High Drop-out Rate Alert
30% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.
BA European Studies with Italian
About this course
European studies is a discipline that attempts to make sense of one of the most complex political and cultural spaces in the world. Europe is not simply a geographic region but a contested idea, a set of overlapping institutions, and a site of profound historical upheavals whose consequences are still being worked through. Understanding contemporary Europe means engaging with the history of nation-states and empires, the processes of European integration and the tensions it has generated, the political economies of different welfare regimes, and the cultural diversity that both enriches and complicates the project of shared governance. Adding Italian to this degree enriches all of these dimensions, since Italy sits at the heart of European history, culture, and contemporary politics. At the University of Essex, this four-year full-time programme combines the political, historical, and cultural study of Europe with the development of proficiency in Italian. You will examine the processes of European integration and the institutions of the EU, explore comparative politics across European states, and study the historical forces that have shaped the continent from the nineteenth century onwards. Alongside this, you will develop genuine competence in Italian, engaging with the language in its written and spoken forms and with the rich literary and cultural tradition it carries. The combination develops both analytical depth and intercultural capability. Graduates are well prepared for careers in European affairs, including roles in EU institutions, national government, journalism, international business, law, diplomacy, and the cultural sector. The ability to engage with Italian-speaking stakeholders and to navigate Italian institutional and cultural contexts is a practical professional asset in many of these areas. Postgraduate study in European politics, Italian studies, international relations, or law is also an option for those who wish to specialise further.
Syllabus & Modules
Typical curriculumStudent Satisfaction
National Student Survey - 15 respondents (70% response rate)
Similarly Ranked Alternatives
What comes next? 🎓
Choosing the right university starts with choosing the right school. Explore transparent, data-driven school profiles powered by official DfE statistics.
Explore Schools on WhatSchool.ai →