Arts - European Studies
Our BA degree programme at University College Cork is the gateway to the immense and exciting possibilities of education. We offer a wide variety of subjects across diverse fields – this allows you the flexibility and opportunity to choose your career pathway or postgraduate route.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H5 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Other Language O6/H7
European Studies (Group 2 (b))
This subject is available in First Arts and thereafter only as part of the BA (International). European Studies students wishing to transfer to the four-year BA Hons International must make an application seeking the approval of CACSSS. All such applications are subject to examination results and availability of places.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
European Studies graduates have pursued careers in a variety of areas including:
European public and private sectors
Foreign Affairs
EU Institutions and Agencies
Government Departments
Communications
Administration
Marketing and Management
Research
NGOs and Charities
Policy Analysis
Consultancy
Academia
Media, PR and Journalism
Possible career paths are as varied as your individual interests.
Further information
September 2026
CK101 Arts: Approximate Available Places 50
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
CK101 Arts: Approximate Available Places Overall 500
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
This programme gives you the space to explore your options. Ultimately you will not only excel in specific subject knowledge you will develop those intellectual, social and management skills essential for today’s working environment.
Our Arts CK101 programme is a full-time three-year honours programme, based at the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences (CACSSS). If you wish to spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions in Europe and beyond, you can apply to our four-year Arts (International) CK108 programme which is open to language and non-language students.
Subject options on registration: Students choose four subjects from the list below in Year 1, with not more than one subject from any group.
Students continue with 2 of these subjects in Years 2 & 3:
Group 1: Asian Studies, Computer Science***, History, Portuguese
Group 2(a)*: History of Art
Group 2(b)*: European Studies, Folklore, Gaeilge/Irish, Greek and Roman Civilisation, Studies in Psychology****
Group 3: Archaeology, Chinese Studies, German, Latin***, Mathematical Studies, Politics
Group 4: French, Sociology, Studies in Music
Group 5: Béaloideas, Economics, English, Greek***, Religions and Global Diversity
Group 6(a)**: Geography, Italian
Group 6(b)**: Celtic Civilisation, Philosophy, Spanish
*Groups 2(a) and 2(b): Students can combine History of Art with any subject from Group 2(a) in Year 1 only.Students can only study one subject from Groups 2(a) and 2(b) in Years 2 & 3.
**Groups 6(a) and 6(b): From Year 2, students may combine Italian with Spanish, but students may not combine Italian with Celtic Civilisation or Philosophy; or Geography with Celtic Civilisation, Philosophy or Spanish.
***These subjects are available in First Arts and thereafter only as a 10-credit subject in the Single Subject Programme
****This subject is available in Year 1 only
European Studies (Group 2 (b))
This subject is available in First Arts and thereafter only as part of the BA (International). European Studies students wishing to transfer to the four-year BA Hons International must make an application seeking the approval of CACSSS. All such applications are subject to examination results and availability of places,
European Studies is a unique multidisciplinary subject, in which you will explore the processes and consequences of political, diplomatic, administrative and economic decision-making in the European Union. As a European Studies graduate, you will be prepared for the challenges associated with a more interdependent and enlarged EU.
European Studies is anchored by the School of History. Other participating Schools and Departments include Geography; Law; and Food Business and Development. European Studies will provide you with insight into the EU as a system of multilevel governance and with a critical understanding of contemporary developments within the Union.
This challenging and rewarding course equips students to develop independent thinking, strong communication and negotiation skills, cultural understanding and research expertise.
You will scrutinise the evolution, treaties, functioning, institutions and policies of the EU. You can investigate the EU in the context of international relations and its role in shaping the global system. You can also explore national-level policies and politics in individual EU member states.
European Studies is available within a BA or BA International degree.
In the BA, European Studies is available as a subject in Year 1 only.
In the BA International, European Studies can be pursued to degree level (as part of the BA International) for students selecting it preferably with one of the following subjects: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese or English. Students spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in a country appropriate to their studies and/or the major language studied.
Modules
Year 1 Modules
ES1002 Introduction to Europe and the European Union (5 credits)
ES1003 The Nature and Political Evolution of the EC/EU (5 credits)
ES1004 Europe: Rural Societies, Economies & Policies (5 credits)
In both the BA and BA International you will explore the processes and consequences of political, diplomatic, administrative, socio-economic and environmental decision-making in Europe. If you choose BA International, you will continue to Year 2
Katherine McGarry
k.mcgarry@ucc.ie
+353(0)21 490 2718
https://www.ucc.ie/en/eurostudies/