European Studies

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BA Hons in EUROPEAN STUDIES
List of Modules

UCAS code T200 BA/Europ

European Studies at Bradford gives you a thorough grasp of the issues facing modern Europe, focusing on East/West relations, European integration (especially the EUC), Eastern Europe since 1989, and the major European powers. The course combines Honours-level study of French, German or Spanish with Honours-level study of economics, history, politics, geography or sociology. These subjects are set in the context of contemporary Europe in a way that allows you to develop skills relevant to a career.

This is a four-year course, with the third year being spent at a continental university, studying your social science subject through the medium of your foreign language. Language ability equivalent to a good A-level pass is required for entry.

Special Features

- What you study

- How you qualify

- How you are assessed

- Career prospects

Special Features

You achieve Honours standard in both language and social science. The language component emphasises written and oral proficiency.

Study is both integrated and applied. Social science work is set in a European context, and language work uses materials relevant to the social sciences.

The course covers both Western and Eastern Europe, but you may choose options to emphasise either East or West if you wish.

You may have the opportunity to take short summer courses in Poland or Estonia, and to visit EC institutions, NATO and SHAPE.

What you study

The course comprises three almost equal elements: your language, your main social science option, and integrating subjects.

In the first year you take history plus three out of four other social science subjects. In the second year, you choose to specialise in one of these subjects, each of which comprises three core courses and two optional modules in the second and final years. You also take two compulsory courses about modern Europe.

Your language teaching over the first two years will concentrate on giving you access to social science material. It will include translation of social science passages, as well as précis and summary writing skills. Oral work includes language laboratory exercises on comprehension, fluency and pronunciation.

Your social science studies continue in the third year, spent at one of the European universities with which we have contacts. You will complete a dissertation (in English), and derive benefit from being part of French, German or Spanish academic life. Your studies in the final year will build upon these experiences and the insights and language fluency you will have gained.

You will also have an opportunity to develop skills useful to a future career; for example in computing, statistics, research methods and oral presentation.

First year

Language: French, German or Spanish

Plus Three from:
Economics, Geography, Politics, Sociology, Modern European History

Second year

Language: continued from first year

Core modules in one of:
Economics, Geography, History, Politics or Sociology

Plus: Modern Europe

Plus: optional courses in any discipline

Third year

Spent at a university in France, Germany or Spain

Final year

Language: continued

Core modules in one of:
Economics, Geography, History, Politics or Sociology (continued from the second year)

Plus: optional courses in any discipline

How you qualify

You must offer French, German or Spanish at A level or equivalent. An A- or AS-level pass in a social science subject, for example, Economics, Geography, History, Politics or Sociology, would be useful. At present, our normal offer to candidates taking A levels is B,C,C or C,C,C.

We also welcome applications from mature and other candidates who do not possess GCE qualifications, but who have a good capability in French, German or Spanish. Details of other acceptable qualifications, including Scottish and Irish Highers, BTEC, and the Baccalaureate, are listed. A GNVQ merit in Business and Finance may be acceptable, though it would have to be accompanied by an A level in an appropriate language.

Indicate your preferred language by writing Fr, Ger or Sp in section 3 of your UCAS form.

We invite most applicants to interview. This enables us to discuss the special features of our course, and gives you the chance to meet staff and student members of the Department, as well as to see the University campus.

How you are assessed

Modules are assessed by a combination of unseen examinations, essays, projects and exercises, at the end of the semester in which they are taken. Assessment in the second and final years counts towards your final degree classification.

On the European Studies course, language work is set weekly. You submit a dissertation in the fourth year, and have to complete the year abroad satisfactorily in order to obtain your degree.

Career prospects

Our degrees are highly regarded by employers, even though they are not specifically vocational. Most of our graduates find careers that make direct use of their language skills and knowledge of European affairs. This is especially true after their first promotion.

The main fields that our graduates have entered include: business management, international banking, teaching in schools or higher education, journalism and publishing, marketing, the diplomatic service, and tourism. Quite a few of our graduates now live and work abroad, and approximately half have jobs which involve extensive travel in Europe.

Your degree will also give you a broad general education, and help you develop powers of independent thought, analysis and communication. These skills have enabled some of our graduates to take up such careers as law and accountancy.

Admissions Secretary:
Mrs Pam Joplin: 01274 - 233829

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