The Inter-Departmental European Advanced Studies (IDEAs) is a study programme dedicated to critical thinking, interdisciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration.

The IDEAs programme serves three key purposes at the College of Europe.

First, it continues the College’s founding tradition of offering a humanistic and generalist education. It complements the specialised Master programmes by addressing topics that are not —or only partially— covered in the core departmental curricula. It also introduces to disciplines such as sociology, history, philosophy, and anthropology to provide students with a broad perspective on European integration.

Second, it offers a unique opportunity to experience true interdisciplinarity. IDEAs courses are the only ones at the College that bring together students from three different Master Departments (POL, ECO, LAW). This inter-departmental and inter-disciplinary setting encourages students to engage with new intellectual approaches and unfamiliar methods, helping them to think beyond the boundaries of their own field. It’s a chance to gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of Europe and the complex challenges it faces, and to prepare for what will be their collaborative professional life.

Third, the IDEAs programme supports the College’s renewed mission to act as a laboratory for Europe’s renaissance. It provides students with the tools for critical and self-reflective thinking—essential for understanding the transformations of societies driven by European integration and imagining the futures of societies that they will contribute to build in their careers.

Structured over two semesters, the programme begins with transversal introductory courses during the winter semester courses, followed by specialised courses in the spring semester.

In addition to its academic activities, the IDEAs programme regularly hosts book presentations, colloquia, and workshops, creating a vibrant space for interdisciplinary and interdepartmental debate and intellectual exchange. The events are available here.