BA (Hons)
European Studies and International Relations
Understanding Europe and its place in the world
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Does the EU deserve the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize? What does this, alongside other transformations in the historical, political and social structures of Europe, mean for the continent and its global relations? This richly multidisciplinary course will help you gain the skills and knowledge to answer these questions.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Study Europe from an international and cross-disciplinary perspective
- Learn from members of CEISR, the UK's largest European Studies research centre
- Study on the south coast, a short trip from other European cultures
- Undertake work or research placements, volunteer roles and internships alongside your study
What opportunities might it lead to?
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 global worldview, resulting in flexible, adaptable and highly employable graduates. During your course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable key skills such as:
- communication
- research
- time management
- team working
- problem solving
It is a rich and diverse course linking together many disciplines that I'm interested in such as history, politics, economics, law, cultural and social studies.
Olga Kleska, BA (Hons) European Studies student
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- RL92
- Duration
- 3 years full time
- Entry
200-280 points from 3 A levels or equivalent.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £10,500 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Subject:
History, Politics and Social Studies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The diverse spread of subjects offered and ability to complete your own research
- The critical thinking, analytical and debating skills you’ll develop
- The passionate lecturers with a wide range of specialist research expertise
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
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:
- Nation, Language and Identity
- Business & Markets In Global Environment
- Culture & Ideas In 20th Century Europe
- Conflict & Disaster
- International Relations Theory
- International Politics of the Middle East
- Foundations of the European Union
- Governing the European Union
- Foundations of the European Union
- Russian and Eurasian Politics
- Managing Across Cultures
- Languages
- Learning from Experience
Year three
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
Teaching and Assessment
We provide a varied, creative and stimulating learning environment, with enthusiastic teaching staff drawn from our research centre, CEISR. You will be taught in lectures and small-group seminars to develop your confidence and analytical skills through questions and debates around primary documents and contemporary issues. 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.
How are you assessed?
We use continuous assessment on our degree programmes. Methods are varied, including some formal examinations but with a main focus on assessment through engaging and challenging case studies, projects, presentations, book reviews and creative writing.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
The Study Centre
A suite of rooms with group working spaces, printers, Mac workstations and more
Research-Active Staff
Academic staff split their time between research and teaching
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
The Study Centre
A suite of rooms with a comfy seating area, desks where you can work, printers, Mac workstations and access to the wireless network so you can log in using your own laptop. There are also several study rooms where you can work on group projects, alongside access to the University 3rd Space.
Research-Active Staff
You will be taught by specialist staff who are actively undertaking research in this field, ensuring your learning keeps you abreast of the latest developments. Staff are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), the UK's largest research centre of its kind.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
You could find work within the European Commission and multinational organisations as global business managers or EU liaison advisers. Roles our graduates have moved into include:
- European commission administrator
- business analyst
- assistant international coordinator
- translations coordinator
- charity fundraiser
Work experience
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.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more