European Studies

Why study European Studies at Dundee?

Here at Dundee, we have a long and well-established reputation in teaching European Studies.

We have been commended for our strongly interdisciplinary approach. During your studies, you will have opportunities to combine perspectives from economists, geographers, historians, lawyers, linguists, philosophers, cultural study specialists, as well as political analysts.

We will give you the historical background, but you will also look at issues that matter in Europe now, such as integration, migration, cultural identity, economic policy and governance.

The focus of our core courses is Europe-wide, including Russia and the wide range of optional modules allows you to specialise. You can choose from a wide range of additional modules from within the School of Humanities and the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

What's so good about European Studies at Dundee?

You can combine your joint Honours European Studies degree with the study of French, German or Spanish should you wish to do so. (A range of other languages are also available as additional modules.)

We have also recently introduced a new degree: MA European Studies and European Languages & Culture, which allows you to study 2 languages from French, German or Spanish (one of which could be taken as a beginner from Level 1).

Erasmus Exchanges

As a European Studies student, you will be particularly encouraged to go on an Erasmus exchange to one of our partner universities in Europe.

European Documentation Centre

Dundee is a full European Documentation Centre, meaning that it is entitled to receive one copy of all publicly available documents released by the institutions of the European Union.

Much of the current material pertaining to the European Union is now mounted on the internet, and is freely accessible to Dundee University staff and students from computer facilities throughout the University.

We'll make sure you have the necessary skills to make use of the vast amount of material available.

Field trips

We organise field trips to Brussels or Strasbourg from time to time.

Degree Combinations

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by the European Studies team based in the School of Humanities.

Careers

As a European Studies graduate, you will have gained a range of transferable skills during your studies, including skills in research, written and oral presentation, and intercultural mediation skills.

Our graduates work in a range of areas, including education, archives, politics, government services, journalism, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), with some starting their own businesses.

Postgraduate study

Some graduates have continued their studies with us at postgraduate level, studying one of a range of MLitt Humanities programmes on offer.

Entry Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2012

Level 1 entry

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	BCC
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level	ABB
IB Diploma	34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	None, but see requirements for other Joint Honours subjects

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade B in the Graded Unit (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade BB in the Graded Units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Pass with CC at Advanced Higher (Level 1 entry) Pass with BB at Advanced Higher (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programmes	Relevant subjects with ABB grades to include English Literature/Language at SCQF Level 6 and Communication 4 plus Literature 1 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant HNC with Merits in all modules (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in all modules (Level 2 entry)
BTEC	A relevant National Diploma with DMM (Level 1 entry) A relevant National Diploma with DDM (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade C with ASL-A Level at B (Level 1 entry) Grade B with ASL-A Level at A (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A Levels at BC (Level 1 entry) Pass with A Levels at AB (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for joint honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£9,700 per year.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and maybe subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes
MA European Studies and Business Economics with Marketing	LNR0
MA European Studies and Economics	LR18
MA European Studies and English	QR38
MA European Studies and European Languages & Culture	RR89
MA European Studies and Geography	LR78
MA European Studies and History	RV81
MA European Studies and International Relations	LR28
MA European Studies and Philosophy	RV85
MA European Studies and Psychology	CR88

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

This is an interdisciplinary programme to which the study of economics, geography, history, law, languages, philosophy and politics all contribute. So it would be helpful if you can indicate any particular experience, or interest, you may have in any of these subjects. Some interest in a historical approach to European matters will be appropriate, but so will an interest in current affairs, as the course is much concerned with the issues which confront Europe at present. Any sort of evidence that you have a serious interest in, and intelligent awareness of, contemporary Europe would be of help to you.

Mature students may relate how any life experiences will enhance their approaches to the study of history.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: