This plan is only available to students commencing from 2009

Europe is also one of the most prosperous regions of the world and the site of many of the most significant developments in the world today. It continues to be important geo-politically, economically and militarily both in the world and for Australia.

Studying Europe is thus necessary for students to keep up to date with current developments across multiple academic fields. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in European Studies provides a means for students to acquire specialised regional knowledge of Europe while also developing the intellectual skills and qualities of mind associated with undergraduate achievement in the UNSW BA.

European Studies has been an area of research and teaching strength at UNSW for many years. The library, for instance, possesses considerable resources on the area and current staff count several internationally recognised scholars amongst their number.

The Bachelor of Arts in European Studies offers valuable educational pathways by giving prominence to the distinctiveness and significance of European societies and cultures, and fostering a critical awareness of diversity across societies, both past and present. A core strength of this major is its interdisciplinary nature. Students who take the BA in European Studies will gain a valuable perspective on the interplay of differing approaches. European Studies has been shown to be a valuable vocational addition for students aiming for employment in business and government.

In general, a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies aims to build upon the curiosity that students have of Europe and develop their understanding of the links between this region and the globalised world. Specifically, the aims and objectives of this major in European Studies are:

1. To build student’s knowledge of the political, economic, social and cultural developments that have occurred, and are occurring, in the European region;
2. To gain a critical appreciation of Europe in relation to Australia;

3. To develop the intellectual, creative and analytical skills of students;

4. To prepare a Europe-literate graduate whose skills and knowledge set will leave them well placed for future career success.

A student who wishes to gain a major sequence in European Studies must complete 54 units of credit including 12 uoc at level 1, at least 18 uoc at level 2 and at least 18 uoc at level 3 including the capstone course.

Level 2 offers electives covering aspects of twentieth century European history, diplomacy, politics and society, including the continuing process of European political and economic integration, the role of Europe in international affairs, the collapse of Europe’s Asian and African Empires, the emergence of totalitarian states and ideologies across the Continent.

Level 3 offers electives which focus on the movements, groups and schools that have most influenced the contemporary European ideological, cultural and literary landscapes. Through the study of documents, literary texts and films consideration is also given to the way in which a number of European societies have deal with their troubled past and uncertain future.