ObjectivesThis well-established programme combines the fields of European politics, business and law into a single degree. The compulsory modules ensure that all students will have knowledge of each of the three fields, while optional modules and the dissertation give you the chance to specialise. The focus of the programme is Europe in its broad contemporary environment, including its political, economic and legal integration. The programme thus employs three disciplinary standpoints, enabling students to acquire a coherent understanding of Europe's interrelated political, legal and economic/business structures and how they operate, be it in the internal workings of the EU, in Europe's role as an international actor or in transnational business activity across Europe. The programme also includes a module on Research Methods to prepare students for writing the dissertation.
Entry requirementsThe programme has been designed for graduates in humanities, social sciences, law or languages who wish to develop their vocational prospects for a career in business, law, the media, the European or home civil service, or any other field with a European orientation. Graduates of this programme have gone on to work in: public affairs in Brussels; local government; the media; and tourism. A number have also progressed to doctoral study.
Academic titleMA/PGDip in European Politics, Business and Law
Course descriptionMA/PGDip in European Politics, Business and Law Module overview
Core Modules
The State and European Integration
This module provides an introduction to the European Union. This starts with understanding the historical roots of the integration process. The second part of the module provides a number of different perspectives on the European Union's operation, both in terms of actors and of policies. It concludes with some perspectives on the European Union's future development.
Law of the EC Single Market
This module equips students with a thorough appreciation of the complexities of the legal framework that underpins the economic integration fundamental to the establishment of the Single Market within the European Union.
European Economies and Economic Integration
This module studies the economics of integration primarily within the European Union. Attention is also given to European Union trade and aid policies for Eastern Europe and for Less Developed Countries.
Introduction to Research
This module provides an introduction to the design and conduct of social science research. Throughout, examples will be drawn from recent research in the areas of politics and policy. However, emphasis is placed on the applicability of these methods to other subject areas across the social sciences.
Optional modules include:
European and International Marketing
This module examines the principal international marketing theories and concepts. Students are then encouraged to apply these through case studies and individual marketing analyses.
European Environmental Policy and Law
This module develops students' knowledge of environmental law within the European Union together with a critical awareness of legal policy, enforcement and jurisprudential issues which shape this area of law.
The Changing Face of Eastern Europe
This module considers the historical and contemporary position of Central and Eastern Europe in the European system of states. In particular, it explores the impact of major external forces in the form of Soviet Communism and of European integration under the European Union.
European Human Resource Management and Business Environment
This module examines principal European business and human resource management issues and explanatory theories within a comparative context.
Theories of European Integration
This module provides a critical overview of the wide range of theories that have been applied to the process of European integration. After a brief historical overview of pertinent events, the module engages with different families of theory, before giving students an opportunity to compare, contrast and reconcile the differing approaches.
Law of EC External Trade
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of the European Community in the arena of global trade and enables them to appreciate the current state of the Community's activities in the external field.
The European Social Dimension
This module assesses the development of a 'European Social Dimension' as part of the process of European integration. It explores the impact of Europeanisation and globalisation on the European welfare model, and introduces students to different theoretical approaches to the study of European social policy.
Typical entry requirements
A good undergraduate degree (First or Second class) in a social science, humanities, law or European language discipline (or an equivalent qualification). In exceptional cases, students with relevant practical experience but no first degree may also be admitted. In addition, students whose first language is not English will be expected to have achieved a minimum of IELTS 6.5.