Course description
Course Description
The MA in European Integration provides advanced training in the political, economic, sociological and legal aspects of the process of European integration and the interrelationship between them. It is designed for good graduates in politics, economics, law, sociology, European studies or related disciplines.
Modules and Options
The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.
Stage 1
Core: DISSERTATION - MA SCHEMES
Core: EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Core: POLITICAL EXPLANATION
DEMOCRACY BEYOND THE NATION STATE? THE CASE OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY, CITIZENSHIP AND CONSTITUTIONS
ECONOMIC CHANGE IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
ECONOMICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
ECONOMICS OF TRANSITION
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY EXTERNAL RELATIONS
EUROPEAN COMPETITION LAW
EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS I
EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
EUROPEAN POLITICS
HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY STUDIES
THE CONTEMPORARY NATION STATE
THE ECONOMICS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
Teaching and Assessment Methods
A: Knowledge and Understanding
Learning Outcomes
A1 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of political integration in Europe.
A2 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the nation state and European identity both past and present.
A3 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of interaction between member states and the EU.
A4 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of European Union decision making.
A5 : Students will acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the role of the pan-European dimension of European integration and the roles o regional organisations in it.
A6 : Students will aquire advanced knowledge and understanding of some key areas of research in the field of study and of developments in current research.
Teaching Methods
A1-6 are acquired through core module seminars and European options seminars, lectures and classes.
Students are expected to develop the knowledge and understanding acquired in lectures and seminars through independent research for related coursework.
Progress towards learning outcomes is further developed through written and oral feedback on coursework. A6 is further developed through students' work with a supervisor for the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is through coursework essays, term papers and examinations and a dissertation of 7,500 -10,000 words approx.
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
Learning Outcomes
B1 : Students will be able to reason critically and present an argument effectively.
B2 : Students will be able to appreciate representative approaches to theoretical or empirical research.
B3 : Students will be able to understand the language associated with research techniques.
B4 : Students will be able to form research questions and undertake coherent and appropriate research design.
B5 : Students will be able to understand key stages of the research process.
B6 : Students will be able to plan and execute a piece of original independent research .
Teaching Methods
Intellectual/cognitive skills and practical skills are developed in core modules and European option seminars, lectures and classes. Development of these skills is through the research methods and training options which form one of the five components of the programme of study. All MA students must take at least one research methods module. Research skills are further developed and applied under the guidance of the dissertation supervisor.
Assessment Methods
Assessment of B1 - B5 takes place through coursework essays and assignments, exams and term papers. All intellectual and cognitive skills and B6 are assessed in the dissertation.
C: Practical Skills
Learning Outcomes
C1 : Students will be able to conduct a literature search and review.
C2 : Students will be able to write up research findings.
C3 : Students will be able to interpret statistical material.
C4 : Students will be able to use research skills for learning more advanced topics.
Teaching Methods
Practical skills are developed in research methods training options and through preparation for the dissertation under the supervision of a member of academic staff.
Assessment Methods
Assessment of C1 - C4 takes place through coursework essays and assignments, exams and term papers. All practical skills are assessed in the dissertation.
D: Key Skills
Learning Outcomes
D1 : Students will be able to communicate information, arguments and ideas effectively in writing.
D2 : Students will be able to use appropriate IT for research and presentation purposes.
D3 : Students will be able to solve problems using a range of knowledge and skills.
D4 : Students will be able to work independently, manage their own workload and make constructive use of feedback to reflect on their learning and performance.
Teaching Methods
Communication skills are developed through seminar and class discussion in the core modules and European options. Specific relevant IT skills are taught in research training options. D3 and D4 skills are acquired through preparation for coursework assignments, essays and term papers. D1 - D5 skills are all developed through the process of researching and writing the dissertation.
Assessment Methods
D1 and D4 are assessed through the presentation of coursework and examinations. D2 and D3 are assessed in research training assignments and all key skills are assessed through the dissertation.
