Postgraduate Course: Model European Union (PLIT11028)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course uses the established Model European Union framework to provide students with the opportunity to apply their foundational knowledge about the structures and decision-making processes of the European Union in authentic international policy-making contexts. Students are guided to engage with and analyse contemporary political challenges, articulate evidence-based positions, and apply them in simulations of authentic diplomatic negotiations such as national officials, institutional representatives, advisers and lobbyists. The course places particular emphasis on consensus building across competing interests while helping simulation participants navigate formal procedures and informal diplomatic protocols in particular policy contexts. |
| Course description |
Model European Union provides students with an immersive learning experience that enables them to make original contributions to relevant contemporary debates within a structured framework and with the support of the lead facilitator(s). Each iteration of the course focuses on an authentic contemporary policy challenge facing international policy-makers within the European Union context. Based on written guidance and targeted verbal coaching, students develop and progressively refine their own contributions to the simulated negotiating scenario(s), receiving formative feedback throughout, including from their peers.
The course adopts a blended delivery model combining directed instruction with student-led activities: following a foundational block, the weekly seminar sessions alternate between structured group meetings (including targeted briefings, peer facilitation workshops, and debriefing sessions), and trial simulations to build substantive expertise, practical skills and individual confidence. These preparatory elements culminate in a final simulation session(s) where students apply their developed expertise in realistic negotiation scenarios. The facilitator(s) make every effort to accommodate the diverse preferences and individual learning styles of students to ensure they can find their place among a range of possible roles and functions.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 30 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
174 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Delegate Portfolio, 50%
Critical reflection, 30%
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| Feedback |
Students have the opportunity to gather formative feedback during guidance and feedback hours and during the course meetings (including feedback from their peers), which will consist of a sequence of simulation training sessions, student-led workshops and teacher-led debriefs. Students receive input on simulation requirements and best practice, then get the opportunity to develop their contributions in groups, and finally, evaluate them in reflective debriefing sessions that are framed around students perceived challenges and practical lessons learned. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Relate to and explain the institutional structures and decision-making processes of the European Union including formal procedures as well as informal negotiation dynamics, diplomatic protocols, and the interplay between different governmental and non-governmental actors.
- Evaluate and articulate competing perspectives on contemporary policy issues, and develop informed, evidence-based responses to complex multi-stakeholder challenges and political dilemmas.
- Negotiate with a range of different stake-holders, synthesise conflicting viewpoints, build consensus, and represent political positions authentically and persuasively.
- Demonstrate intellectual autonomy and take responsibility for their own work and for group outcomes.
- Critically reflect on negotiation dynamics, responsibilities and ethical dimensions of participation in the European democratic processes.
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Reading List
European Commission (2022) The European Union: What it is and what it does. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Lelieveldt, H., & Princen, S. (2023) The Politics of the European Union. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Ury, W. (2015) Getting to Yes with Yourself: and Other Worthy Opponents. New York, US-NY: HarperCollins.
Vale de Almeida, J. (2025) The Divorce of Nations: A Diplomat's Inside View as the Global Order Collapses. Padstow: History Press.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- develop clear intellectual growth and autonomy, and a world-view that students can defend convincingly orally and in writing.
- refined communications skills, both orally and in writing
- engage confidently and articulately in interpersonal relations
- develop answers to complex questions and have practical knowledge of the current role of Europe in international politics
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Carmen Gebhard
Tel: (0131 6)50 4622
Email: C.Gebhard@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | |
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