The Master of European Union Studies (MEuro) at the University of Canterbury (UC) is a 180-point research-focused master's degree examining the European Union in a global context, with particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region and EU–Aotearoa New Zealand relations. The programme combines European integration, international relations, geopolitics, multiculturalism, sustainable development and research.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Study the European Union from an international and Asia-Pacific perspective.
• Develop knowledge of EU political, economic, social and geopolitical influence.
• Examine EU–New Zealand and wider EU–Asia-Pacific relationships.
• Explore issues such as multiculturalism, European integration, Brexit, foreign policy and sustainable development.
• Gain research experience through a substantial 90-point dissertation.
• Study within UC's National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), which has an established international research network.
• UC describes the programme as the only programme of its kind in this discipline in Australasia.
• Teaching and research are supported by academics associated with the Jean Monnet programme, including current Jean Monnet Chairs.
• Students can benefit from the NCRE's links with European, Asia-Pacific and global European Studies networks.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The qualification contains 180 points, comprising:

• ARTS401 Arts Research and Scholarship: an Introduction to Theories and Methods
• EURO692 MEuro Thesis: 90 points
• 60 points of elective courses

The current programme page lists six elective options, from which students choose four:

• EURO402 The EU in Europe and the World: the EU's External Identities in the Asia-Pacific
• EURO409 Europeanisation and the Future Europe
• EURO428 Rights and Realities: EU in the Asia Pacific
• EURO457 Contemporary EU Foreign Policy
• EURO458 EU SDGs & Geopolitical Development
• EURO482 EUIP Research Internship

Disciplines / Specialisations

The formal subject of the qualification is:

European Union Studies.

There are no separately advertised majors or formal specialisations on the current programme page.

The programme's academic themes include:

• European integration
• European Union politics
• EU foreign policy
• EU external relations
• EU–Asia-Pacific relations
• EU–Aotearoa New Zealand relations
• Human rights
• Multiculturalism
• Sustainable development
• Geopolitical development
• Europeanisation
• International relations
• Research methodology

Programme Highlights

• 180-point research master's degree.
• 90-point dissertation/thesis component.
• Specialised focus on the European Union.
• Strong Asia-Pacific orientation.
• Focus on EU–Aotearoa New Zealand relations.
• Access to the National Centre for Research on Europe.
• International research and academic networks.
• Teaching and research links with the Jean Monnet programme.
• Opportunity to undertake an EUIP Research Internship as an elective.
• Potential pathway to doctoral research, including a PhD in European Studies through the NCRE.

Career Outcomes

The degree is particularly relevant to careers involving international affairs, policy, government, NGOs, research and internationally connected business.

Potential career areas include:

• Government policy
• Foreign affairs
• International relations
• International trade
• Policy analysis
• International business
• NGO and development organisations
• Communications
• Research
• International education
• European affairs
• Asia-Pacific affairs
• Government and public-sector organisations

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC programme page confirms the MEuro remains an active 180-point master's qualification with February and July starts. The programme is listed in UC's current 2027 postgraduate information.

A programme-specific point to note is that the degree involves a substantial research thesis. Applicants therefore need to follow the Faculty of Arts' MEuro enrolment process in addition to the normal UC admission process. UC's postgraduate Arts guidance says MEuro applicants complete a specific Master of European Union Studies Enrolment Application Form, with the application made in conjunction with the relevant supervisor/programme process and requiring Faculty approval.

The current IPU page supplied in the request is not a source for this UC qualification. It is currently an IPU Master of Contemporary International Studies page and says that programme is no longer accepting new enrolments.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the MEuro in New Zealand, the usual route is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand information states:

• Visa cost: from NZD $850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• Processing: 80% within 8 weeks.
• You must have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• You must demonstrate funds for tuition fees or have an appropriate scholarship.
• You must demonstrate sufficient living funds or have an acceptable sponsor.
• You must have acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• You must meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
• You must demonstrate that you can leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
• Applications are submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages international students to apply approximately 3 months before intended travel