European Studies with Politics

European Studies with Politics at the University of Essex offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of Europe’s political, economic, and cultural landscape. This programme is designed for students interested in exploring the historical development, institutional frameworks, policy-making processes, and social dynamics that shape the European continent. Throughout the course, students will engage with a broad spectrum of topics including European integration, governance, international relations, comparative politics, and the role of the European Union. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, encouraging critical thinking and analytical skills. Students will have opportunities to examine pressing contemporary issues such as migration, security, economic development, and environmental challenges within the European context. The programme includes a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering an active learning environment. Additionally, students can benefit from the university’s strong links with European institutions, policy-makers, and academic networks, providing valuable insights and potential internship opportunities. The course is ideal for those aiming to pursue careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, journalism, research, or further postgraduate studies. Graduates will emerge with a nuanced understanding of European political systems, policies, and cultural diversity, equipped to navigate and contribute to the evolving European landscape. The programme also emphasizes language skills and intercultural competence, preparing students for the increasingly interconnected global environment. With dedicated academic support and access to modern facilities, students are supported in their academic and professional development throughout their studies.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Europe: Myth and Idea;and
Introduction to European Politics ;and
One language option; and
One European option OR one outside option OR second intensive language option

Year 2

One language option;
two European options (one to exclude politics options); and
either: West European Politics or International Relations

Year 3

Year abroad

Year 4

One language option;
one European politics option;
one European option; and
project in politics or one politics option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: ABB-BBB
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
• If French or Portuguese is taken as the major language, you will need to have A-level French or Portuguese/Spanish at grade E or above (or equivalent).
• If you are interested in studying European studies with a modern language for which you consider yourself to be a native speaker, please contact Undergraduate Admissions prior to making your application.

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the University of Essex please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/funding.

European Studies with Politics at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics within the European Union and its member countries. The programme is designed to provide a multidisciplinary approach, combining insights from political science, international relations, and European history to foster a comprehensive understanding of Europe's complexities. Students engaged in this course will have the opportunity to analyze European integration, policy-making processes, and the role of institutions such as the European Parliament and the European Commission. The curriculum includes core modules on European political systems, EU law, and international diplomacy, as well as optional modules allowing students to specialize in areas such as EU economic policy, security issues, or regional development.

This programme emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical understanding through case studies, simulations, and interactive seminars. Students may also have the chance to participate in internships or study abroad programs, enhancing their practical experience and global outlook. The faculty members are experts in their fields, providing academic support and facilitating research projects that often contribute to current policy debates. Graduates of the European Studies with Politics programme are well-prepared for careers in government, European institutions, international organizations, NGOs, or further academic research. The University of Essex’s vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and strong links with European institutions create an enriching environment for students pursuing this programme. Overall, students will graduate with a nuanced understanding of European politics and policies, along with the skills necessary to engage critically and effectively in European affairs.