European Studies is a broad-ranging and integrated program that studies the history, societies, politics, economy and cultures of Europe from an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective. It deals with issues related to the European Union and European integration and focuses on different areas of interest supporting the development and welfare of the European Union community.

With Europe being a source of many of the ideas that has shaped the world today, its history is one of importance. Students who opt for a course in European Studies will study current issues such as the background and foundation of the European Union, European cultural heritage and the formation of European identity. In addition, students develop their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of European identity, civil society and the on-going process of European unification. Graduates will be able to identify and consider solutions to European political and administrative problems.

The study of Europe requires an open, pluralistic and interdisciplinary curriculum and thus, topics in European studies include foreign policy and diplomacy, negotiation and meditation in international relations, culture and identity in a globalising Europe, international law and European culture and civilisation. These topics will prepare students for a variety of fields like advocacy, education, government services, international relations, law, research and more.

Study levels:

Initially restricted to only European countries, study programs for a degree in European Studies is now offered by various colleges and universities across the world at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. These include:

• Bachelor of Arts in European Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and European Studies
• Bachelor of Science in European Studies
• Bachelor’s Degree in European Cultures
• Bachelor’s Degree in European Studies and Politics
• Master of Arts in Advanced European Studies
• Master of Arts in European and Eurasian Studies
• Master’s Degree in European Studies
• Master of Arts in European Linguistics
• Master’s Degree in European Governance
• Master’s Degree in Careers with the European Union
• Master’s Degree in Medieval European Studies
• Master of Science in European Politics and Governance
• Master’s Degree in Advanced European and International Studies
• Master’s Degree in Euroculture
• Master’s Degree in International Economics and European Studies
• Master’s Degree in European Union Studies and Human Rights
• Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law
• Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in European Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in European Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Central and East European Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in European Politics

Specialisations:

European Studies offer many areas of specialisations for students who want to focus and expand their knowledge in a specific area. This allows students to develop a more in-depth understanding of their interest which will influence their career options in the future.

The different areas of specialisation under European Studies include:

• History of European Integration
• Democracy and Representation in Europe
• Europe and the World
• Early Europe (Pre-1789)
• Modern Europe (Post-1789)
• European Social and Cultural Policy
• European Union
• East European Studies
• European Law
• European History
• European Economics
• European Literary History
• European Diversity
• French Studies
• German Studies
• Italian Studies
• Russian Studies
• Spanish Studies
• Institutional Law of the EU
• Cities, Regions, and Borders in Europe
• Comparative Politics and Government in Europe
• Culture and Identity in Modern Europe
• External Relations of the European Union

Employability:

The strong academic skills and understanding of a variety of disciplines gained through a European Studies degree allows graduates to take up opportunities in a diverse range of careers. Graduates are employed in various fields such as international organisations, diplomatic corporations and civil services, business, finance, marketing, consultancies, teaching, translating and interpreting, journalism, tourism and many more.

The various job titles that graduates can look into include:

• Archivist
• Author
• Communications Officer
• Community Worker
• Cultural Advisor
• Cultural Interpreter
• Development Officer
• Diplomat
• Event Coordinator
• Foreign Diplomat
• Foreign Affairs Officer
• Foreign Correspondent
• Foreign Service Worker
• Government Administrator
• Historian
• Human Resource Specialist
• International Lawyer
• Curator
• Journalist
• Legal Secretary
• Policy Advisor
• Politician
• Professor
• Foreign Language Teacher
• Travel Agent
• Worker in International Organisations like the EU and the UN.