MA European Studies

Institution University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Method At the institution
Location Portsmouth
Type Masters

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MA European Studies

Objectives Our MA European Studies will enable you to acquire the necessary advanced knowledge and skills which you can use to: -enhance your employability by extending your area of expertise beyond that of your first degree -deepen your existing knowledge of European Studies and specialise in particular areas such as security or policymaking -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 -go on to more advanced research and doctoral study The course at Portsmouth adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Europe. You will study themes such as nationalism and citizenship, integration, transition, democratisation and security. It also involves the advanced study of the European Union, its institutions, law and policy-making. However, unlike some other courses it goes beyond the EU by looking at a wider Europe (the former Soviet states), the relationship between the EU and the wider world (Africa, the Middle East, the US and Russia) and a variety of perspectives such as transnationalism. The course is very much informed by research. Course staff are members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research, which was awarded a top rating of grade five (international quality) in the last Research Assessment Exercise. You will be able to participate alongside other postgraduates in the events run by the Centre such as seminars, lectures, conferences and the regular study days.
Academic title MA European Studies
Course description This course includes a wide range of units covering different themes in contemporary Europe. The assessment within these units is such that you will be able to specialise in the areas of a unit that particularly interests them.

The following core units are taken. These ensure that students are exposed to a variety of approaches to the study of Europe from which they can choose their future area of research specialisation:

-European integration: from the cold war to the present
-Nationalism, ethnicity and citizenship
-European Union: institutions, law and theories
-Democratisation and rransition in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union
-Security politics in Europe

Students then choose any two units from the following:

-External relations of the EU
-Governing Europe
-Policymaking in the EU
-Transnational Europe since 1945

Further options can be taken from a list of other units on offer in the Faculty such as European environmental law and policy; and in areas such as languages and translation, criminal justice studies, public administration.

You will also take the unit researching Europe, which introduces you to research methods and resources in the European area, which will help you to prepare for researching your dissertation.

The dissertation can be undertaken on an approved topic of your choice. All students are allotted a supervisor who will support you during the research and writing of your dissertatio