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Brief Description
The Master of Arts in European Studies is an innovative Double Degree programme offered in cooperation with the Europa-Universität Flensburg in Germany. Its interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with diverse perspectives on current issues in European politics, economics, law, and culture, and prepares students for a wide range of employment opportunities. The programme also enables students to gain first-hand experience of life in two very different European countries and to practice or improve their foreign language skills. Students study the first year at the University of Limerick and the second year at Europa-Universität Flensburg. Graduates obtain two MA degrees from both participating institutions.
As a strategic international cooperation project of the University of Limerick, the first year of the programme is offered at significantly reduced tuition fees. Europa-Universität Flensburg only charges administrative fees for the second year (see further details under ‘Fees’ below). Given the reduced tuition fees, the number of places on the programme is strictly limited, so early application is advised.
The Master of Arts in European Studies is a two-year, full-time programme taught in cooperation with the Europa Universität Flensburg. The curriculum of this interdisciplinary programme draws on a range of subject areas, including politics, law, economics, cultural studies and languages. The first year of the programme is spent at the University of Limerick, and the second year at the Europa Universität Flensburg. The programme takes advantage of complementary strengths of the two universities in different subject areas. The programme is taught entirely in English at both universities, but students are encouraged to also study an EU language at beginners or advanced level to gain a more comprehensive sense of the multilingual and multicultural nature of Europe, and to be better prepared for an increasingly integrated European job market.
| Year 1 | |
| Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
Core Module PO5017 Graduate Seminar in Institutions and Policies of the European Union | |
| Electives: Select two modules from two different areas (9 credits each)1 | Electives: Select three modules from at least two different areas (9 credits each)1 |
Area 1: European Politics and Governance PA6011 Graduate Seminar in International Relations PO5051 Public Administration: Theory and Practice PO5016 Graduate Seminar in Contemporary Political Theory Area 2: European Law LA5153 Law of the European Convention of Human Rights LA6121 Comparative International Protection of Human Rights Law Area 3: European Cultural Studies CU6041 Literature of Migration CU6011 Language and Culture GE6021 German-Irish Cultural Connections Language for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Organisations | Area 1: European Politics and Governance PO5007 Graduate Seminar in European Governance PO5009 Graduate Seminar in Comparative Politics PO5010 Graduate Seminar in International Cooperation and Conflict Area 2: European Law LA6062 Comparative and European Criminal Justice LA6132 International Criminal Law LA5152 European Criminal Law Area 3: European Cultural Studies JM6012 Critical Economic and Media Studies HI6062 People on the Move: Studying Migration |
Skills electives: Select one module CO6001 Professional Development 1: Mastering your Employability AW6001 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 1 | Skills electives: Select one module CO6002 Professional Development 2: Mastering your Employability AW6012 Academic Literacies for International Postgraduate Students 2 |
| Year 2 at Europa Universität Flensburg | |
| Autumn Semester | Spring Semester |
| Electives: Select a total of 30 credits | MA Thesis (30 credits) Research Colloquium Optional study trip to Brussels |
Area 1: Political and Legal Europe Current Topics in EU Law and Politics (10 credits) External Relations of the EU (5 credits) | |
Area 2: Societal and Economic Europe Transformation of European Economies (5 credits) Challenges to European Society (10 credits) | |
Area 3: European Ideas and Diversity Social and Political Philosophy of Europe (10 credits) Cultural Diversity in Europe (5 credits) |
1 The suite of elective modules offered in a particular academic year may vary, depending on student numbers and staff availability.
Students can also take optional language classes in French, German, and Spanish at beginners and advanced level.
Applicants must have a primary degree in a related discipline, with first or second-class honours (Level 8 - National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) or an approved equivalent qualification. Candidates should be proficient in the use of English.
WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
- Qualification transcripts and certificates
- A copy of your birth certificate or passport
- A copy of your CV
- Letter of motivation
- If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice.
- If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
- English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
- English language competency certificate
- Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
Please note that non-EU students will require a separate visa for Germany to complete the second year of the programme at Europa-Universität Flensburg. Completion of the second year at Europa-Universität Flensburg is a prerequisite for graduating from the programme with an MA degree. If the visa application for Germany is unsuccessful or students are prevented from studying their second year in Germany for other reasons, they can exit the programme after the first year with a ‘Graduate Diploma in European Studies’ (NFQ Level 9).
Europa-Universität Flensburg provides information about visa applications and blocked accounts, which outline the additional financial implications and the administrative steps required for studying there.
Guidelines for completing your application
The application should include a motivation letter of no more than two pages, highlighting any existing training or relevant practical experience in this area, outlining the applicant’s general interest in European Studies, and explaining the applicant’s reasons for applying for admission to this particular degree programme. It should also include a CV of no more than two pages.
Please upload the above documents with your application form and title them appropriately (for example, "Letter of motivation", “CV”, "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate", etc.)
Year 1 at the University of Limerick
EU - €3,800 tuition fee
Non-EU - €9,000 tuition fee
Year 2 at Europa-Universität Flensburg
EU and Non-EU – €525 administrative fee (subject to change, amount based on 2023/24 autumn semester administrative fee; includes regional public transport ticket; see here for latest information).
Please note, fees are subject to change.
Further information on University of Limerick fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353-61-213007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).
The programme prepares graduates for a labour market in an increasingly integrated European Union, where deeper insights into the workings of the EU, as well as economic, legal, and cultural aspects of European societies (incl. language skills) will be in ever more demand. It is particularly well-suited for students who hope to pursue a career in organisations with a trans- or international dimension, be they governmental (e.g., EU institutions, UN agencies, diplomatic service, national administration), non-governmental (e.g., interest groups, cultural institutions, media), or private organisation (e.g., consultancies, multinational companies). The programme also provides a solid academic foundation for further doctoral research in European Studies and related disciplines.