Course overview

The European Union is the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012, perhaps the world's most prestigious award. Does the EU deserve the prize or not? Why? What does it mean for Europe and the world? Study with us at Portsmouth to explore and debate the issues.

The European Studies and International Relations degree at Portsmouth seeks to enable students to understand some of the fundamental changes that are taking place in Europe and the international political system. In our lifetime, the borders, economy, political identity and demography of Europe have all dramatically changed. The expanding European Union plays an increasingly important role in our lives, whether we live within or beyond Europe's frontiers. European Studies at Portsmouth will give you the tools to understand these transformations and their impacts. It is a rich and diverse course, linking together disciplines including history, politics, economics, law and cultural and social studies.

Your lecturers will be experts in the field with a wide range of specialist knowledge. All lecturers are members of the University's internationally-recognised Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), which is the largest centre of its kind in the UK. The cutting-edge research conducted by CEISR members ensures that you will only be taught the most up-to-date, innovative and original material. Portsmouth's excellent location on the south coast means you are only a short trip away from exploring other European cultures.

The degree offers the possibility of studying European history and European institutions, of comparing European nations and their political systems, of analysing policy-making in Europe, the continued process of European integration and the effects this is having on European identity and citizenship. Furthermore, this is put into the wider context of world politics as the position of the EU and the wider Europe is examined in relation to the important processes of globalisation.

You will also study the recent history of the international political system, focusing on the Cold War and beyond. The degree examines the nature of foreign policy and war since 1945 and the transformation of the international political system since the fall of the Iron Curtain. The question of whether the events of September 11th 2001 have changed the world forever is considered in terms of the changing nature of terrorism. Changes in the world economic order since the Second World War are also discussed. In particular, the degree considers those issues that transcend national boundaries - the global environment, international debt and world poverty - and assesses whether international institutions and forces are of greater significance than individual nation-states.

Placements

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies.  The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.

One of the UK's top universities for Languages and European Studies

In 2011's National Student Survey results for European Languages and Area Studies, Portsmouth came joint top nationally. Students’ responses show that they particularly appreciate staff availability and the pastoral support provided by staff in the School of Languages and Area Studies.

For further details on all language courses offered, visit the website of the School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS). If you are interested in this course and would like further information please contact us (details below). You can also view a virtual tour of the School.

Course content

Year one

• Political & Social Change In Contemporary Europe
• The Making of Modern Europe: 1500-1990
• Introduction to International Relations: States, Conflict & Cooperation
• Introduction to Political Thought
• Studying At University
• Global Issues

Year two

• Comparing Extremism In Europe
• International Politics
• Options including:
  • Business & Markets In Global Environment
  • Culture & Ideas In 20th Century Europe
  • Conflict & Disaster
  • International Relations Theory
  • International Politics of the Middle East
  • European Economic Integration
  • Language
  • Foundations of the European Union
  • Governing the EU
  • Stalinism

Final year

Your dissertation is written in the final year, either on a European studies topic, an international relations topic or on an interdisciplinary topic that combines both subjects.

• Dissertation/Major Project 
• Global Political Economy
• Political Economy of EU
• Protecting the Environment in Europe
• One option from:
  • Democracy & Democratisation
  • Strategic & Security Studies

Please note that whilst a range of options will be offered, there will inevitably be some variation in the availability of individual units at any given time.

Teaching and assessment

We provide a varied, creative and stimulating learning environment. Our aim is to enable you to become an independent thinker equipped with skills that will continue to influence your experiences beyond your time at university.

Your courses at University of Portsmouth will involve both lectures and seminars. Most of our seminar teaching is undertaken in small groups so that students acquire skills and confidence in their analytical skills and are encouraged to ask questions and develop arguments and debates. Students are encouraged to work in small teams analysing primary documents and debating contemporary issues so that all students learn from a range of opinions and interpretations and increase their academic abilities in a genial environment. Emphasis is also placed not just on what the student can take from the seminar but what they can bring to the experience and how they interact and learn from their peers.

We use continuous assessment on our degree programmes. The assessment methods are varied, incorporating some formal examinations but with a main focus on assessments through case studies, projects (including using internet resources), presentations, book reviews and creative writing assignments. The focus is to encourage enthusiastic learners by having engaging and challenging assignments that will develop important academic and life skills.

Our staff are highly motivated and research active, ensuring that you are taught by enthusiastic specialists in their subjects.

Career prospects

Your time at University of Portsmouth will help you to develop a wide range of skills in analysis, criticism and argument. Students on our degree programmes often have a worldview and study experience abroad, which makes them flexible and adaptable and highly employable. During your course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of capabilities that are valued by prospective employers. You will have many opportunities to develop transferable key skills such as:

• communication
• research
• time management
• team working
• problem solving

These transferable skills are used in many careers across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Allied with intellectual and academic development, they will provide a sound preparation for the world of work or further study.

Year abroad

Students who choose to study at one of our partner universities within the EU will do so as part of the EU Erasmus ‘student mobility’ programme. This means that you will not have to pay fees (they are waived) and that you will receive a grant from the EU (covering living costs). In addition you will benefit from an intensive language course at the beginning of your stay, which is in many cases provided free of charge as part of the Erasmus programme.

The period spent abroad enhances students’ intercultural awareness, which is a quality increasingly appreciated by employers in a globalised economy.

Career paths

Students of the European Studies degree programmes work in a wide range of professions globally. They have become global business managers, worked for the European Commission or other international organisations, become local government EU liaison advisors and have worked in health administration, banking and teaching. Some have also gone on to postgraduate study.

Facilities and features

The School is located in Park Building, just behind the Guildhall in the centre of the city. Park Building houses two large, modern, high-tech lecture theatres, a number of smaller but equally high-tech lecture theatres, four computer suites, multimedia digital classrooms and editing suites. The Learning Resource Centre provides facilities for independent study, including listening booths, video/DVD/CD players and satellite TV monitors.

You will also have access to the University Library. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides an abundance of information to help with study and research. It has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) European Studies and International Relations for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).