European Studies (BA)
Understand the cultures, politics, and history of Europe.
Why choose this program?
For more than two millennia, Europe has been the source of many of the ideas and cultural values of Western civilization and it continues in the 21st century. Develop a broad perspective on Europe through three main subject categories: history and politics; literature and ideas; and the fine arts. You’ll also learn a European language.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
European Studies has an Honours program and a major. Because it is already a multidisciplinary program, European Studies cannot be combined with other subjects to form a combined honours degree.
The following European Studies program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Arts (120 Credit Hour) European Studies
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in European Studies
What you will learn
The idea behind Dal's European Studies program is that the best way to understand Europe is to take a wide range of courses from different departments.
The courses are divided into three main categories:
- history and politics, including a variety of other courses in the social sciences
- literature and ideas, including the study of languages and courses in Philosophy
- the fine arts, including courses in Music, Theatre and Film Studies
You will meet with a European Studies advisor to get the optimal mix that suits your own goals and interests.
Sample courses may include:
Introduction to Western Religions
Music Theory I
German for Beginners I
Civilization of Baroque Italy
Existentialism
European Economic History
19th Century Fiction from Austen to Dickens
Sex and Gender in Reformation Europe
Europe and World War II
French Feminist Theory
Topics in the History of Philosophy
Contemporary Social and Political Thought
The program guides students to a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary Europe. It is not housed in any one department but is a combined effort of most departments in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the University of King’s College.
Careers
One of the greatest benefits of Dal’s European Studies program is its multidisciplinary nature. The breadth of knowledge and the critical thinking skills you’ll acquire will help prepare you for careers paths that are as varied as your individual interests.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in European studies, arts, or a professional program such as law.