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

Caitlin Reed, Student Ambassador European Public Affairs 2023-2024

Why Caitlin chose this programme:
“I did my bachelor in European Studies in Maastricht. During that time, I also did an internship at the European Parliament. This is when I realised that I have a strong interest in policymaking and how this is influenced and shaped by lobbying. This master’s programme offers me a theoretical and practical approach to public affairs together with another possibility for an internship in the fourth period.

Honestly, I was looking to go to Amsterdam or Leiden. However, along the way, I have met a lot of European Public Affairs alumni. Some of them work for the European Parliament, in other institutions or in the corporate world. They were all so enthusiastic about the opportunities the programme offers. After some research, it became clear that Maastricht is the right place for me for this next step.”

What she hopes to get out of this programme:
“This programme focusses on European governance, lobbying and policy making. I personally hope to learn more about the lobbying process. It is often associated with negative influence, like for example the tobacco industry or big pharma. However, to me it really is about trying to bring in expert knowledge into policymaking. I believe it is a crucial part of the democratic process.

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“The European Public Affairs master’s programme and its praxis-oriented approach helps me to become a critical thinker. It prepares me to navigate the complexities of EU policymaking and procedures.”

UM and FASoS Campus Tour

At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 13 March and 1 May 2024. 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. 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 23 March 2024.

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 13th best Young University in the world

Times Higher Education 2023 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