UCC Undergraduate courses

Arts - European Studies

Course Fact File
CodeSubject available through multiple programmes
Subject TitleEuropean Studies
Teaching ModeFull-time
QualificationsBA (Hons)
NFQ LevelLevel 8
FeesStudent Contribution + Capitation: €3,130 See Fees and Costs for full details.

Course Outline

European Studies is a unique multidisciplinary subject, in which you will explore the processes and consequences of political, diplomatic, administrative and economic decision-making in the European Union. As a European Studies graduate, you will be prepared for the challenges associated with a more interdependent and enlarged EU.

European Studies is anchored by the School of History. Other participating Schools and Departments include Geography; Law; and Food Business and Development. European Studies will provide you with insight into the EU as a system of multilevel governance and with a critical understanding of contemporary developments within the Union.

This challenging and rewarding course equips students to develop independent thinking, strong communication and negotiation skills, cultural understanding and research expertise.

You will scrutinise the evolution, treaties, functioning, institutions and policies of the EU. You can investigate the EU in the context of international relations and its role in shaping the global system. You can also explore national-level policies and politics in individual EU member states.

European Studies is available within a BA or BA International degree.

In the BA, European Studies is available as a subject in Year 1 only.

In the BA International, European Studies can be pursued to degree level (as part of the BA International) for students selecting it preferably with one of the following subjects: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or English. Students spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in a country appropriate to their studies and/or the major language studied.

Modules

Year 1 Modules

  • ES1002 Introduction to Europe and the European Union (5 credits)
  • ES1003 The Nature and Political Evolution of the EC/EU (5 credits)
  • ES1004 Europe: Rural Societies, Economies & Policies (5 credits)

In both the BA and BA International you will explore the processes and consequences of political, diplomatic, administrative, socio-economic and environmental decision-making in Europe. If you choose BA International, you will continue to Year 2 as outlined below.

Year 2 Modules

Core

Methodologies, Data Analysis & Research; Model European Union

Electives

Europe, Ireland and the Wider World II; The European Union and the International System; Comparative European Politics I; Institutions of the European Union; Mediterranean Politics; 1989 Revolutions: Poland and East Central Europe; Geography of Tourism; Contemporary Human Migration & European Settlement and Society; Cities of Diversity; Economic and Rural Geography.

Year 3 Modules

As part of the BA (International), you will spend this year studying at a university in a country appropriate to your studies and/or your major language subject, for example:

  • Spain (Barcelona, Seville, Santiago, Salamanca and Cadiz)
  • Germany (Munich, Bonn and Konstanz)
  • Austria (Innsbruck)
  • Sweden (Lund)
  • Italy (Bologna, Siena, Florence and Perugia)
  • France (Aix-en-Provence (IEP), Paris III and Sciences Po, Lyon 3 and Rennes I and II)

UCC also enjoys partnerships with English language speaking institutions in Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada and South America.

Year 4 Modules

Core

Research Dissertation

Electives

Ireland & International Relations: From Independence to Globalisation; Capitalism, Communism and the Cold War: East and West Germany (1945-1990); The EU Periphery: Minority Issues, Nationalism and Identity Politics; Geography of Heritage; Historical Geographies of the City; Geopolitics and Geostrategies; Regional and Local Planning; Northern Ireland; International Relations; State and Economy in Independent Ireland 1922-2000; US Collective Memory, Intervention and the Impact of Vietnam since 1968; Constitutional & Institutional Law of the EU; Economic Law of the EU.

Academic Programme Catalogue

See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

Teaching takes place through lectures and tutorials, through small group work and by use of project and dissertation research. European Studies also employs the valuable online Blackboard at UCC.

The contact hours, lectures, small group work and research required will vary, depending on the modules for which you register.

Expected lecture hours: European Studies lectures take place Monday to Friday.

  • In Year 1, lectures take place three times per week. Tutorials are also offered.  
  • In Year 2, core modules involve research techniques, as well as a Model European Union. You will also be offered an extensive range of optional modules.
  • Year 3 is spent abroad and you also begin research for your final year dissertation.
  • In Year 4, you continue to design your degree in line with your interests.  You will also produce a research dissertation, in consultation with an assigned supervisor.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules offered by the participating Schools and Departments use other types of assessment. The variety of assessment methods offers you the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Why Choose This Course

The unique multidisciplinary nature of this subject is a major advantage. You can choose from a range of modules in History, Geography, Law, Political Science and Food Business and Development.

In addition, you can major in another subject permitted by the Arts table or, preferably one of the following: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or English. You can also opt to minor in a second language.

Highlights include:

  • the innovative Model European Union (Year 2)
  • the unique and valuable year abroad (Year 3)
  • cultivating expertise in a chosen subject (Year 3-4 Research Dissertation) 

This challenging and rewarding course equips you to develop critical linguistic and communication skills and expertise concerning EU developments, skills that support a wide range of occupations.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad: If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. Here are some examples of current links:

  • Spain (Barcelona, Seville, Santiago, Salamanca and Cadiz)
  • Germany (Munich, Bonn, and Konstanz)
  • Italy (Bologna, Siena, Florence and Perugia)
  • France (Aix-en-Provence (IEP), Paris III and Sciences Po, Lyon 3 and Rennes I and II)

Work placement: If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

European Studies graduates have pursued careers in a variety of areas including:

  • European public and private sectors
  • Foreign Affairs
  • EU Institutions and Agencies
  • Government Departments
  • Communications
  • Administration
  • Marketing and Management
  • Research
  • NGOs and Charities
  • Policy Analysis
  • Consultancy
  • Academia
  • Media, PR and Journalism  

Possible career paths are as varied as your individual interests.

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108. You can find out details on language-specific entry requirements in the points-to-note section in the Arts and Arts International pages of the Academic Programme Catalogue. 

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

  • Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
  • The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
  • See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
  • Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
  • Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

European Studies is available as a BA or BA International degree. In the BA, European Studies is available as a subject in Year 1 onlyIn the  BA International, European Studies can be pursued to degree level (as part of the BA International) for students selecting it with preferably one of the following subjects: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or English. Students spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in a country appropriate to their studies and/or the major language studied.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO. 

Mature Applicants 

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants 

Apply via the CAOSee our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process. 

Non-EU Applicants 

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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