European Studies

Key programme benefits to future students

Its interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with diverse perspectives on current issues in European politics, economics, law, and culture, and prepares students for a wide range of employment options.



Graduates obtain two MA degrees from both participating institutions.



Key Fact: Students on this programme will spend year 1 at University of Limerick and year 2 at Europa Universität Flensburg in Germany.

Year 1 - University of Limerick:

Autumn Modules

• Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union

• Two electives from two different areas:



Area 1: European Politics and Governance | Graduate Seminar in International Relations | Public Administration: Theory and Practice | Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory;



Area 2: European Law | Law of the European Convention of Human Rights | Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law;



Area 3: European Cultural Studies - 3a In English: Comparative Literature: Cultural Constructions of the Past | Literature of Migration | Language and Culture, 3b In French/German/Spanish: Questions d’actualité dans la France contemporaine (Issues in Contemporary France) | Deutsch-irische Beziehungen (Irish-German Cultural Connections) | Español en el mundo contemporáneo (Spanish in the Contemporary World)



Spring Modules

• Two electives from two different areas:



Area 1: European Politics and Governance | Graduate Seminar in European Governance | Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics | Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation and Conflict;



Area 2: European Law | Comparative and European Criminal Justice | International Criminal Law | European Criminal Law;



Area 3: European Cultural Studies - 3a In English: Utopian Theory and Texts | Textual Constructions of Cultural Identity: Regional, National, Ethnic, European | Critical Economic and Media Studies | People on the Move: Studying Migration, 3b In French/German/ Spanish: Theory and Practice of Translation (French) | Theory and Practice of Translation (German) | Theory and Practice of Translation (Spanish)



Year 2 - Europa Universität, Flensburg:

Autumn Modules

• Select a total of 30 CP:

Area 1: Political and Legal Europe Current Topics in EU Law and Politics (10 CP) | External Relations of the EU (5 CP);



Area 2: Societal and Economic Europe | Transformation of European Economies (5 CP) | Challenges to European Society (10 CP);



Area 3: European Ideas and Diversity | Social and Political Philosophy of Europe (5 CP) | Cultural Diversity in Europe (5 CP)



Spring Modules

• MA Thesis

• Research Colloquium

• Elective: Optional study trip to Brussels

Applicants must have a primary degree in a related discipline, with first or second-class honours (Level 8 - QQI) or an approved equivalent qualification. Candidates should be proficient in the use of English.



What to Include with Your Application

Letter of motivation

Qualification transcripts and certificates

A copy of your birth certificate or passport

If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice

If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:

• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts

AND

• English language competency certificate



Please note that non-EU students will require a separate visa for Germany to study the second year of the programme at Europa-Universität Flensburg. Completion of the second year at Europa-Universität Flensburg is a prerequisite for graduating from the programme with an MA degree.



For information about the additional financial implications and administrative steps required for studying at Europa-Universität Flensburg, please see this information about visa applications [embed link: https://www.uni-flensburg.de/en/international/coming-to-flensburg/international-students/before-you-come-to-flensburg#c138349] and blocked accounts [embed link: https://www.uni-flensburg.de/en/international/coming-to-flensburg/international-students/after-you-arrive#c138302].”



Guidelines for completing your application

The application should include a motivation letter of no more than two pages, highlighting any existing training or relevant practical experience in this area, outlining the applicant’s general interest in European Studies, and explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying for admission to this particular degree programme.



Please upload the above documents with your application form and title them appropriately (for example, "Letter of motivation", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate", etc.)

Preparing your Application:

1. Research your programme: Each postgraduate programme at University of Limerick is unique. Explore your course content, duration, fees, and entry requirements on ul.ie.



2. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the course you are interested in. This usually includes your undergraduate degree award, subject specialities, English language proficiency (for non-native speakers), and any specific requirements for the course.



3. Prepare Documents: Gather all the necessary documents. This typically includes your academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and references. If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency.



4. Online Application: Once you are ready to apply, visit your postgraduate programme page on ul.ie/gps and use the Apply Now button to access UL’s online application system. You will need to create an account if you are a new user.



5. Complete the Application: Fill in the application form with all the required details. This will include personal information and academic history.



6. Upload Documents: Upload all the necessary documents that you prepared earlier. Make sure they are clear and legible.



7. Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct and then submit your application. The application fee for your postgraduate application is €50. This includes an option to choose a second choice.



8. Track Your Application: After submission, you can track the status of your application through the online application system.



9. Interview: Depending on the programme, you may be invited for an interview. This could be in person or online.



10. Acceptance: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer email from the university. You will need to accept this offer to secure your place.



Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and places offered to successful candidates. This means that it’s a good idea to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a place.



Please note that these steps are a general guide and the exact process may vary depending on the specific programme and your individual circumstances. Always check the University of Limerick website or contact the postgraduate admissions department for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

2 years part-time, on-campus.

Autumn

Graduate careers

The programme prepares graduates for a labour market in an increasingly integrated European Union, where deeper insights into the workings of the EU, as well as economic, legal, and cultural aspects of European societies (incl. language skills) will be in ever more in demand. It is particularly well-suited for students who hope to pursue a career in organisations with a trans- or international dimension, be they governmental (e.g. EU institutions, UN agencies, diplomatic service, national administration), non-governmental (e.g. interest groups, cultural institutions, media), or private organisations (e.g. consultancies, multinational companies). The programme also provides a solid academic foundation for further doctoral research in related disciplines.