University Association for Contemporary European Studies EU Studies Fair 2016

 UACES is the leading professional association for European Studies in Europe ◦  Regular contributors to the EU Studies Fair

 Introduce you to the diversity of available programmes  Help you navigate your way round European Studies  Give guidance on what to focus on when making your choice  Help you make the best choice

 3 aspects ◦ Programme content – the focus, disciplinary characteristics ◦ Programme outcomes (including life after graduation) ◦ Practical hints for choosing

 ES an evolving programme  Therefore boosted the number of programmes – more at Masters than Bachelors

 500+ ES programmes across EU  Changes ◦ Previously – more multi-disciplinary ◦ Evolved to specific focus on EU and European integration ◦ Growth of programmes on European mainland

 Not all focus on EU ◦ Some focus on the wider Europe, other European organisations/bodies (NATO/OSCE) ◦ Europe in context – Europe & IR, Europe & Development Cooperation ◦ Europe & its cultural aspects etc

 Some strong disciplinary focus  Dominated by Political Science, Economics & Law  Others multi-disciplinary  Large focus on Pol Sci/Public Policy

 Ask yourself what you want ◦ Specific discipline or broader multi-disciplinary approach ◦ EU studies particularly? ◦ Wider Europe? ◦ Area studies – eastern Europe, Mediterranean, Balkans?

 Search out the skills ◦ Professional ◦ Research ◦ Both

 Distinguish between career perspectives versus specific careers

 Motivation  Interest  Non-vocational  Critical thinking about Europe

 Your peers  Research environment at the home institution

 What do I want to learn? What interests/motivates me?  Where to study (teaching methods, level of interactivity, types of assessments, level of innovation, research environment)  How to study

 Importance of visiting the institution you hope to study at.  Speaking to students as well as staff on the course you are interested in.  Extra curricular activities that could enhance your employability.

 Why EU Studies? ◦ Opportunities to cross disciplines ◦ Opportunities to specialise, e.g. Law ◦ Employability in this field does not come at the cost of intellectual stimulation

 Employers’ perception of graduate employability – rated as “Very Important”  Teamwork (67%)  Sector-specific (62%)  Communication skills; Computer skills (60%)  Literacy/problem solving skills (59%)  Numeracy/language skills (40%) ◦ See:

 How does the programme held you build your skill sets?  Internships?  What other resources are available to you?

Any questions?