BAEuropean and International Studies (Spanish)
| Study location | United Kingdom, Egham, Surrey |
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| Type | Bachelor courses, full-time |
| Nominal duration | 4 years |
| Study language | English |
| Awards | BA |
| Course code | R401 |
| Entry qualification | High school / secondary education (or higher) At least one A Level in an essay based subject The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. |
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| Language requirements | English IELTS: 6.5 overall (with 7.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in each remaining subscore) |
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| Other requirements | At least 1 reference(s) must be provided. A motivation letter must be added to your application. |
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| More information |
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Overview
Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.
Programme structure
Year 1
Introduction to International Relations
This module offers a broad introduction to theory and history in international relations since 1870. You will look at a variety of different theoretical lenses, ranging from orthodox to critical perspectives, in order to understand events from the collapse of the Bismarckian European order and the origins of World War 1 to the contemporary War on Terror. Along the way you will also explore the origins and the end of the Cold War, decolonisation and the End of Empire, the rise of international institutions, humanitarian intervention and new security issues.
Introduction to Politics and Government
This module will introduce you to the academic study of politics and to the ‘real world’ of contemporary politics. You will be equipped with the essential tools to understand the nature of politics and analyse the way different political systems work. You will be introduced to key concepts such as politics, power, rights, ideologies, democracy and representation, and will learn about the different actors, institutions and processes that make up politics today.
If you choose to study Spanish ab initio (from scratch) you will take Intensive Spanish 1. If you have taken the subject to A-level (or equivalent) standard you will take Spanish 1. If you are a native speaker then you will take Spanish Language – Culture and Translation
Intensive Spanish I
Spanish 1
Spanish Language – Culture and Translation
Year 2
Understanding the European Union – Politics and Theory
In this module you will analyse the contemporary politics of the European Union and its institutions, amid the challenges of the triple crisis of economics, migration and Brexit. You will learn about the political history of European integration after 1949 and the contemporary theory of European integration. The first term will begin with an introduction to the European Union as a political system followed by an overview of the European Union’s historical development. The second term will focus on contestation of the European Union and the theories that underpin this, in order to explain how the EU developed and the challenges that it faces. Topics will include Euroscepticism, party politics, public opinion, Brexit and EU-UK relations, and European Parliament elections. The theory sessions comprise of federalism, neo-functionalism, liberal intergovernmentalism and the new institutionalisms.
If you are stuyding Spanish ab initio (from scratch) you will take Intensive Spanish 2. If you have taken the subject to A-level (or equivalent) standard you will take Spanish 2. If you are a native speaker then you will take Advanced Spanish Translation – Skills and Practice.
Intensive Spanish 2
Spanish 2
Advanced Spanish Translation – Skills and Practice
Year 3
The third year of this degree programme will be spent abroad, either studying or working or both. It is usually expected that students will spend at least 9 months overseas, in countries where the native langauges match the languages the student is studying. Students studying two langauges will be expected to divide their time between two relevant countries, i.e. one for each langauge. The School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures will support students in finding a suitable study or work placement, but students are also expected to explore opportunities independently and the ultimate responsibility for securing such a placement lies with the student. Alternatively students may choose to enrol for courses at a partner university in the relevant country. This year forms an integral part of the degree programme; students on placement will be asked to complete assessed work which will be credited towards their degree, while in the case of those studying at a university, marks obtained for courses taken will be credited towards their degree. The same applies to the assessment of spoken language on return to Royal Holloway from the period of residence abroad.
Year 4
If you are stuyding Spanish then you will take Spanish 3.
Spanish 3
European Union Public Policy
In thid module you will develop an understanding of regulation in the European Union, including delivery of policy and administration. You will look at how the world’s largest market operatures, with a focus on EU public policy, including de-regulation, re-regulation, budgets and spending. You will examine the concept of the single market, the Euro and its crisis, justice, home affairs and counter-terrorism, the EU budget, agriculture, regional development, and social and environmental politicies.
European Union Foreign Policy
In this module you will develop an understanding of the European Union’s foreign relations, focussing on political, security and economic impacts. You will examine its international role, looking at the Common Foreign and Security Policy, its relationship with NATO, the USA and Russia, its connection to immediate neighbours in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, and its role in global trade negotiations.
Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Career opportunities
A global economy offers exciting opportunities to those wanting to pursue successful and rewarding careers. An ability to speak several languages and a keen analytical mind are among the most sought-after qualities in today’s highly competitive job market; European Studies equips students with both.
Our European Studies and International Relations course fosters a deeper cultural understanding of a foreign language which can be a great asset in industries such as export, trade and international marketing. In these fields, workers need to build and maintain solid relationships with foreign partners, so a cultural understanding can help workers anticipate foreign clients’ expectations. Many government jobs require language skills, particularly in the sectors of immigration and diplomacy.
This course produces high calibre graduates with the skills and knowledge to fully exploit every opportunity including those presented during the study year abroad. Studies show that students who have spent time abroad as part of their degree programme gain higher status and better paid jobs. As part of the study year abroad, those of our students who wish to pursue a career in teaching can apply to work as an English language assistant in a continental school. Alternatively, there is an opportunity to spend the year in employment on an approved work placement (former students have worked for companies such as IBM in Marseilles and Ferrari at Marinello, Italy) or apply to work as an intern for an MEP or in a European institution in the host country. This latter option is a popular choice for European Studies students who wish to gain work experience in politics.
Our outstanding record of success for work and further study puts Royal Holloway in the top 10 for graduate career prospects (Complete University Guide, 2015). It goes to show that our degree programmes not only promote academic achievement but also the means to hone the life-skills necessary to excel, post-graduation. Our students have an excellent record of finding appropriate and interesting professions. In fact, six-months after graduation, 95% of our most recent graduates (Unistats 2015) are enhancing their skills with further study or forging careers in companies and institutions such as:
The European Commission
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative
Citi
Proctor & Gamble
Bloomberg
Henry Jackson Society
Mazda Motor Europe
British Council
Oxfam Head Office
Merlin Entertainments Group
Ralph Lauren
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you