European Studies

European Studies allows students to take a combination of languages and 'Europe' related areas in Politics and International Relations, History, Law, Sociology, Economics and more. Whilst the first two and the final year are spent in Aberdeen, the third year is spent abroad.

Why Aberdeen?

• The Aberdeen degree is a well established programme
• It is taught by leading experts in the field
• The University of Aberdeen Library is a European Documentation Centre with a reference collection of official documents and other materials from the European Union Institutions and Agencies
• For year abroad studies, strong links have been built with universities in Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Spain and Switzerland

Programmes

You may also be interested in

French, Gaelic Studies, German, Hispanic Studies

Study Abroad

Study abroad information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

Courses are available from first to fourth year. European Studies is an Honours degree.

First Year

In the first year, students follow courses in Comparative European Politics, European History and Integration and in one or two languages chosen from French, Gaelic, German and Spanish.

Second Year

All students continue with one or two language courses, and History of Integration and Politics courses. Additionally, some courses from a wide range of choices will be taken.

Third and Fourth Year (Honours)

The third year is spent abroad: one semester in the country of one of the selected languages, another semester in that of the other language. Students who take only one language or who have decided that they wish to take only one language in fourth year, spend a full year in the country of that language.

While abroad, students will normally attend approved university courses, and may also be able to spend a semester in a European institution. In their final year, students may opt for both, or only one, of their two languages, take a compulsory course (the dissertation, a long essay on a subject chosen during the year abroad), and have a wide choice of further options.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching is generally in small groups (seminars/tutorials), especially for language classes. Assessment is by a mixture of continuous assessment and oral and written examination.

Careers

The aim is to enable students to think beyond national boundaries, to feel confident in an international context, and thus to extend their career opportunities. European Studies is an avenue to a wide variety of careers. The analytical, oral and written skills you develop during your studies are highly sought after by prospective employers.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in European Studies.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB
A Levels - BBB
IB - 30 points, 15 points at HL
ILC - BBBB (B2 or above)

Advanced entry is considered on an individual basis depending on prior qualifications and experience. Applicants wishing to be considered for advanced entry should contact directly the Director of Studies (Admissions) at our Student Recruitment and Admissions Service office.

For further details of entrance requirements click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide