European Studies MA/PGDip

This programme offers students the opportunity to undertake intensive and specialised study of the European Union. Students will be able to work with field experts in European integration, security, political economy, protest movements and political parties.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Taught

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Start date: September

Contact

For further information contact:

Programme convenor
David Bailey
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2991
Email: d.j.bailey@bham.ac.uk

The Graduate School Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497
Email: e.bradley@bham.ac.uk

Details

The European Union now comprises 27 nation-states with a population of more than 500 million, all living under common laws and sharing aspects of political rule. This degree explores theories and policies for the analysis of European integration, and their relevance in providing a perspective to evaluate current problems of European governance.

This degree offers students the opportunity to undertake intensive and specialised study of this exciting and increasingly significant regional project. Students will be able to work with field experts in European integration, security, political economy, protest movements and political parties. They also can take advantage of the Institute for German Studies, housed in the POLSIS Department, and they can join the week-long POLSIS study trip to Brussels in Spring term, offering an inside view of EU institutions and NATO headquarters.

Issues examined include:

  • The history and theory of European integration
  • EU institutions and political dynamics
  • European security, including Europe as a security actor on the world stage
  • Europe in the global economy
  • The European social model and political parties in Europe
  • The transformation and integration of Eastern and Central European states

One of the real strengths of our masters programmes is the wide range of available modules, giving students the ability to tailor their course of study to their own academic interests.

Modules

This degree comprises the following modules:

Compulsory core module:

Compulsory:

  • 60 credits - Dissertation MA students to submit a 13,500 word dissertation (not applicable to Diploma Students)

40 credits from the following:

40 additional credits chosen from the following:

Fees and funding

Fees for 2013 - 14:

Masters (MA):

  • UK/EU full-time: £5,130
  • UK/EU part-time: £2,565
  • International full-time: £13,200

Postgraduate Diploma:

  • UK/EU full-time: £5,130
  • UK/EU part-time: £2,565
  • International full-time: £13,200

Please check with the Department for the latest fees information.

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the School directly or visit studenthelp.bham.ac.uk 

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree or its equivalent. For those whose first language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS Certificate is required. Entry at Graduate Diploma level is possible for those with a reasonable first degree. Graduate Diploma students can upgrade to the MA on satisfactory examination performance.

Learn more about entry requirements.

International students:

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Contact

For further information contact:

Programme convenor
David Bailey
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2991
Email: d.j.bailey@bham.ac.uk

The Graduate School Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497
Email: e.bradley@bham.ac.uk

Learning and teaching

We advocate an enquiry-based approach to learning, which means that we encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner. Through the programme of study we offer, we will develop the qualities that employers value in today's university graduates - qualities that will set you apart in your future career.

To help you develop the above-mentioned skills, we adopt a range of teaching methods. They may include:

  • Lectures - listening to experts sharing their knowledge and discoveries in challenging and provocative ways. Students are expected to 'read-around' the subject matter of their lectures, adding to their understanding and developing their critical faculties and analytical skills.
  • Seminars - where you present and discuss your ideas and knowledge in smaller groups and debate interpretations and opinions with other students.
  • Tutorials - are your opportunity to discuss your work with your tutor, usually in small groups.
  • Workshops - are problem solving sessions facilitated by a member of academic staff; these sessions usually involve students working in groups.

Our lecturers and tutors will ensure you have all the resources you need to make the transition from A levels to the more rigorous demands of a degree.

More about teaching and learning at the University of Birmingham.

Contact

For further information contact:

Programme convenor
David Bailey
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2991
Email: d.j.bailey@bham.ac.uk

The Graduate School Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497
Email: e.bradley@bham.ac.uk

Employability

Careers

Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in areas such as the civil service, the media, NGOs, think tanks the EU, the Council of Europe, the UN and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. 

Contact

For further information contact:

Programme convenor
David Bailey
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 2991
Email: d.j.bailey@bham.ac.uk

The Graduate School Secretary
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497
Email: e.bradley@bham.ac.uk