What is European Studies?

European Studies seeks to understand the contemporary issues which affect our daily lives in Europe through an awareness of the key events and dynamics which have shaped the continent since the end of the World War Two.

European Studies objectives

• The core focus of the European Studies degree is on the theoretical and conceptual explanations behind such issues as European integration and the role of the NATO alliance.
• European Studies aims to promote the understanding of the development, workings, policies and limitations of European institutions and to promote awareness of the major social, political and economic trends affecting contemporary Europe.
• Key to this is the development of advanced linguistic skills in at least one of French, German, Italian or Spanish, in order to facilitate an in-depth knowledge of the history and society of one of these cultures.

From the diplomatic crisis caused by the war in Iraq, to the debates over how the future of Europe will look in 25 years time - European Studies students grapple with these issues throughout their studies at Royal Holloway.

Some of the issues which European Studies students look at are as follows:

• Europe's response to international terrorism
• The impact of NATO and EU enlargement on Europe
• The implications of the development of a European Union foreign, security and defence policy
• How member states adapt to being members of the European Union