Contemporary European Studies MA with Transatlantic Track (Euromasters)

Program Overview

This 2-year Euromasters program in Contemporary European Studies offers a transatlantic track, combining study at the University of Bath with semesters at universities in Europe and the United States. Through a balance of coursework, essays, and a dissertation, students delve into European and American politics, policy, and society. The program prepares graduates for careers in international organizations, government agencies, and multinational corporations.

Program Outline

Outline:

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2024 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 23 September 2024. Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. Units After the initial core module at the University of Bath you will undertake two taught semesters, followed by the completion of a 15,000 word dissertation to be submitted by September in the second year. You must study at the University of Bath and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (United States) in Year 1. During Year 2, you can choose to study at the University of Bath, Sciences Po Grenoble (France), the University of Siena (Italy), or Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany). The units available at each partner study site may vary from year to year. Available units will follow general themes. These are outlined below. Compulsory course units These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units. Core Module You'll study: European Politics in a Changing World Research Methods in Political Science and International Relations Plus 1 optional unit from: Critical Approaches to International Security Gender Theory International Terrorism Statecraft and Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific Region The Global Politics of Cyberspace The Resurgence of Reactionary Politics Theoretical Approaches of International Politics and Foreign Policy Specialist Module 1 You will complete Specialist Module 1 from January to May 2025 in the United States at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. University of North Carolina units You'll choose three units examining the United States and European nations within a comparative framework. Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied units such as: American Environmental Policy Framing Public Policies Tolerance and Citizenship in TransAtlantic Perspective The Constitution of the United States Civil Liberties under the Constitution Mass Media and American Politics United States National Elections Specialist Module 2 Unit choices may vary from year to year, but each partner site covers general themes of study. You can choose to complete Specialist Module 2 at one of: Sciences Po Grenoble Semester dates: September 2025 – December/January 2026 General themes: Policies and practices of international organisations University of Bath Semester dates: October 2025 – January 2026 General themes: Security in Europe and a globalised world University of Siena Semester dates: October 2025 – February 2026 General themes: Europe in the twenty-first century – choices and challenges Humboldt University of Berlin Semester dates: October 2025 – February/March 2026 General themes: Democratisation and political change in Europe Please note: exact semester dates may vary from year to year. University of Bath units You can select 3 units from: Critical Approaches to International Security Gender Theory International Terrorism Statecraft and Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific Region The Global Politics of Cyberspace The Resurgence of Reactionary Politics Theoretical Approaches of International Politics and Foreign Policy Humboldt University of Berlin units Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied these core units: Democracy and democratisation in Europe Europe’s borders and neighbours Facets of Europeanization. For this, you will select a unit from a list of options. These options will vary from year to year. University of Siena units Unit choices may vary from year to year. Students have recently studied these core units: Multiculturalism in Europe: the Mediterranean dimension From the nation state to European polity The political economy of the EU Sciences Po Grenoble components You’ll study a selection of specialised units, take part in professional workshops and seminars, and complete two units with a language focus (English and a second language). Component choices may vary from year to year. Specialised units You'll complete 4 units. Students have recently studied units such as: EU Law and Politics Les entreprises dans l’Union européenne (Taught in French) European Political Parties L’UE et la protection de l’environnement (Taught in French) Interest Groups and collective Action in the EU Public Opinion in the EU The Relations between Europe and the US Since World War II All units are taught in English, unless otherwise stated. Thesis Module You will complete your MA in Contemporary European Studies dissertation from April to September 2026.

Assessment:

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation. We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Teaching:

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. Graduates from our MA Contemporary European Studies (Politics, Policy and Society & Transatlantic Track) courses have gone on to successful careers in a wide range of organisations, including: Danish EU Research Liaison Officer in Brussels, Belgium Programme Officer EU Policies at the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium United Nations Postgraduate Fellowship, New York Parliamentary Assistant for German MP in Bundestag, Berlin Press Assistant in the European Parliament, Spain Parliamentary Assistant for a Green MEP in the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium

Other:

Immerse yourself in the politics, policy and social evolution of Europe and the United States. You’ll study at Bath, and in Europe and the United States. During your academic learning, you’ll focus on contemporary politics, culture and society in Europe and North America, and the roles of both regions in the wider world. European Union (EU) institutions European integration societal modernisation and democratisation in different countries The development and maintenance of US/EU relations Europe’s role in international relations As well as these core topics, you’ll find out more about current issues, such as security, immigration, Euroscepticism, transatlantic relations, economic disparities in the eurozone, and international politics. If you aspire to work in international institutions, or for private sector organisations that operate in Europe and/or North America, this course will help you to develop the skills and experience to succeed.

Tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student. Learn how we decide fee status Tuition fees See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses. Extra costs This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register. Enrolment fees This covers registration, IT and government fees. This includes service fees as well as a seasonal student ticket for public transport (Semesterticket) in and around Berlin for six months. Visas The cost of this will vary depending on your nationality. France student visa Germany student visa Italy student visa United Kingdom student visa United States student visa As part of your visa application, you may be required to provide proof of personal savings (which can exceed £10,000) over a period of several months before you travel. How to pay Tuition fee loans Read more about tuition fee loans Scholarships and bursaries You do not have to pay it back. Read more about bursaries and scholarships Other payment options You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. Budgeting You should budget for the costs of all travel, accommodation, visas and food and drink in the UK and also while you are abroad.