments.

This program is ideal for students who:

• Want multidisciplinary knowledge of Europe and its global relations
• Are interested in tailor-made specializations in economics, history, international relations, languages and culture, law, philosophy, or politics
• Wish to study at two outstanding European universities during their bachelor program
• Enjoy learning in diverse international teams
• See their future in international organizations, the EU, national public services, diplomacy, think tanks, private sector, or NGOs
• Continue an academic career

The BAES starts with a common curriculum (Truncus Communis) at one of the degree-awarding partners (KU Leuven, Krakow, Madrid and Bologna), covering a wide range of topics concerning the EU, European history and culture, as well as foundational skills in politics, law, economics, history, and philosophy. Students also develop research skills and work in international teams, enhancing their academic and intercultural competencies.

After the first two semesters, students spend a year at another partner university to complete a major specialization (60 ECTS) in one of seven fields:

• Business and Economics
• History
• Languages and Culture
• Law
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Relations
• Sociology, Communication, and Education

Each university offers different modules, so the choice of university is linked to the specialization (see partner universities below).

In the final year, students will return to their start university to complete core courses, select a minor, and write their bachelor thesis, ensuring experience in at least two European academic environments.

Detailled programme guide

Degree-Awarding Partners

• KU Leuven (Belgium): Administrative Lead
• Università di Bologna (Italy)
• Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain)
• Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Kraków (Poland)

Mobility Partners

• Helsingin Yliopisto (Finland)
• The University of Edinburgh (Scotland)
• Universiteit Leiden (Netherlands)
• Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France)
• University College Dublin (Ireland)
• Universität Zürich (Switzerland) – offers majors in International and Comparative Law, Languages and Literature / Culture and Society, Modern History, Philosophy, and Political Science