ObjectivesThe MA European Law and Policy aims to provide you with the necessary advanced knowledge and skills to: -enhance your employability by extending your area of expertise beyond that of your first degree -boost your career within your existing area of employment by becoming a specialist in this crucial field -deepen your knowledge of European affairs in the area of law and policy -make yourself stand out in an increasingly competitive job market by acquiring skills which show an ability to research independently and study a contemporary topic at an advanced level The course places the study of law in the wider context of EU politics. You will study the principles of European law and key areas of law such as human rights and competition law. You will also look at policy-making and key areas of European policy (such as regional, monetary and environmental policy) as well as the operation of EU institutions. The course draws on the combined strengths of two faculties at Portsmouth, the Portsmouth Business School and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The curriculum is informed by the legal background and research and scholarly expertise of the staff involved. Staff are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research. European Studies at Portsmouth received a top grade five (international quality) in the last national Research Assessment Exercise.
Academic titleMA European Law And Policy
Course descriptionOur course is not a professional law qualification, but is aimed at those who need to acquire a knowledge of EU law, institutions and policy-making processes because of the career they wish to pursue or are pursuing. Since most students come without a background in law, an initial crash course (an intensive two-day programme) introduces the general principles of law that you will need.
You will then take the following units
-European Union: institutions, law and theories
-Comparative public policy and administration
-International trade and EU competition law
-International human rights and EU social law
-Policy-making in the EU
In addition, you choose either Employment law or information technology law and one further option from the
following:
-External relations of the EU
-Governing Europe
-Policy evaluation
-European environmental law and policy
-Democratisation and transition in Eastern Europe
-Terrorism and political violence
-International and transnational offending
Further options are also available from other Masters courses in the Portsmouth Business School and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
You will also undertake research management training in the unit researching Europe. This introduces you to research methods and resources and prepares you for the research and writing of your dissertation, which will be between 12,000 and 15,000 words. Your dissertation can be written on an approved topic of your choice.