European Policy and Management (MSc / MRes) - 2009/2010 entry

Aims

This unique interdisciplinary programme bridges the gap between the study of economic management and public policy in a European context. It aims to equip you with advanced knowledge of the nature of the European Union as both a political and business environment, the interaction between the political and economic underpinnings of European integration, as well as the sources, content, evolution and management of EU public policy.

It provides an understanding of the organisation, evolution and actual operation of the European business environment, the political economy of Europe and the responses of businesses to economic integration in Europe. In addition, the degree encompasses a detailed discussion of the operation of the EU from a policy process perspective (policy formulation and implementation). Thus, it combines the ‘economic management’ perspective with the ‘political management’ perspective.

These degrees are suitable for people wanting to further their knowledge of, or planning a career in, European organisations, private sector management, the public sector (local, regional and central government and the diplomatic service) and the voluntary sector.

Content

Core course: European Management and Political Economy (year-long course). Issues covered include: the economic and political process of European integration, economic and monetary union, social and labour market regulation, industrial innovation and research policy, administrative and public sector reform in the EU, varieties of capitalism in Europe.

In addition to the core course, you will choose options from the School of Politics and Sociology and the School of Management. Modules are normally available in:

• British, US and European government and politics
• international relations, international security, and US foreign policy
• politics of globalisation and international political economy
• politics, policy and administration of the EU
• political theory and political sociology
• war, conflict, nationalism, politics and religion
• policy analysis, policy-making processes and comparative public policy
• public management and public sector reform
• research methods
• international marketing, business strategy
• management and organisation.

Click here to see the full list of optional management modules.

For MRes students, research methods training forms part of the programme's core elements.

Dissertation.

Click here to find out more about these courses.

Teaching

A mix of lectures, seminars and student-led discussions employing a variety of formats.

Assessment

Core course assessed by written examinations; option modules assessed by coursework and written examinations. There is a dissertation element.

When to apply

• Early applications encouraged.
• Interviews March–early September.

Study resources

Birkbeck Library has an extensive teaching collection of books and journals in politics and sociology. It also has an impressive range of electronic resources, including bibliographic databases and over 17,000 electronic journals. Most of these resources can be accessed via the Internet 24 hours a day. It is worth spending some time on the Library website to familiarise yourself with its collections and services. 

Students can also take advantage of the rich research collections nearby, including those of the Senate House Library, the British Library of Political and Economic Science (LSE Library) and the British Library. 

Special features

Visiting speakers programme; study skills sessions; ESRC recognition (MRes track).

Academics who teach on this programme are active researchers in (and publish extensively on) the politics of European integration and public policy in Europe.

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