MA European Studies

**AHRC funding now available**

Looking for a career in the European Commission, in the fast stream of the diplomatic service or in University lecturing? Or just want to find out more about the politics, culture and society of Europe? Either way, our MA in European Studies could be the course for you.

This Master’s shows how Europe is coping with globalisation and how it is handling issues such as nationalism, regionalism and economic integration. It also looks at a fascinating sample of the literature, cinema and philosophy and asks: what does this work tell us about Europe today? It gives you the chance to conduct research on particular countries of interest (France, UK, Germany … ) and even to develop your translation skills.  

Programme

As a full time student in the first semester, you study core courses in European Identities and Critical Engagement. You also take a research methods course tailored to your needs as a student with a literary bent (Approaches to Texts) or a social science focus (Approaches to Knowledge).

Part time students study European Identities in the first semester of year one and the other core courses in year two.

There are three pathways in the spring semester:

• Europe in a National and Global context:
• European Identities:Culture & Ideology:
• Translation Studies:

Full time students select modules totalling 60 credits while part-timers take 30 credits in year one and a further 30 in year two.

Students then progress to a 60 credit dissertation on an area of European politics, society or culture of particular interest to you. The research and writing is carried out under the supervision of an expert in the field. The maximum word length is 20,000 words.

Structure

• As a full-time student, you start in October. The taught element of the MA continues until June. You complete your dissertation over the summer and submit it in September. Alternatively, you can do the degree part-time over two years.
• The MA European Studies handbook has more detailed information on the degree (structure, courses …).

Assessment

• Assessment is mostly by essays and a dissertation.

Teaching

• Delivered by internationally recognised experts, most of the teaching is in small groups, with a strong emphasis on seminars and presentations. There is also the possibility of submitting optional feedback essays.
• The School appears in the 1st quartile of all major indicators in the UK's Research Assessment Exercise, including 2nd of 27 for Research Power

Duration

• One year full-time
• Two years part-time

Starting date

• There is one intake each year in late September

Fees and support

• Information on fees
• Scholarships are available

University residences

• All overseas/EU postgraduate students are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences, subject to conditions
• Unfortunately we are unable to guarantee UK postgraduates a place in University residences, but we organise a House Hunting Event to assist in your hunt for accommodation
• The majority of study bedrooms have en-suite facilities and all halls of residence have high speed internet access
• The Residences web site has further details on accommodation

Living expenses

• Cardiff: ‘one of the cheapest and safest cities in the UK’ (Sunday Times University Guide 2011)
• For 2011-12 the average student living expenses for the year, including the cost of accommodation, food, books, and other items, is expected to be approximately £8,400

Entry requirements

• The equivalent of a second class degree (2.1) is normally required (eg. Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above)
• There are English language requirements for those whose first language is not English. The equivalent of 6.5 in IELTS including 6 in each element and 6.5 in writing must be obtained, or 580 in TOEFL
• suitable for graduates in Language, Literature, Politics, Philosophy and in disciplines broadly conceived to have a European focus. Other applicants may also be considered.

When to apply

• Early application is strongly recommended
• Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa

How to apply

• Applications can either be made online or by using paper forms
• Supporting documentation including references will be required