Europe & the World

Aston University and Institut d’Etudes Politiques Lille offer students an exceptional opportunity to pursue a Double Masters in the area of European Studies with a vocational focus on the EU. The design of the programme provides an internationally oriented understanding of European affairs which is enhanced by its mix of both French and British perspectives. Students spend one year in the UK (Aston) and the second year in France (Lille). The aim is to prepare postgraduate students for embarking on challenging career paths that require knowledge of Europe’s place in the world and a practically oriented grasp of EU decision-making processes and legislation.

Programme outline and modules

At Aston

It comprises both taught modules and a research dissertation, and students are required to complete 180 credits to qualify for the Aston MA.

At Lille

Students also take a work placement opportunity as part of the course.

Students are required to complete 180 credits to gain the Double Masters award.

Students write a report and make a presentation to staff and students to analyse their placement experience (80 credits).

Learning, teaching & assessment

Modules are delivered via a variety of innovative and engaging teaching methods. You will take part in lectures, undertake individual research and guided study under the one-to-one supervision of a supervisor. There are also opportunities for interactive learning under a tutor’s guidance.

At Aston the taught modules are primarily assessed by written examination or extended essay. A 10,000 word minor dissertation will be completed.

At IEP-Lille, students are assessed by written examination for their module work. The assessment of placement includes a viva (oral examination)

Career opportunities

Graduate opportunities are available in European institutions, European interest groups and lobbies, national governments, international organisations, international business, politics and journalism.

Personal development

This course helps you to develop team working skills, presentation and communication and modern language skills, as well as research and report writing skills. Your IT skills will also benefit from use of our newly refurbished IT facilities.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Normally a good UK Honours Degree (minimum of an upper second class) in a relevant discipline or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references.

IInternational students whose native language is not English and have not completed a full degree programme taught in English, will also need to obtain:

• An overall IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of Band 7 in Speaking and Writing and Band 6.5 in Reading and Listening, or

• TOEFL score of 620 paper-based test (with TWE of 5.0), 260 computer-based test (with TWE of 5.0) or 105 internet-based test with a minimum of 25 in Writing and Speaking and 23 in Reading and Writing.

Applicants whose first language is not French must show that they have achieved a B1 level in the Common European Framework. This may take the form of:

• AS French for British students

• ASSET grades 10-12

• Level 3 in the Test de Connaissance du Français

• B1 in the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française), or

• the French Baccalauréat (or its equivalent in other Francophone countries).

Applicants whose first language is not French and have not yet achieved B2 level in the Common European Framework are enrolled at Aston on an Advanced French module. They are expected to achieve B2 level, along the lines of the DALF, at the end of their Aston year.

French candidates will have to contact Sciences Po Lille and selections will primarily be made by application form with support from a competitive evaluation.

Students will have to successfully complete the first year at Aston before progressing to the second year at Lille.