EUROPEAN STUDIES

SCHEMES AVAILABLE

BA (Hons) Interdisciplinary

Ripon campus

   UCAS Code  European Studies

T200

European Studies with French

T2R1

European Studies with Language

T2Q1

Entry requirements

Main features

This is a three year full-time programme which combines elements from several Humanities subjects. It reflects an increasing awareness and interest in European issues, and builds on the many exchange links which exist between the University College and our overseas partners, who represent more than 20 different nationalities. It offers:

•opportunities to consider Europe from different viewpoints eg linguistic, social, historical, cultural, political •a modular programme which gives you a cohesive sequence of modules and accommodates your own personal interests •a chance to study abroad for up to one year as part of your programme •the opportunity to include studies in French, Language and Education and to make them a significant part of your degree •a supportive environment - all students have a Personal Tutor who acts as a studies advisor and helps you to choose the route through the programme which best suits your interests

Programme of study

The European Studies degree is taught through a mixture of compulsory and optional modules. The compulsory Core Modules provide the central focus of the degree and are as follows:

•Semester 1: An introduction to the study of Europe •Semester 2: European Integration •Semester 3: Identities in Europe •Semester 4: European Culture •Semester 5: Independent Learning Unit •Semester 6: Europe: The Global Context

In addition to the core modules you will select 'core support' modules which give you the opportunity to deepen your understanding of linguistic historical, cultural and social topics, for example 'Renaissance Europe' 'France in Europe'.

You will also choose modules reflecting wider transferable skills such as ab-initio language courses (French, Italian, Spanish, German, Dutch and Danish are currently available), and Information Technology, or modules from other areas, such as "Heritage: presenting the past", "Story and Poetry", or working in Europe which includes a work placement. Thus you will create your own programme to suit your individual interests.

A distinctive element of the European Study degree at the University College is the opportunity of spending one semester or one year abroad. All students are encouraged to take part in our exchange programme, and a semester in a French University is compulsory for students of French: Students successfully completing a total of 6 French options including one year at a French University should achieve Honours degree-level French as well as a European certificate by the end of the programme. For other European studies students many exciting exchange possibilities are available, and there are always foreign students in Ripon who will share some of your modules.

Throughout the course you will be given opportunities to extend your personal and transferable skills by developing your word processing competence and knowledge of computers and technology, by working in teams, by preparing presentations and group projects and by increasing your individual strengths of analysis and criticality. In your third year you will prepare an Independent Learning Unit which allows you to research and investigate your chosen topic.

You will encounter a wide variety of teaching and learning styles, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, group projects and independent study. As a student on Ripon campus you will have access to excellent learning support, library and IT resources.

Assessment

The University College operates a modular system where each module is assessed by a mixture of continuous assessment and final examination. European Studies modules reflect a range of assessment methods, both continuous assessment and final examination and may include essays, group or individual presentations, projects and oral examinations for the foreign language modules.

Study Abroad

Every student will be encouraged to spend at least one semester abroad as part of the Socrates/Erasmus exchange programme, studying at one of our many European partner universities or institutions of higher education. Study at a French speaking university will be a compulsory part of the course for those students choosing the French strand. You may also decide to undertake a work placement in Europe during your degree programme. Our contacts in Europe at the moment include:-

•Denmark - Copenhagen, Ribe, Silkeborg •Finland - Turku •France - Blois, Grenoble, La Reunion, St Etienne, Tours •Germany  -Ludwigsburg •Greece - Athens •Italy - Cagliari, Milan •Netherlands - Amsterdam, Deventer, Nijmegen, Zwolle •Norway - Kristiansand, Oslo •Poland - Silesia •Portugal - Aveiro •Spain - Seville, Tarragona •Sweden - Stockholm

Graduate opportunities

A degree in European Studies provides a broad and firm basis for many future career opportunities, especially in the fields of commerce, industry, management, administration, marketing, teaching, journalism, the media, the Civil Service and many other professions within the European Union.