European Studies

This innovative two-year Double Degree MA programme in co-operation with the Europa Universität Flensburg (EUF), Germany is part of UL's response to the changes Brexit is likely to herald. The programme applies the interdisciplinary understanding of European Studies characteristic for UL to postgraduate level and involves key disciplines such as Politics, Law, European Cultural Studies and Modern Languages. 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.

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 2: European Law
• Law of the European Convention of Human Rights
• Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law

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)

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.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above

• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)

• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.

• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1

• GCE 'O' level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above

• Cambridge Assessment English –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade B

• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.

What to Include with Your Application

What to Include with Your Application

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

2 Years Full Time