This course provides an understanding of the broad historical, social, political and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary Europe. Unique to this course is the opportunity to specialise in European Cultural Studies, European Cinema, or European Politics and Society. You can also select a variety of modules across these three subject areas.
In the first year you will be introduced to European studies by examining the historical, geographical, political and cultural meanings of Europe. You will engage with debates such as: where is Europe? Is there a common European culture? How has the idea of Europe changed over time and in relation to a series of ‘others’ such as Islam or the United States?
European Studies staff are active researchers, whose teaching is closely related to their area of expertise. Our current strengths include politics; social movements; gender; cinema; European thought; and literature. European Studies makes an ideal companion to our range of European Language courses.
Any questions?
General course enquiries
Email us
Admissions enquiriesTelephone: +44(0)115 848 4200
Please note the following information for applicants
What will I study?
Year One
- Introduction to European Studies
- Introduction to European Cinema
- Introduction to European Cultural Studies
- Introduction to the European Union
Year Two
- Europe in the World; the World in Europe
- European Cinema and the City
- The EU: Migration, Environment, Development
Year Three
- Dissertation
- European Cinema: Globalisation and Resistance
- European Thought, Writing and Society
- The European Union in the World System
- Women in Europe
For full details of the modules available and details of what you will be able to study please download our module booklet. 
Degree options and UCAS codes
European studies is taken in combination with one or two of the following subjects as part of the BA Joint Honours programme. The number in brackets is the UCAS code for a Joint Honours degree in European Studies alongside the listed subject:
- Chinese (Mandarin) (TR18)
- English (QR39)
- Film and TV (RP83)
- French (RR19)
- German (RR29)
- Global Studies (RL89)
- History (RV91)
- International Relations (LR29)
- Italian (RL32)
- Media (PR39)
- Philosophy (VR59)
- Spanish (RR49).
How do I study?
The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects and a third drawn from a wide range of subjects within the School (including the University Language Programme). This enables greater flexibility in course selection. At the end of year one, students have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway.
How will I learn?
We use a range of teaching and learning methods, from debates and role play to interactive lectures and seminars. We also make use of a wide variety of printed and online resources, as well as film, radio, and television. Extensive and critical use is made of online sources produced by national governments, non-governmental organisations, European institutions and agencies, and academics from all over the world. By using different methods, we ensure that your learning experience is varied and gives you transferable skills that you can put into practice for years to come.
During this course you will develop a wide range of skills. These include written and oral communication skills; critical analysis; the ability to work independently and in groups; time management; self motivation; and a variety of IT skills. It’s no wonder that our graduates are so employable.
Graduates from this course have gone on to have successful careers in the civil service, non-governmental organisations, journalism, business, marketing and education.
Although this course does not offer a formal placement, all of our courses are vocationally focused and will help you to develop a broad range of transferable skills.
You can apply for this course through the UCAS website.
Find out more about applying for an undergraduate course at NTU.
