Switch on the news any day of the week, or pick up just about any national newspaper, and you will be sure to come across an item on Europe. It is clear that the future of Europe is a geo-political question of profound importance for the future of the world we live in. Yet, few of us truly understand the complex phenomenon that is modern Europe.You’ll examine Europe’s economic, legal, and sociological context, as well as its historical origins whilst acquiring an understanding of Europe’s rich cultural traditions. The artists, writers, musicians, composers and film-makers of Europe have exerted a cultural influence that even now is not eclipsed by the dominance of America on the world’s stage.Based within our Interdisciplinary Studies Centre (ISC), European studies is a subject that approaches the complex idea of Europevia a wide range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. We have expertise in modern languages, literature, film, history of art, history, politics and sociology, with experienced staff in all disciplines. Our four-year course means that you can spend your third year in Europe, learning a second language and immersing yourself in European cultures.Here at Essex, our teaching and research in European studies offers maximum flexibility for you to study areas that interest you, so you can pursue a wide range of topics including:- European identity and the development of the EU- Representations of non-Europeans in art- Europe’s colonial history- Religion in Europe- EU lawThe study of Europe is vital for ongoing discussion of what Europe’s future ought to be; a discussion that will profoundly affect every European citizen. Through a course in European studies, you can acquire the knowledge, skills and experience to make an active contribution to one of the most important political and cultural processes of the century.Essex is top five in the UK for social science research (REF 2014).