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Undergraduate admissions

European Studies

Why choose European Studies at UVic?

Build a deeper understanding of Europe’s history, politics, and global influence while developing skills that lead to careers in policy, international relations, and public service. This flexible, interdisciplinary minor lets you combine your main degree with European-focused learning across politics, culture, economics, and language.

You’ll learn from experts across multiple disciplines and explore real-world global issues—from European Union policy to cultural change—through a Canadian and international lens. With opportunities to travel, collaborate, and apply your knowledge, you’ll graduate with a broader global perspective and career-ready skills.

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What you’ll study

Explore Europe through multiple perspectives and connect your learning to real-world challenges. European politics and the European Union

  • History, culture and identity
  • Economics, geography and law
  • Language and cross-cultural communication
  • Global issues and international relations

How this minor works:

  • Add European Studies to your primary degree
  • Start after your first year
  • Combine with majors like Political Science, History or Economics
  • Customize your courses based on your interests.

Hands-on learning

  • EU Study Tour and Internship - Travel to Europe and visit key institutions, explore current political and economic issues, and gain global insight through guided tours. After your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an internship and apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting.
  • West Coast Model EU - Step into the role of a European leader in a simulated European Council summit. Represent an EU member state, collaborate with other students, and engage with real policy issues shaping Europe today.

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

  • Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
  • Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
  • On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
  • Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Student life and community

  • COVIDA Student Collective - Turn your academic knowledge into real-world action. Join a community of students focused on political engagement and activism.
  • EUS Course Union - Connect with other European Studies students through events, guest talks, and social activities. Get involved in building a student-led academic community—including contributing to a student journal.
  • EUS Discussion Group - Dive deeper into European affairs through open discussions and debates. Meet students who share your interests and expand your perspective beyond the classroom.

Why the interdisciplinary approach matters

European Studies brings together courses from politics, history, economics, philosophy, language, and the arts—so you’re not limited to one way of thinking. This gives you a more complete understanding of global issues and builds flexible, career-ready skills like critical thinking, cultural awareness, and the ability to connect ideas across fields.

Inspiring courses you can take

  • Life and Death in the Viking World
  • Gender and Sexuality in European Art
  • Migration and Ethnic Tensions in Post-1945 Europe
  • Love, Sex, and the Body in the Ancient World
  • Putin’s Russia

Career possibilities

Build skills that translate into careers in Canada and globally. Common career paths include:

  • Government or public administration
  • International development and NGOs
  • Policy analysis and research
  • Diplomacy and foreign service
  • Journalism, communications, and advocacy

What you gain:

  • Critical thinking and policy analysis skills
  • Cross-cultural communication and global awareness
  • Research, writing, and collaboration experience

Admission

This is a minor program that can be added to your primary degree to broaden your studies. You can declare your minor after one or more years of full-time study at UVic.

Your academic advisor can help you plan your courses to ensure you meet the requirements of both your major and minor programs.

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Faculties & departments

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