Master of Science in European Governance
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €17,500: International students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Study Real-Life Challenges from Different Angles
- The Master’s program in European Governance explores pressing concerns facing Europe today:
- How do we handle the Covid-19 crisis collectively?
- How do we manage flows of refugees into Europe?
- How can we regulate financial markets?
- How can Europe make the transition to a green economy and sustainable forms of energy?
- Will reforms to welfare states foster economic growth, and if so, how do we approach these reforms?
- How do we make the EU more legitimate and responsive to the needs of its citizens?
These are amongst the most important questions facing Europe today. Each issue involves activities at the local, national and European level, and each requires insight into the fields of economics, law, and public administration. The interdisciplinary Master’s program in European Governance will equip you with the knowledge and skills to answer these questions and to formulate appropriate responses to the challenges they pose. Our program prepares you to deal with and work within the framework of European governance – both in Brussels and at home.
Live and Study in Two Different European Locations
The Master in European Governance is a unique double-degree program offered in partnership with Masaryk University (Brno, Czech Republic), the University of Konstanz (Germany), and University College Dublin (Ireland). As a student in this program, you will study and live in two different European locations. This means that during the first year of the master's, students study at one of the partner universities (Masaryk University Brno, University of Konstanz, University College Dublin). After this, all students will come to Utrecht for the second year of their program. This will allow you to study European governance from two different perspectives in the context of a uniquely personal experience.
Double Degree
Successful graduates will receive two Master's degrees, one from each university, specifying that the degree was completed in cooperation between the universities. The two degrees are equivalent to the Master’s degree in countries of the four partner universities as follows:
- Brno (Czech Republic): Magistr/ Magistra (Mgr)
- Konstanz (Germany): Master of Arts (Ma)
- Dublin (Ireland): Master of Science (MSc)
- Utrecht (The Netherlands): Master of Science (MSc)
Program Outcome
In our European Governance program, you will:
- Obtain two Master's degrees from highly reputed universities.
- Become a trained professional with the skills to apply theory to real-life challenges.
- Analyze issues of European governance from different angles, involving economics, law, and public administration.
- Study in two different cities and countries, where you will have a unique opportunity to see various levels of government at work in two different contexts.
- Write a final thesis and do an internship within an organization that deals with issues of European governance.
After Graduation
You will develop the skills to analyze complex problems of European governance from multiple perspectives, including economics, law, political science, and public administration. You will also learn to apply abstract knowledge and theory to real-life problems through case studies, simulations, and policy-oriented research projects. You will also receive training in professional skills. The challenging course content will train you to use academic knowledge to analyze and solve complex problems in different contexts and from different perspectives. This skill set opens up a wide range of job opportunities in local, regional, and national governments; EU institutions; other European organizations; non-profit and for-profit organizations; and consultancy firms that deal with issues of European governance.
Curriculum
Year 1 of the program is spent either at Masaryk University in Brno (Czech Republic), University of Konstanz (Germany), or University College Dublin (Ireland). Each university brings its specific color to the double-degree program, thanks to their different locations within Europe and the different specializations they offer. Masaryk University has particular expertise in the sociopolitical aspects of European governance and the transformation of Central and Eastern Europe since the late 1980s. The University of Konstanz has a strong research tradition in international relations and European integration and places special emphasis on statistical research methods. University College Dublin offers a multidisciplinary program with particular strengths in law, governance, and political economy.
Year 2 is taken by all students together at Utrecht University (the Netherlands). The University focuses on an interdisciplinary study of European governance, using the combined insights of law, economics, public administration, and organizational science.
In the final semester, all students write a thesis as part of a research internship within an organization that deals with issues of European governance. This can be an EU organization in Brussels or an organization working at the national, regional, or local level.
Career Opportunities
The unique combination of expertise within the participating universities’ faculties offers an exciting opportunity in this challenging international Master’s program. It provides you with sound academic training that will prepare you for professional positions in a range of organizations:
- Local, regional, and national governments, are increasingly working in a European context.
- EU institutions, such as the European Commission and EU agencies.
- Other international organizations working in Europe.
- Non-profit organizations that are confronted with issues of European governance.
- Businesses whose regulatory environment is largely shaped by processes of European governance.
- Consultancy firms.
Towards a Professional Career
Graduates of the program typically acquire academic-level jobs in private organizations or organizations with a public function, working in positions such as policy advisor, consultant, researcher, or manager at a research or consultancy organization:
- Policy advisor at a national ministry, government agency, or EU institution
As a policy advisor, you will develop and/or implement policies. This requires analyzing policy problems, talking to stakeholders and politicians, and coming up with effective and feasible solutions. - A lobbyist for an EU-level interest group
Lobby groups try to influence EU decision-making, representing their membership or mission. As a lobbyist, you will gather information on new developments, talk to decision-makers at the European and national levels and discuss strategy with the members of your organization. - Consultant
As a consultant, you will work with clients to help them understand and solve the issues they are facing.