MA European Studies: University of Westminster

Introduction

The inter-disciplinary MA European Studies has been running successfully since 2002. Based on the twin core disciplines of Contemporary History and Political Science, it includes optional modules drawn from these disciplines as well as from a variety of other disciplines including Geography, International Relations, Criminology and Environmental Economics.

The course aims to provide a postgraduate understanding of the European Union (EU). At the start of the 21st Century, the EU stands as one of the world’s leading economic and political powers. Its international activities span international trade, diplomacy, security, conflict prevention, and overseas aid and development. This course approaches the study of the EU by examining the dynamics of its development over the entire post-war period as well as its current operation in a variety of different fields. It combines a rigorous grounding in history and theory together with professionally relevant knowledge and debate on leading issues.

The course is hosted by the Department of Social and Historical Studies and is based in the University of Westminster’s flagship building at 309 Regent Street. This means you will be studying in the heart of London with ready access to the capital's excellent academic, social and cultural opportunities, and half a mile from the Houses of Parliament.

Course Content

The course is organised around the two core disciplines of history and political studies. It examines contemporary Europe and European integration within the context of changing social, economic and political processes emphasising the importance of such phenomena as patterns of trade, political economy, social movements, national and international security, and the challenges of enlargement. In addition it offers the opportunity to study many of these phenomena from the perspective of other disciplines such as criminology, business and economics and geography.

Core modules:

• Dissertation
• Governance of the European Union
• The History and Theory of European Integration

Options, choose four from:

• European Business and the Environment
• Globalisation and Post-Socialist Transition
• Policing the New Europe
• The European Union as an International Actor
• The Evolution of Social Partnership in Western Europe
• The Roots of Globalisation: Britain, Europe and the International Economy since 1870
• The State, Politics and Violence

Associated Careers

While the European Union itself is an expanding organisation offering a number of employment opportunities, a knowledge of the EU is increasingly required by business, industry and the service sector. Graduates from this course also have the possibility of pursuing further postgraduate study at MPhil or PhD levels.

Entry Requirements

• The course is open to those with a good Honours degree (normally Upper Second Class or equivalent) in an appropriate social science or humanities discipline.
• You will need fluent written and spoken English to study at postgraduate level.
• If your first language is not English, an attainment of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent must be demonstrated.
• The University offers pre-sessional summer programmes if you need to improve your English before starting your course.