It provides a broad overview of the legal framework, including historic dimension, the discussion of competences and a synopsis of the way Member States can join and leave the European Union, from a legal perspective. It covers unique concepts of European Union law, such as subsidiarity, and how these relate to national legal systems. Knowledge of law or prior legal studies to this course can be supportive but are not essential.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Recognise the relevance of EU law
• Identify some underlying themes of EU law
• Be aware of how ‘states’ may accede to or exit from the EU
• Explain the legal base of the aims of the EU
• Explain the concept of sovereignty and competences in relation to member states and the EU.