MSc European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities

About the MSc programme

The programme provides a philosophically and historically grounded, multidisciplinary analysis of Europe as a social, political and cultural space, led by teachers of academic distinction, with experience of policy-making in Europe. In the degree students will explore the increasingly important public debate on the meaning and limits of "Europe"; the relationship between civil society and the state in Europe; the relevance of a transnational sociology; the domestic impact of the European Union for citizenship and identity; and the cultural and policy implications of national and ethnic diversity and migration.

Applicants for the programme should have at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in any discipline.

Programme details

Students take three units (typically composed of six half-unit courses or a combination of full and half-unit courses) and write a 10,000 word dissertation on an approved topic. In addition, all students must take a course on Interdisciplinary Research Methods and Design to prepare for their written work. Students must also attend Engaging with Europe: Professional Skills – a programme of guest lectures from distinguished outside speakers, including policy-makers. Students can expect an average of 180 hours of teaching.

Compulsory courses

(* half unit)

• The Idea of Europe* explores some key ideas in the developing movement of a distinctively European self-understanding and identity.
• Either Democracy, Ideology and the European State* which investigates various ways in which the State's authority to act - its legitimacy, in brief - has been underpinned in Europe, both ideologically and institutionally, in the modern period; or Identity, Community and the "Problem of Minorities" * which investigates the politics and policy issues arising from what we might conveniently term the "problem of minorities" in contemporary politics.
• Dissertation.

Students choose two further units from a range of half and full unit options.

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc European Studies: Ideas, Ideologies and Identities in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

Graduate destinations

Former graduates pursue successful careers in politics, journalism, research, diplomacy, business and in international institutions and NGOs. Students from our programmes are actively head-hunted by international organisations working in the region.