European Development Studies

Course details

This course helps you understand the complexities of contemporary developmental processes which operate within Europe, and their consequences for the convergence/pergence of regional and national economies.

The MA in European Development Studies is a one year, full-time degree. It involves both course work and a 25,000 word dissertation.

Through a series of seminars, the course examines the perse nature of European development. Issues covered include: cultural identities, rural versus urban Europe, the legal entity of Europe, natural landscapes, migration, economic transformation and geopolitics. It explores relationships between cores and peripheries within Europe and evaluates the policy agendas of the European Commission which are designed to achieve smart, cohesive and sustainable development. The accession of many eastern European states to the European Union has and will pose many new challenges for harmonious development in Europe.

Course Details

Through thematic modules you are introduced to Europe’s historical origins, perse contemporary debates and challenges – economic, social, cultural, environmental and political – and how these are manifested in the landscape of Europe. In research methodology modules you are introduced to the philosophical, ethical, technical and legal dimensions of research. Different quantitative methods for analysing data, including statistical modelling, are outlined. Qualitative techniques of data analysis are also examined, including interviewing strategies and focus groups. In computer-based practicals and library workshops, you will receive instruction and achieve competence in a range of research and presentation skills. In relation to IT, this includes word processing, spreadsheets and database management, and the use of the internet/web pages. Other skills include searching and managing bibliographic databases and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Modules (90 credits):

Part One 

• ES6001 European Development: different meanings to different Europeans (5 credits) 
• ES6002 Core-periphery Relationships in Europe (5 credits) 
• ES6007 Applied Skills in Data Management (10 credits) 
• ES6008 Research Strategies (10 credits) 
• ES6009 Assessing Cohesion within Europe: case study (15 credits)

Part Two 

• ES6010 Research Dissertation (45 credits)

This MA course will:

• enhance your understanding of contemporary developmental processes in Europe
• provide an understanding of core-periphery relationships
• provide you with analytical techniques and research methodologies to help you submit a research project
• equip you with transferable skills, together with an understanding of complex developmental processes, providing a good basis for a career in a variety of public, private or non-governmental sectors 

Course Practicalities

Thematic modules involve seminar classes which are two hours long and take the form of interactive discussion rather than a lecture format. Readings may be circulated before seminars and you are expected to participate fully in each session. There are also a range of weekly two-hour, computer-based practicals, methodological research seminars, library workshops, and inpidual and team-based research and presentations. Reading lists are provided at the end of each seminar.

Assessment

All modules are completely continuously assessed. You will complete a range of written assignments from short essays to substantial reports, computer-based practicals, oral presentations and bibliographic assignments. The thematic and methodological modules constitute 50% of the final mark. A 25,000-word research dissertation, completed between April and August, makes up the remaining 50% of the final mark.