NCRE

National Centre for Research on Europe

Postgraduate Students

The primary focus of the National Centre for Research on Europe remains the development of a new generation of New Zealand graduates with expertise in a range of European issues in order to foster New Zealand's ability to comprehend and interact with the new Europe. This goal is achieved through the postgraduate programmes offered by the Centre, with over 50 thesis students supported by the NCRE in the last six years.

Graduate students are one of the largest and most important parts of the Centre's University community, and through offering financial support, chances for international research trips and internships, and regular contact with European diplomats and political practitioners the Centre aims to provide the Centre a supportive, challenging and academically exciting environment.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in European Studies - BA (Hons)

In 2003, the National Centre for Research on Europe at the University of Canterbury launched the European Studies Honours degree. The primary aim of the degree is to foster the interdisciplinary study of Europe in its diversity and to initiate research in all manner of areas related to Europe, and since its inception 14 students have completed this degree, with many returning for further EU related study.

The European Studies Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study contemporary European issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives. Courses are offered that focus on the European Union and on the individual member states of the EU, as well as on the wider Europe (including Russia). The undergraduate and Honours programme involves courses that examine questions of economic and political integration, European geography, government, foreign policy, post-war history and European culture and identity. To adequately understand contemporary Europe and the "idea of Europe" students are encouraged to enrol for a wide range of courses from competing disciplines and, while optional, wherever possible develop some European language competence.

The European Studies Honours degree at the University of Canterbury is also a stepping stone for anyone interested in pursuing further post-graduate research at the Masters and PhD level. The National Centre for Research on Europe offers many opportunities for ongoing Honours students, including scholarships, research and travel opportunities.

Students from all undergraduate backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please contact Prof Martin Holland in the first instance.

Degree Structure and Prerequisites*

The BA (Hons) degree in European Studies consists of four papers: one compulsory, three optional.

The core paper (EURO 401) is multidisciplinary and designed to be thematic and conceptually define "The Idea of Europe". It is taught by members of staff throughout the University of Canterbury as well as by visiting lecturers to the NCRE.

A research paper (EURO 480) is available as one of the options for students, with enrolment dependent on the suitability of the topic and availability of supervisors.

GPA prerequisites are, either:

  1. a major in European Union Studies or European Cultures and Languages, with a B average or better; or
  2. a B+ average or better in approved subject majors.

There are no language prerequisites, bar those that may be required for individual courses taught as part of the programme.

Courses Offered

EURO Honours students can choose courses from the following list of options in the 2011 academic year. EURO 401 "The Idea of Europe" is compulsory. (Note: not all courses will be on offer every academic year.)

course title information

EURO 401

The Idea of Europe

 

EURO 404

From Colonialism to Partnership? Europe in the Pacific

 

EURO 409

The Europeanisation of Politics: East and West

 

EURO 410

The European Union as Global Actor

 

EURO 416

EU Research Training and Methods

 

EURO 420

Nationalism & Ethnic Conflict in Post-Soviet Space

  

EURO 448

Issues in Modern European History

  
EURO 449 Democracy and Participation in the European Union  

EURO 480

EU Research Topic

  

Assessment Procedures

The NCRE Postgraduate Coordinator will liaise with all contributing staff, negotiate workload expectations so as to ensure comparability of the various courses, and plan appropriate overall programmes of study with intending European Studies Honours students.

All the contributing departments have their own, properly vetted, assessment procedures for level 400 courses, including external assessment. Assessment of EURO 401 and EURO 480 will be by contributing lecturers with external assessment.

Master of Arts in European Studies - MA

The NCRE supervises Masters degrees by thesis covering a wide range of topics broadly within the social sciences, but which all focus on specific aspects of Europe and the European Union.

Students normally commence their thesis in February and are expected to complete within 12-15 months. However, students can enrol at any time of the year and can take up to 24 months to complete if required.

All new thesis students are required to enrol in EURO 416 EU Research Training and Methods during the first semester.

All thesis students require at least two supervisors: these may be exclusively drawn from NCRE staff or may include supervisors from other academic departments at the University of Canterbury, other New Zealand universities or partner institutions overseas.

EURO 690 MA Thesis European Studies

Doctor of Philosophy in European Studies - PhD

The NCRE supervises Doctoral degrees by thesis covering a wide range of topics broadly within the social sciences, but which all focus on specific aspects of Europe and the European Union.

Students normally commence their thesis in February and are expected to complete within 3-4 years. However, students can enrol at any time of the year.

All new thesis students are required to enrol in EURO 416 EU Research Training and Methods during the first semester.

All thesis students require at least two supervisors: these may be exclusively drawn from NCRE staff or may include supervisors from other academic departments at the University of Canterbury, other New Zealand universities or partner institutions overseas.

EURO 790 PhD European Studies

Scholarships and Internships

The NCRE is part of the NZ European Union Centres Network which each year offers Postgraduate Domestic Fee Scholarships of around NZD$3,500 and Research Awards for Research and Travel to many of Honours, Masters and PhD students at the Network's Partner Institutions.** Academic merit is the sole criterion for eligibility.

As well, the EUCN in conjunction with Members of the European Parliament's Delegation responsible for relations with Australia and New Zealand offer a unique opportunity for two postgraduate students a year from any of the Network's Partner Institutions* to travel to Europe and work as an intern for a Member of the European Parliament for up to three months.

There are also many scholarships available through the University of Canterbury's own Scholarships Office.

Useful Links

The following links offer some more useful information for prospective postgraduate students to the National Centre for Research on Europe:

Want to know more?

Please contact us if you have questions about studying at the NCRE.

* Changes to prerequisites subject to NZVCC CUAP approval due December 2006.

** EUCN Partner Institutions include the Universities of Otago, Canterbury, Lincoln, Victoria, Massey, Waikato and Auckland.

Last updated: 19 January 2011