BA (Hons)
European Union Studies
Complete your European studies in Portsmouth.
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course is informed by current research, maximising students’ exposure to current research in European Studies. Most staff teaching on the course are members of the Centre for European & International Studies Research (CEISR), which in the last UK research assessment exercise was awarded the highest rating for research power, with the majority of our research being judged world-leading or internationally excellent. Its activities have been funded by major UK and European research councils, including the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the European Science Foundation, the Economic and Social research Council, the European Commission, UNESCO, the British Academy and various NGOs.
They will have the opportunity to further their knowledge of the EU through a flexible programme of taught units and a year-long independent project under the guidance of a personal tutor.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- spend the final year of their undergraduate degree programme at the University of Portsmouth, home to the UK’s largest interdisciplinary research centre in European Studies.
- enter direct into Level 6 (the final year) of our European Union Studies degree programme, if you have successfully completed two years’ study on a European Studies/International Politics degree programme in your home institution.
- take the prestigious EU-sponsored Jean Monnet Module, which provides an experiential, comprehensive understanding of the EU policy making process.
What opportunities might it lead to?
Graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of international contexts requiring knowledge of the EU and will gain a range of transferable skills which can be applied in different areas of employment. In a context where regional blocs have emerged as key global players, there is a demand for people with an advanced knowledge of European affairs and the workings of the EU. This applies to a range of areas such as business, local and central government and international institutions such as the UN. The programme also offers an ideal route into postgraduate study.
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
- Duration
- 1 year full time
- Entry
Only those who have previously studied at higher education level should apply. Applicants normally require 2 or 3 years of relevant HE study plus English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score less than 6.0 or equivalent.
Other qualifications- Fees
Home/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students : £8,750
International students: £10,500- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Languages and Area Studies
Subject:
Modern Languages and Area Studies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Combining language learning with the study of culture and politics, promoting a deeper understanding of a country/countries of study
- Fantastic opportunities for spending a year abroad
- Interactive and practical nature of studying that will prepare you for a wide range of careers
Structure & Teaching
Modules available include:
- Governing the EU
- Applying EU Policy
- Fighting over Europe: parties, business, NGOs and lobbying in the EU
- The EU in Global Context
The course is also available with an English language pathway.
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.
Facilities & Features
International Office
A dedicated team of advisers to support you as you settle into life in Portsmouth and at the University
CEISR
Centre for European and International Studies Research
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
International Office
We are a very cosmopolitan community with more than 4,000 international and EU students from over 100 different countries. The role of the International Office is to provide you with extensive support to make your time here as stress-free and enjoyable as possible, enabling you to focus on your studies. One of the team almost certainly has direct experience of your culture and may even speak your language.
CEISR
On this course, you will be studying with members of CEISR, the UK's largest centre for European Studies. Rated top for research in European Studies (Research Power Index), the Centre can offer a varied programme drawing on the wide range of research expertise within the Centre.
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
- MEP parliamentary assistant
- charity fundraiser
Career planning
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.