European Studies
The MA in European Studies is a two-year programme with semesters 1 and 2 spent at the home campus and semester 3 and 4 at the partner university, the Europa Universität Flensburg for students starting at UL. Alternatively, students can also apply to study at the EUF in first year and spend the second year at UL. The programme is taught in English at both campuses, but students are encouraged to also study an EU language at beginners or advanced level to gain a more comprehensive sense of the multilingual and multicultural nature of the European Union.
Key Fact:
In 2019, Prof. Joachim Fischer (Course Director, MA European Studies) was awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in European Cultural Studies.
Subjects taught
Programme Content:
Year 1:
Autumn Semester:
Core module: Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of The European Union
* Students select two modules from two different Areas above (Area 1, 2 or 3). It is not possible to select two modules from the same Area. They also select one module from Area 4. During both semesters in Year 1, students may select an optional language module.
Area 1: European Politics & 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'actualite dans la France contemporaine (Issues in Contemporary France)
• Deutsch-irische Beziehungen (Irish-German Cultural Connections)
• Espanol en el mundo contemporáneo (Spanish in the Contemporary World)
Area 4: Skills / Professional Development
• English Language Proficiency 1
• Research Methodologies in Comparative Literature & Cultural Studies
• Professional Development 1: Mastering your Employability
Year 1:
Spring Semester:
*Students select three modules from at least 2 different Areas above (Area 1, 2 or 3). They also select one module from Area 4. During both semesters in Year 1, students may select an optional language module.
Area 1: European Politics & Governance
• Graduate Seminar in European Governance
• Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics
• Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation and Conflict
Area 2: 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
• Culture and the Market
• 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)
Area 4: Skills / Professional Development
• English Language Proficiency 2
• Professional Development 2: Mastering your Employability (3)
Optional language modules available:
• BROADENING: Beginners French
• BROADENING: Beginners German
• BROADENING: Beginners Spanish
• BROADENING: Advanced French (B1)
• BROADENING: Advanced German (B1)
• BROADENING: Advanced Spanish (B1)
Year 2 (at EUF):
Autumn Semester:
Area 1: European Law and Politics
• Current Topics in European Law and Politics
• External Relations of the EU
Area 2: European Society and Economics
• Europe in the Global Economy
• Challenges to European Society
Area 3: Philosophy and Culture of Europe
• Social and Political Philosophy of Europe: Current Topics and Debates
• Cultural Diversity in Europe
Spring Semester:
• MA Thesis.
Research Colloquium with possible excursion to Brussels
Optional language modules available:
• BROADENING: Beginners French
• BROADENING: Beginners German
• BROADENING: Beginners Spanish
• BROADENING: Advanced French (B1)
• BROADENING: Advanced German (B1)
• BROADENING: Advanced Spanish (B1)
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a primary degree in a related discipline, with first or second-class honours (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or an approved equivalent qualification. Candidates should be proficient in the use of English.
Application dates
How to apply:
1. Choose your programme.
2. Check closing date for the programme.
3. Apply online at www.ul.ie
4. Have your supporting documentation ready to upload.
5. Pay the application fee (€35 online / €40 bank draft or cheque).
6. Submit your application.
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
Duration
2 Years Full-Time.