European Studies European Studies Undergraduate Studies Royal Holloway is widely recognised on the world As a cosmopolitan community, with students stage as one of the UK’s leading teaching and from 130 countries, we focus on the support research universities. One of the larger colleges and development of the individual. Our friendly of the University of London, we are strong across campus, just 19 miles west of central London, the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. provides a unique environment for university Our 8,500 students work with internationally study. Campus life revolves around the Students’ renowned scholars in 20 academic departments. Union, which runs over 100 societies and sports The University of London degree gained by our clubs, and we are recognised as London’s best talented, high-achieving graduates is valued the sporting college. world over. 2 European Studies European Studies Contents European Studies at Royal Holloway, located in the highly-ranked Department Why choose European Studies? 4 of Politics and International Relations, promotes the understanding of the Why choose European Studies at Royal Holloway? 5 development, workings, policies and limitations of European institutions and Admissions & entry requirements 6 fosters awareness of the major social, political and economic trends affecting contemporary Europe. This exciting and Degree options 8 rewarding single honours degree can be tailored to meet the strengths and Teaching & assessment 9 interests of each individual student, to offer a coherent structure dedicated to Course information 10 European and international issues. Experts teach this range of innovative Centre for European Politics: leading research 14 courses in the internationally recognised language and social science departments. Your future career and further information 14-15 Students also benefit from dedicated staff in the European Studies office located in the historic Founder’s Building. Our campus environment has a friendly inclusive culture, and we are committed This brochure is designed to complement Royal Holloway’s Undergraduate to providing students access to the finest Prospectus and information on the department’s website at: royalholloway.ac.uk/europeanstudies academic teaching. It is also available as a PDF at: royalholloway.ac.uk/studyhere Contact details Programme Director Dr James Sloam [email protected] Deputy Programme Director Dr Henry Somers-Hall [email protected] Programme Co-ordinator Annie Pym [email protected] European Studies Office T: +44 (0)1784 443669 F: +44 (0)1784 276385 European Studies 3 Why choose European Studies? With the enlargement of the European Union to nearly 30 • Gain knowledge and understanding of the major social, member states and the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, an political and economic trends in Europe, especially integration understanding of contemporary Europe is vital for our ability to • Develop linguistic competencies in one of the following succeed in today’s marketplace. 21st-century Europe is radically languages: French, German, Italian, or Spanish different from the divided Europe of the Cold War period. • Benefit from the experience of living and either studying or European Studies focuses on a number of disciplines to grasp working for a year in the country of your chosen language(s) the extent of these changes. Students are introduced to the political, social and economic trends shaping contemporary • We are top-rated for the quality of our teaching and research Europe, helping them to understand the issues which affect in all contributing departments their daily lives. This degree programme combines advanced • Our degree programme is flexible and coherent, which study of European languages with Social Sciences within the allows you to take options in Economics, Geography, History, context of Europe. European Studies opens up a wide range International Relations, Management, Politics, or the literature of career opportunities for students, in such diverse fields and culture of your chosen language as diplomacy, international institutions within the European • Take advantage of our excellent amenities including state-of- Union, NATO or the United Nations, government organisations, the-art language laboratories, exceptional library resources finance, marketing, law, journalism, publishing, translation and and computer facilities interpreting, teaching, research, or international business. • We have an impressive record of recent graduates entering relevant and rewarding careers “European Studies at Royal Holloway is a well-structured two German blue-chip companies, which really helped degree with opportunities to develop broad academic me to convince my current employer, Shell, of my and practical skills. While I was completing my degree, suitability for its competitive graduate programme.” I secured internships at the European Commission and Till Wiegmann, BA European Studies 4 European Studies Why choose European Studies at Royal Holloway? Graduate view “The European Studies programme at Royal Holloway is probably one of the most flexible degrees you will encounter. You have the advantage of having a year group that you will meet with at least once a week for tutorials and lectures in the core courses for the duration of your degree. You also have the advantage of meeting students in other departments and faculties, from languages to social sciences. However, you will probably find very few people doing exactly the same combination of courses as you. Finding a comfortable balance between academic work, involvement in campus life and socialising is not always easy. It is worth bearing in mind that, whilst the main reason you are here is to get an Honours degree, employers now look for more than just a couple of letters after your name. Your time at Royal Holloway may be the last opportunity you have to act in a good quality drama production, play sport to a high standard, learn a new skill or get involved in politics, without the responsibilities of a 9 ’til 5 job. Royal Holloway Take advantage of one of the country’s most active students’ unions, is no.1 in the UK the best sports facilities of the University of London, an excellent for international language centre, the chance to get a qualification in IT, and the fact outlook that we are no more than 40 minutes away from the heart of London. The Union is always looking for people to sit on its various committees (Times Higher Education and get involved, either in a voluntary or paid capacity (various World University Rankings, opportunities exist for paid work, contact any of the sabbatical team.) 2013-14) There is also an incredibly active music life on campus, from orchestras to a jazz band, and the ecumenical college chapel, where the award- winning chapel choir is based. Specifically in the European Studies and Politics and International Relations department, try to take advantage of the annual trips organized by the PIR Society and the Diplomatic Society e.g. to New York for the 2014 National Model United Nations New York Conference, and consider standing for the European Studies Staff Student Committee. Also, it is never too early to start giving some thought to where you want to spend your year abroad. Try and find out as much as you can from returning finalists; everyone will be more than happy to answer your questions. If things do start going wrong, tell someone. European Studies staff have an amazing ability to find solutions. With academic problems, you can speak to a member of staff in European Studies, your personal advisor in your contributing departments, directly to any tutor who teaches you, or take an issue to the student staff committee. For other problems, the students’ union has a full time welfare sabbatical, there is a professional counselling service based in Founders and the student- run Nightline can be contacted every night during term-time. When you ask people for their advice on ‘how they would do things differently’, much of what they say is clichéd but true. You actually do get more out of your academic work the more you put in. The best way to meet people is to get involved in clubs and societies. The best way to avoid regrets is to take every opportunity you can.” Sean Winnett (BA European Studies), Diplomatic Service, Foreign and Commonwealth Office European Studies 5 Admissions and entry requirements Each year we admit about 40 new undergraduates into the (at least A or B at GCSE, or equivalent). For non-native speakers various combinations of the programme. Our popular courses of English, English can be considered your European language attract a diverse range of students from every region of Europe entitling you to access the beginners’ pathway in Italian. and further afield. Spanish (R401): For post A2-level pathway grade B; Scottish After receiving your application form from UCAS, we consider Higher B; International Baccalaureate grade 6 at higher your academic performance to date, and carefully read your level; European Baccalaureate 7 points; Abitur Spanisch als personal statement as well as your academic reference. Suitable Leistungsfach. For Spanish beginners’ pathway, knowledge of students will be offered a place, subject to achieving a certain another European language is required (at least A or B at GCSE, performance at A-level (or equivalent international qualification). or equivalent). For non-native speakers of English, English can be Please see page 7 for English Language requirements.