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Course review
Review by: Christopher H
University: King's College London, University of London
Course: European Studies
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
8
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
At least one language, French or Spanish,
History,
Politics, and Economics.
But really this is irrelevant as the course seems to jump between subject like an epileptic hare
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
The only reason I decided to do European Studies is because it sounded far more interesting that simply studying a language, and for those not attracted by the literature side of language this may be so. But beware innocent applicants! European studies is not a course for the faint hearted, although at the outset it may seem like there is an abundance of choices to make on what you wish to study, in the first year believe me there isn't and if the thought of trawling through the last 300 years of European history makes your stomach turn then I would strongly advise against it.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I wish it had been made clear that there were such restrictions on the module choices in the first year. Apart from that the course outline given to you at the opening day is extremely clear on what will be expected of you whilst studying at Kings.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
The course is basically made up of lectures, for each of the lectures there are mandatory tutorials. These are group discussion sessions in which your lecture group will be divided into groups to discuss in more detail some of the issues raised in the lecture.
The downside to this structure is that a high proportion of this course is made up of foreign students, this combines aspects of badly spoken English with the arrogance of the Eastern European nouveau riche and results in a spectacle which generally failos to yield any additional learning process whatsoever.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
The amount of reading which you are told to do outside of lectures is monumental, no other word comes close to describing it. However the amount of extra reading which you actually need to do, especially in year one, is a tiny fraction of that. In the second year it becomes slightly more important but then again given that you have slightly more choice in your module selections it is hopeful that you would actually want to read more than the first year anyway.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The degree programme towards the end of the second year has become far more interesting. The course shifts away from a focus on the history to a focus on the contemporary issues which affect Europe and without doubt the language course is very strong and well taught.
The range of topics which a student can cover is impressive, from art history to politics and economics. However for those who prefer a clear focus when it comes to revision then maybe this is not for you.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Unfortunately it has to be said that the student on this course are not like students which I have met from any other course. At least 50% of them are from Europe, and those students able to afford living in London from Europe tend to be from a certain European elite and for some reason remain extremely cliquey and difficult to talk to. Fortunately the language modules of the course are mixed with the pure language students who manage to maintain a firmer grip on reality.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Overall the university's facilities are exceptionally good, not only given their prime location in the heart of London which makes it one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan campuses available.
On top of this the main library and resource centre on Chancery Lane is definitely one of the most comprehensive collections of all genres of books, videos and CD's I have ever come across.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
As I have said before the content varies so widely that it is difficult to explain. In your first year you will mainly tackle the history of Europe and that of the country of your chosen language, this will give you a background upon which the second year will build its base of contemporary politics and history.
As for the teaching methods these vary from lecturer to lecturer, in general the lectures are taken in groups of never more than about 50 students. It is therefore easy to ask questions if you should require clarification on any points.
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you studied on an ERASMUS or study abroad programme? Where did you go and what experience have you gained from your placement?
I will be studying in Barcelona for the next academic year. The placements for this course are always at other universities, whether Sciences Politicaux in Paris or Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona.
You are not permitted to take a work placement on this course.
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University review
Review by: Christopher H
University: King's College London, University of London
Course: European Studies
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the King's College London, University of London forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
King's College is fun, vibrant and universal. Everyone is welcome and everyone is included, it provides something for people from all walks of life as long as they are willing to get involved. There are numerous institutions which are there to give you a helping hand should things start to go awry and some of the people you meet are going to leave a lasting impression.
What is the academic life like at your university?
The academic life is good, it strikes a healthy balance between hard working and laborious to interesting and fun. Everyone has times which are busier than others and people get together and help each other with various course overlaps.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
I literally can't tell you about my freshers week, don't remember a moment of it. Which by the way is definitely a good thing, it sets the precedent for the entire year which you will spend a good proportion of poised over a toilet diligently donating your stomach lining to the London sewers.
Was it what I expected? yes, simply because you go out, you do get plastered and you do things and people that you may come to regret but its a period where you won't get judged for it so it's fine.
Testament to the fact that my freshers week was good is the fact that I enrolled for my course 2 weeks late and my photo on my ID card is of someone near to death.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
It's a ball, enjoy.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing is simply that you're in London, don't feel consigned to the King's mixers get out there and hit up all those London clubs. Make sure you get to know promoters and doormen and make sure you keep yourself in with a crowd of moderately attractive girls which will get you past most queues.
As well as that don't forget that you're part of London University which means that you should go and get to know people at LSE and UCL, I'd highly recommend the ULU ski trip as opposed to the KCL one, get involved and get mixing its good to branch out.
Obviously the worst thing is the same as you'll encounter everywhere, inevitably there are morons. You would think that going to a place of higher education would trim the herd of the cud munching degenerates we all suffered in secondary school but oh no, thanks to the new courses you can do in "computing and management" you will encounter some people who have about as much charisma as Gordon Brown's slippers. My advice: ignore and move on
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There are all types of society for every type of sport imaginable from rugby to darts to martial arts. At the beginning of the academic year there is an enormous freshers fair on the southbank at which people are encouraged to sign up to the clubs and societies. I think many people probably sign up to things with the intention of going and then realise that first year is far too much about the party to have time to be involved heavily in clubs and societies, but don't worry there is more than enough time to do it next year.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
You're in London so you can't really ask for a wider range of things to do at night. A simple google search is going to throw up about 10 million ideas but to cut it down to the simple few you can go to: theatres, comedy shows, cinemas, clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and if your that way inclined political protests.
I struggle to think of an occasion where I've gone out and not been drinking but it is easy not to if you don't want. There is no law which says "Thou art a student and therefore thou shalt drink!" it's just not like that, despite what the Daily Mail may try and protray.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
London is quite simply the greatest city in the world, yes the people are rude and unfriendly on the most part but that's what makes the people you do get to know so much more special.
Obviously it would be made better with a nice Mediterranean climate but then you'd also have to contend with a lot of Londoners showing more skin, which isn't an enticing prospect for anyone.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I did live in halls, there's no other option for your first year in my opinion it's a rite of passage tht everyone should undergo.
There is nothing like being dragged down the corridor of your halls half naked at 3 in the morning, or waking up in the room of some anonymous girl and unfortunately realising you're in your own building therefore committing the ultimate "shit on your own doorstep" manoeuvre. Alternatively just have a good old water fight with the fire extinguishers.
Obviously none of that is conducive with getting any work done at all which is why for your second year move out, take those irreplaceable people who made your first year what it was and move in together. Whether it's a dingy student house or a spanking new apartment you've got to get out of the halls mind frame in order to make it to actually getting a degree. Remember that is why we all go to university!
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Don't go for catered accommodation, from what I hear the food is awful anyway and you have to eat at a fixed time.
Also you kids need to learn to fight for yourselves, Mummy isn't there any-more so get in the kitchen and make yourself some gourmet, cordon Bleu dinners.
Plus the kitchen is going to be your main site of debauchery in your first year so don't knock it.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
I think its almost 4 grand for the year
basically its going to be between £105 and £140 a week, but come on it's central London so you don't have a choice.
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