European Studies Program

  Version française

The European Union (EU) now includes 27 members and more than 500 million people. Its economic, strategic and diplomatic significance makes it an essential actor both within and beyond its borders. But many questions remain, as evidenced by debates and disputes over governance, sovereignty, cultural diversity or economic and social policies. The European Studies field has become a key academic interest as decisions made by the EU, now more than ever, have a significant impact on individuals, companies, institutions both at the local and international levels. The European Studies approach combines a variety of methods to explore societal and political challenges that can only be understood in a broad socio-cultural context. The European Studies Diploma  is a joint project supported by the Faculty of Law and Economics and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Limoges. The aim is to provide a new, diverse and challenging curriculum and encourage both local, international and exchange students to engage in intercultural dialogue while improving their expertise in European issues.

The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the EU construction and of how the EU addresses current challenges in a constantly changing international environment. Experts in sociology, law, economics, international relations, literature and history examine how past and present debates bring knowledge and understanding with regard to shifting demographic, economic, political, cultural and environmental realities. Because the program—entirely taught in English—is a diverse, challenging and enriching academic experience, it offers students a unique opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to tackle complex issues in a multicultural environment

This program is designed to fit all profiles of students. Whether you are fully enrolled in a specific academic program of our university, or visiting as an international or exchange student, you can choose to attend all the courses of the program or select those you are more interested in. Each course is credited with a number of ECTS which will be acquired after successful completion of the course. These courses can complete a learning agreement/plan of study with courses taken in other programs. Several options are offered, depending on your status, needs and objectives : Exchange and international students :

• You want to enroll in the full program as a one-year project: upon completion you will be awarded the European Studies Diploma, issued by the University of Limoges. The requirements are that all courses be completed (both at the Faculty of Law and Economics and the Faculty of Humanities), including the final research paper.
• You want to enroll only in certain courses of the program as part of a learning agreement/study plan: you will receive the ECTS credits awarded for each course. The rest of your learning agreement will be completed with courses chosen from other programs.

Students enrolled in a full program at the University of Limoges:

• You want to earn the European Studies diploma in addition to your main degree (over a year or more): you need to complete successfully all the courses offered in our faculty (3 for each term) and a minimum of 2 courses at the Faculty of Law and Economics (for example 1 for each term).

The full program covers a number of important topics, divided into 2 clusters:

• The Autumn term will cover more general topics with the aim of bringing a basic understanding of Europe as a concept and the history, organization and functioning of European institutions;
• The Spring term will focus on topics with an emphasis on specific challenges: migrations and security.

Terms start and end according to the general university calendar.  

Emilie Chevalier, Ph. D., is associate professor of Law at the Faculty of Law and Economics.

Saïd Ouaked, Ph.D., is associate professor in American Studies at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Faculty of Law and Economics 5 rue Félix Eboué 87031 Limoges

Faculty of Arts and Humanities 36E rue Camille Guérin 87031 Limoges