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Undergraduate Students

European Studies

Why Study European Studies?

European Studies introduces students to a wide range of European issues and how these can be analysed. It looks at the major institutions, history and policies of the EU since 1945 and their impact on the human and physical landscapes. It also gives students an understanding and an appreciation of the development of the EU. This is further enhanced in Third Year when students get to spend the year studying at a European university. Students who successfully complete Arts I with the required subjects (European Studies and a modern continental language) will have the option of choosing the European Studies stream in Year 2.

Overview

The departments of Geography and History anchor the European Studies pathway. The course offers an integrated programme of study on contemporary Europe. It explores the processes of political, diplomatic, administrative, economic, planning and business decision-making in Europe. Analysis and interpretation of the complexities of contemporary European development are addressed through an evaluation of EU policies. 

First year European Studies looks at post-1945 Europe focussing on the development of the EU as a new political and economic entity.

Second Year offers, in addition to two core modules, a wide choice of options, European Politics, Migration, Economic & Urban Development, Tourism, Comparative European Government and Administration.

In Third Year students attend a university in the country of their selected language.

In Fourth Year, students complete a research project on a topic relating to the country where they spent their third year. They also have a choice of a range of modules which deepen their understanding of contemporary European affairs.

For module descriptions, see the Book of Modules for European Studies.

Postgraduate Opportunities

• MA in European Studies.
• MA in European Development Studies.
• MPhil/PhD in European Studies.

Study Placement

In Third Year, students attend a university in a country of their selected language.

  • In France: Rennes I and II; Nantes; Paros III; Sciences Po; Lyon III; Aix-en Provence IEP; Limoges
  • In Germany: Munich; Konstanz; Bonn
  • In Austria: Innsbruck
  • In Italy: Siena; Florence; Perugia; Bologna
  • In Spain: Santiago; Salamanca; Seville; Cadiz

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Contact Undergraduate Admissions:  T:+353 (0)21 490 3571 | E: admissions@ucc.ie | F:+353 (0)21 490 3233 |
Addr: Admissions Office, West Wing, University College Cork, Cork |
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