BA European Studies

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

First and second years
In first year, you will study two chosen languages, the history of early modern Europe, an introductory module to the history of ideas, and you will take one introductory module in the social sciences (political science, sociology or economics). 

In second year, you will continue to study two languages, study the history of Europe in the 20th Century, the history of ideas during the period of Enlightenment and Romanticism, and will choose from further options in history, politics, sociology, or economics.

Third and fourth years
The third year is spent at a university abroad studying through the language you choose as your Major language. 

In the final year, language work focuses on your Major language while coursework for your Minor language concentrates mainly on comprehension and textual analysis. The core course in your final year is called ‘Modernity and Society: Ideas and Culture in Europe since 1850’. Additionally, you will choose options from a wide range of modules from history, political science, sociology, economics and a number of culture and literature options from the language departments.

Students study two languages from French, German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish.

German,  Italian, Polish, Russian and Spanish are available from beginner level. No student may study more than one language as a beginner.

Note: It is not possible to combine Irish and Spanish.

Applicants must present with at least one European language (other than English and Irish) in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).

If candidates are presenting one language (other than English or Irish), they must attain a grade of H3 or higher.

If candidates are presenting two or more languages, they must present at least one of French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and they must attain at least the following grades: Leaving Certificate H3 if presenting French and H4 if presenting any other language. 

The fees for BA European Studies may vary from €10,000 to €25,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

The language skills and understanding of a variety of disciplines gained through European Studies allow our graduates to take up opportunities in a diverse range of careers. Recent graduates are employed in international organisations both in Ireland and abroad, in the EU, in the civil service and the diplomatic corps, in business, finance and marketing. Other popular career paths are in consultancy, teaching (in Ireland and abroad), translating and interpreting, journalism and tourism. Many students go on to do postgraduate courses.