European civilisation is among the most influential in the world. To understand Europe is to understand one of the main sources of modernity. The European Union has emerged as a major actor in world politics and economics; its growth and development are of vital global importance.

Within European Studies, Political Science provides the disciplinary core, underpinned by history and (cultural) area studies, business/economics or communication courses. Students also undergo rigorous training in German up to levels of academic and professional fluency. The aim is to give students a firm knowledge of the basic features of the European world and the communicative skills necessary for a future professional or academic career in the fields of European-Asian relations. Knowledge of Europe is deepened by the Honours Project in the final year, based on first-hand research into a particular subject related to Europe. Successful graduates also possess the skills requisite for immediate entry to postgraduate programmes both locally and in Europe.

Unique Features

• Provide students with a general and up-to-date knowledge of contemporary Europe, firmly grounded in the social sciences, with an emphasis on the European Union and its member states;
• Enable students to grasp the significance of Europe to world history, politics and economics and to train them to become skilled and knowledgeable communicators between Hong Kong/Mainland China and Europe;
• Assist students in acquiring high, professionally relevant proficiency in one major European language (other than English);
• Provide orientation and intellectual stimulus for students to understand and appreciate their own and other cultures/societies in an increasingly multi-polar and multi-cultural world; and
• Contribute to Hong Kong's role as a major international commercial and cultural crossroads.

Student Learning Experiences

European Studies consists of two years of full-time study in Hong Kong, a third year spent in Europe, followed by a fourth year in Hong Kong. The third year is designed as an integral part of the overall programme. It consists of academic study at a European university and possibly a placement with European companies/institutions. Students should benefit from on-the-spot academic training and linguistic immersion, and where possible, first-hand experience of work in a European environment. While the year spent overseas is organised by the University, students need to cover their own private living expenses.

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates have gone on to work in organisations that have strong links with, or are based in French- or German-speaking countries, or with Chinese and Hong Kong concerns with important European interests. Options range from the civil service and education to international/European organisations, media and communication, information services and NGOs, trading/merchandising, transport/logistics, finance/banking, retail and the tourism or culture sectors.