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European Studies (BA)

Understand the cultures, politics, and history of Europe.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Location
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Honours
Major
Minor

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:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. 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.