Master European Studies and International Business
ObjectivesThe MA European Studies and International Business aims to provide students with an advanced level of knowledge of the European Union (EU) and a critical awareness of the strengths and limits of European integration, alongside the enhancement of subject and generic skills appropriate to a graduate’s career intentions. This programme is based upon the successful Masters in Business Studies, which is aimed at recent graduates from all disciplines, not necessarily in business related subjects. Applicants do not need work experience. Recent graduates have gone on to work as Research Assistants in the European Parliament, a European officer in the Merseyside Brussels office, in the Civil Service as Journalists, as an Environmental Researcher, an NGO field worker, as well as further postgraduate study.
Entry requirementsCandidates are normally expected to have, at minimum, a good Lower Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject eg European Studies, Politics, Social Science, Business, Law etc. In addition candidates whose entry qualifications were not assessed in English must have attained a level of competence in English at least equivalent to an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of 560. Non-graduates will be considered provided they satisfy general University requirements and possess appropriate professional qualifications or experience. A Foundation Course in European Studies is available for students deficient in this area.
Academic titleMA European Studies and International Business
Course descriptionCourse outline
EUROPEAN STUDIES MODULES
-Theories of Integration
-EU in theWorld
-EU Policy Process
-Research Methods
BUSINESS MODULES
-International Management
-International Business and Trade
-Strategic Management
DISSERTATION
Module Outlines
THEORIES OF INTEGRATION
An examination of the relationships between theories of integration and their intellectual environment, and of the connections between integration theory and theoretical perspectives within the Social Sciences. Evaluation of the heuristic tools appropriate to the study of the European Union.
EU POLICIES AND PROCESSES
This 20 credit module will assess competing theoretical perspectives on the policy process and evaluate their relevance in the context of the European Union. It will compare and contrast EU policy processes in several sectors and analyse their implications for decision-making at member state, regional and local levels, as well as evaluating the public impact of EU policy initiatives in a range of issue areas. The module will encompass EU policies pertinent to student interests/expertise.
RESEARCH METHODS
A theoretical background and programme of training for postgraduate studies, including approaches to methodology, quantitative research methods and data analysis, the role/ application of IT resources and related transferable skills through CAL.
THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE WORLD
This 20 credit core module is based on ongoing staff research interests. It entails conceptualisation of the EU’s roles as a regional and global actor and systematic evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of EU external action in a wide range of policy areas – from international trade and development assistance to humanitarian rescue and peacekeeping.
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
This double-weighted compulsory module takes place during the first semester. It provides a stimulating and comprehensive introduction to the subject area, enabling participants to identify the key issues concerning the use of resources serving strategic business functions.
Theoretical approaches are synthesised in the context of a simulated business environment.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND TRADE
Analysing key issues in international business and trade and applying process ideas to the analysis/improvement of international operations, this double-weighted second semester module examines a range of issues, including operations management, international markets, strategic decision-making, accounting and financial appraisal.
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Examines and applies models of strategic management within a range of strategic choice frameworks and evaluates strategic option choice within cultural, structural and behavioural environments.