Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in European and European Union Studies

Summary

The Bachelor of Arts is a flexible degree so you can specialise or study a wide variety of topics. Over the three years of your degree, you will gain the critical thinking, creative problem solving, and communication skills that employers want. Unique practical experiences such as internships are on offer too. The Bachelor of Arts requires a minimum total of 360 points. Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum of 135 points in a single Arts subject. Of these, at least 60 points must be at 300-level and at least 45 points at 200-level.

Studying Europe from afar provides a number of advantages - of perspective, comparative analysis and of isolation from short-term trends. Europe provides an important cultural and linguistic reference point to New Zealand in an increasingly global community. The European Union (EU) is New Zealand's most significant bilateral partner after Australia and China, and is one of the world's leading political and trading blocs, with 28 member states and 500 million people.

European and European Union Studies aims to offer a broad-based, inter-disciplinary programme that embraces the studies of the institutional, legal, political, economic and social aspects of the integration process of the EU as well as the languages and cultures of Europe. The programme encourages the study of European languages within this framework.

Why study European and European Union Studies at UC?

UC offers two main areas of study under this subject, which you can pursue throughout your three years of study.

• EU studies: if you want to know about modern-day Europe, this track gives you insight into the political, economic, and social integration of modern Europe; the EU as a major global actor, and its international relations.
• Cultures and languages of Europe: if you are interested in learning about the diverse languages and cultures of Europe, there are a number of courses where you can explore Europe's varied histories, traditions, narratives and cultures, the importance of Europe for New Zealand and the lessons we can learn from different cultures and languages living in a global environment.

Double degrees

It is possible to combine an Arts degree with other degrees.

Further study

The College of Arts has a wide range of options for postgraduate and graduate study with excellent research facilities. Pathways include: Bachelor of Arts with Honours; Master of Arts; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Career opportunities

A qualification in European and European Union Studies provides students with increasingly relevant and expanding employment opportunities. Graduates with knowledge of Europe are well placed to work in foreign affairs, international trade and development, government service, the business sector, tourism, law, non-government and not-for-profit organisations and in private multinational companies such as Fonterra where European interests are significant.