European Studies Core Courses

The core courses on the European studies degree introduce students to how contemporary Europe works. The core courses focus on the key institutions in Europe - the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. In addition to this is how have developments in international affairs affected the role of nation-states in today's Europe.

1st year

Introduction to International Relations
This course will introduce European Studies students to the central concepts and theories which explain how states, institutions and citizens interact in the world today. It provides a firm grounding in the discipline for advanced level student in the second and final year of study.

2nd year

European International Relations since 1945
This course concentrates on the development of the European idea after World War Two. Central to the course is an examination of the reasons behind the development of the European Union, NATO and the role of Europe from the Cold War era right up until the present day. This course also introduces students to the inner workings of the central European Union institutions - European Commission, European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the European Court of Justice.

3rd Year - The Year Abroad

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4th year

Issues in Contemporary Europe
After consideration of the theoretical explanations of the development of regional integration in Europe, students will examine how key states within Europe interact and how well theories can explain this interaction. Students will then analyse the most pressing challenges and issues facing Europe today. For example: how is enlargement of the EU and NATO affecting Europe; EU-USA relations; how European is confronting the challenge of terrorism; what role should Russia play in European affairs?; and what impact will EU military capabilities have on the EU's international role.