MA
European Studies
We are top rated for European Studies research
Course Overview
Why take this course?
If you are interested in contemporary European affairs such as nationalism, security, governance and policymaking, democratisation in Eastern Europe and the external relations of the EU, you will enjoy this course's attention to themes such as nationalism and citizenship, integration, transition and security. The course is very much informed by research undertaken in the highly regarded Centre for European and International Studies Research.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Enhance your employability by extending your area of expertise beyond that of your first degree
- Deepen your existing knowledge of European Studies and specialise in particular areas such as security or policymaking
- Make yourself stand out in an increasingly competitive job market by acquiring skills which show an ability to research independently and study a contemporary topic at an advanced level
- Go on to more advanced research and doctoral study
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course provides an excellent basis for careers where a knowledge of European affairs is required, and provides advanced training in a range of transferable skills.
Former students have gone on to work in various areas including:
- local government
- the UK civil service
- foreign government and European institutions
- teaching and further research
The great thing about MA level study is that courses can, to some extent, be shaped to fit a students interests and expertise.
George Byrne, MA European Studies student 2013
Key Facts
- Duration
- 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Entry
A good honours degree in a social science, humanities or related subject.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.- Fees
Home/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £4,500. International full-time students: £10,500.
Home/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man part-time students: £2250 p/a* (2 years)
International part-time students: £5,250 p/a* (2 years)
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- humanities.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 8299 - Department
- School of Social, Historical and Literary Studies
Structure & Teaching
The units on the course are designed to provide a wide range of approaches to the study of Europe. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree means that students can combine political and contemporary history perspectives with those from international relations and area studies. While students can choose to specialise in the study of the EU the course also encourages the study of Europe in its wider sense including the former Soviet Union and Europe’s relations with the wider world.
The structure of core units and options on the degree is designed to maximise the ability of students to fashion a course which best suits their needs and interests. For example, if you wish you can choose to specialise in the area of European politics and governance or you can concentrate on Europe’s external relations and foreign and security perspectives. However, you can also design a more mixed selection.
All students take the following core units:-
- Challenges to EU Politics and Governance
- Dissertation/Major Project
You will also choose 3 out of the following:-
- Europe: Integration and Democratisation
- Global Governance
- Nation and Identity in Europe
- Europe and the World
- Negotiation and Lobbying in the EU: A simulation game
- Contemporary Security in International Relations: Providers and Challenges
- Independent Project
- Work-based Learning
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is conducted through a combination of lectures and seminars. In addition, you will have access to staff on an individual tutorial basis. You will also be assigned a dissertation supervisor to support you in the research and writing of your dissertation.
Classes are timetabled in the afternoons and evenings. Depending on their option choices part-time students are usually able to structure their course so as to concentrate their studies on one and no more than two afternoons/evenings.
How are you assessed?
Assessment is normally in the form of an extended essay on a specific topic within a unit, allowing you to specialise on a subject that particularly interests you within the broad topic area of the unit.
Tutor's view
Dr Anna Syngellakis
Languages and Area Studies
European Studies - the history, institutions, policy and law of the European Union and key member states - has been important at Portsmouth since the 1990s. Our students come from all over Europe to join a truly European learning environment where languages and cultures interact and inform each other.
Facilities & Features
CEISR
Centre for European and International Studies Research
Links to Europe
Link your MA to related courses on the continent
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books
CEISR
On your Master's, 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.
Links to Europe
Students benefit from the MA course's links with postgraduate European studies courses in other European universities - Maastricht, Aachen, Krakow, Trondheim and The Hague. This adds to the international atmosphere on the degree.
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 e-journals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
The current processes of enlargement of the EU to the East and the further integration of the EU have meant that more than ever there is a demand for people with an advanced knowledge of European affairs and the workings of the EU. This applies to a whole range of areas such as business, local and central government and international institutions.
This course therefore provides an excellent basis for those seeking careers in such areas where a knowledge of European affairs is required. It can be used by students coming from a different background to gain the necessary expertise in European Studies or it can be used by those with an existing background to deepen their area of expertise with a particular career focus on European affairs in mind.
In addition the course provides advanced training in a range of transferable skills which can be applied in different areas of employment.
Career planning
One of the benefits of studying at Portsmouth is the support that we provide to our Master's and Research Degrees students in career planning. Our careers and recruitment service – Purple Door – can assist you in career research and finding employment opportunities. Help is also available if you wish to find a part-time job while studying your degree. We offer our postgraduate students and alumni one-to-one appointments with a careers adviser, or an online service for those not able to travel back to the University. Our alumni can call on our career services for five years after graduation.
In addition, regular employability events offer you the chance to meet employers, find out about different career sectors and improve your applications or CV. The Graduate Summer Programme provides a range of guidance and employability seminars and workshops.