Master

European Public Affairs

Would you like to understand the European dimensions of governance? Do you hope to be a policymaker, tackling transnational problems and implementing transnational solutions? Or would you like to find new ways as a public affairs professional or lobbyist to get your issues on the agenda and influence policymakers? If you have the interest and the motivation, we can offer you the knowledge and the skills to succeed.

The master's programme in European Public Affairs provides advanced professional training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of European policy-making. You will learn to think in European terms and will gain practical experience working in international teams to solve European policy problems from a multidisciplinary perspective. This will prepare you for an excellent career in European public affairs and public service.

Fast facts

Focus on cross-national diversity, the EU & its institutions
Address real-world problems in EU public affairs
Selective programme
1 year, full-time master's, taught in English
Starts in September
Weekly: 40 hrs contact, group work & individual study
You will get an MA in European Public Affairs

Want to know more about this programme Request a brochure

Laura Sanges, Student Ambassador European Public Affairs 2024-2025

Why Laura chose this programme:
“I want a broad view on how European institutions work and learn about the influence of different actors. I did a bachelor’s ‘International Sciences and European Institutions’ in Milan before this. When I started to look for a master’s programme, I got many recommendations for Maastricht University and European Public Affairs. Both have a high reputation in Europe. Then I got in touch with alumni who all have interesting jobs, from consultancy and lobbying organisations to MP assistants.”

Where does she see herself in five years:“My dream job is to be able to work as a European Commission representant in Milan or Rome. I want to experience what European institutions are doing for my country.”

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“This programme is perfect for me as I want a deep and at the same time hands-on learning experience of how European Institutions work.”

UM and FASoS Campus Tour

At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 7 May 2025. During this campus tour, one of our student ambassadors will show you our faculty, inner city and all important UM buildings. Are you not able to come one of the aforementioned dates? Don't worry! We also offer campus tours during our Open Days, Experience Days and Introduction Days.

Online Campus Tour

Are you not able to come from abroad for a campus tour? We also offer a virtual campus tour! Check it out through the interactive video on the left.

Kickstart your career at our Master's Open Day

Experience Maastricht University: find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Master’s Open Day is on Saturday 15 November 2025.

Q&A sessions

We regularly offer Instagram Live Q&A sessions for students who are interested in our master's programmes. Our student ambassadors will answer all your questions about the programme of your choice and studying in Maastricht. For more information and registration, take a look at our Master events page.

UM is the 10th best Young University in the world

Times Higher Education 2024 Young Universities Ranking

Student testimonials

My passion for debating comes in useful, since it is my ultimate goal to work as a diplomat.

Elvine Miala

Combining my master’s degree with my future army experience will give me the perfect basis for my dream career.

Ida-Susanna Pöllänen

If you want to prepare for a career in Brussels in whatever EU role you aspire, European Public Affairs is an ideal starting point.

Ilaria Piovesan

I wrote a position paper about the cross-border labour market and organised a work conference for 100 participants on the difficulties of cross-border labour.

Lisanne Wessels