BA European Studies
At Reading we offer an exceptional range of interdisciplinary degrees covering European history, politics, economy, literature and culture. If you are interested in discovering Europe's extraordinarily rich and diverse culture, its global impact, or its history, institutions, economy and contemporary challenges, then one of these programmes could be for you. You may also include a language and the chance to study or work in another European country in your programme or complement it with one of our specially designed modules in entrepreneurship.
In European Studies, you have a choice between taking a 3-year traditional arts degree or a 4-year language degree. All courses include core modules focused around the theme of Europe and its development as well as a range of optional modules related to the culture, history, society, economy and politics of Europe. Programmes R900 and R901 also include the study of a major European language, be it French, German, or Italian with the 4-year degree offering an integral year abroad. Other European languages such as Spanish can also be studied as 'minor' languages through the Institute-Wide Language Programme (IWLP).
What will you study?
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Europe 1789-1945
Europe since 1945
Plus one or more modules relating to a specialist pathway, from:
Language and culture (including a minor language, e.g. Spanish)
Politics and institutions
Economics
Humanities (History, History of Art, Classics)
Plus (for R900 and R901) one 'major' language from:
French
German
Italian
Year 2
Compulsory modules
European political integration
Unity, nationalism and regionalism in Europe
Plus one or more modules relating to a specialist pathway, from:
Language and culture (including a minor language, e.g. Spanish)
Politics and institutions
Economics
Humanities (History, History of Art, Classics)
Plus (for R900 and R901) one 'major' language (continued):
French
German
Italian
Year 3
R900 only
Year abroad at a university, on a work placement or as a school language assistant, with record of work or study counting to final degree
Dissertation
Development of oral skills for final-year oral examination
Final year
All programmes
Compulsory modules
European case studies
Dissertation (3-year programmes only)
Plus one or more modules relating to a specialist pathway, from:
Language and culture (including a minor language, e.g. Spanish)
Politics and institutions
Economics
Humanities (History, History of Art, Classics)
Plus (for R900 and R901) one 'major' language (continued):
French
German
Italian