Why this programme?
The master's programme in European Public Affairs (EPA) provides advanced professional training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of European policy-making. The policy context in the European Union is complex, and contemporary policy problems transcend national and disciplinary borders. You will therefore learn various academic concepts, theories and research methods from disciplines such as political science, law, economics, cultural science and public administration. You will use this knowledge to research, analyse and critically evaluate EU policy problems. You will also be encouraged to become familiar with national and regional differences within the European territory, and to search out commonalities and paths for integration. You will put this knowledge and these skills to work by teaming up with your fellow students to develop concrete solutions to real policy problems.
Multidisciplinary
European developments can only be understood within a wide context, against a background of different disciplines. For instance, the financial crisis and the EU’s response – or lack of response – cannot be completely understood from merely an economic or financial perspective. The response of the EU can only be grasped by not only understanding the different national legal and institutional market and banking regulations, but also the various socio-economic and cultural perceptions. The European Public Affairs programme will teach you to recognise and appreciate these differences, which will help you to formulate effective policy.
Practice-oriented
EPA combines theory and practice. As an academic programme, it is research-based. But it is still oriented towards professional practice, as you will develop the capacity to apply academic ideas. You will work in small teams with your fellow students to analyse real-life policy problems within their contexts. Together, you will learn to design and assess potential solutions that are applicable ‘on the ground’. This practical approach, which is further enhanced by our close collaboration with EU public affairs professionals, ensures there is a direct link between the ‘classroom’ and the ‘professional world’.
What will you learn?
- To understand and critically evaluate the complex system of European governance
- To understand and analyse contemporary EU policy problems
- To research and communicate solutions for policy problems
- To develop a know-how that can strategically influence the EU policy process used to address policy problems
International environment
Our master’s programme is truly international. About 90% of our students come from abroad. On average, 10-15 different nationalities are represented in the programme each year. The teaching staff is also composed of more than 10 different nationalities. From day one, you’ll be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. Your worldview will be enhanced by this interaction, bringing you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. While researching, debating and problem-solving within culturally diverse groups of fellow students, taking into account other opinions and other cultures will become second nature to you.
Ties with Brussels
Our location in Maastricht, just an hour’s drive from Brussels, allows us to make extensive use of our wide network of guest lecturers, professional contacts and alumni who contribute to the programme. You will have easy access to actors who are directly engaged in the EU policy process and will participate in our annual two-day trip to EU institutions and consultancy firms based in Brussels.
Stories from Brussels
The UM Campus Brussels podcast series 'Stories from Brussels' aims to connect people from different UM communities in order to share personal experiences on what it's like to live and work in Brussels. Hear different stories from UM students on their choice of study programme and how they have overcome the past year's challenges during COVID-19. What do they miss about going to Maastricht University in person? What made them choose the programme they are currently studying at UM and what is it really like to live in Brussels but study in The Netherlands? How do they feel about their future and what suggestions, tips and tricks do they have about being a student in a city like Brussels.
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Problem-Based Learning
As with many Maastricht University programmes, EPA is taught using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). Most of your work will be done in workshops, where you work in small teams with your fellow students. Together, you will seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations in European public affairs. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it is needed. This allows you to build independence and develop problem-solving skills that you will need in the field.
You will be active professionally at a time of massive changes in the public sector. This means that the knowledge you acquire during your studies will become outdated during your professional career. Adapting to and participating in change requires the development of key competences, such as communication skills, critical reasoning, logical and analytical approaches to problems, reasoned decision-making and self-evaluation. Problem-Based Learning is an excellent tool for this, as it is designed for ‘learning to learn’ and for finding solutions to actual problems.
PBL in action
In the module ‘Implementation & Evaluation of EU Policy’, you will be asked to represent a consultancy firm and provide the European Commission with a strategy for overcoming problems with the implementation of specific EU legislation in the member states.
Debates
As discussions and debates are a critical feature of public affairs in the European Union, you will be trained to become a confident speaker and debater. You will participate in a team debate during each module, using a specific topic studied during that module or a topical issue highlighted by current events. We use the Oxford style of debates so you can learn to defend positions that are not necessarily your own and to build solid argumentation in a limited time period. You will also practise different debating roles, such as conducting opening speeches, reacting to the opposing messages, Q&A, and making a closing speech.
For or against?
You'll debate motions such as:
- EU lobbying is well-regulated
- to counter rising nationalism, we need a federation of nation states
- the EU rightfully won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012
Quizzes
For a successful career in European public affairs, you'll need a thorough knowledge of the structure, history, functioning and current affairs of the European integration machinery. Job competition is fierce, and up-to-date knowledge of European issues is a must, particularly if you plan to participate in the EU Concours. Therefore, each module has a ‘quiz’ of 20 questions. This will encourage you to make it part of your daily routine to become acquainted with current affairs and to follow political and policy developments.
Core curriculum
You will become an expert in European Public Affairs through a strong academic core curriculum of three 8-week courses (36 ECTS) focusing on European Public Affairs from a broad multidisciplinary perspective combining political science, public administration, law, history and economics, giving you a thorough understanding of the complexity of the field. You will follow one core course per period and combine this with research and professional skills trainings, so you reach your full potential step by step.
The remaining programme consist of either the EPA internship and a research report or the EPA thesis combined with an elective course. Throughout the year you will be working on your master's project. Following a skills course in periods 1-3 to train you in methods and research design, you will hand in an extended research proposal at the end of January. During periods 4-6 you will develop your final works product.
Customise your programme
The EPA programme is designed to equip you for a professional career in public administration, research, or consultancy. It offers customisation options to tailor your programme according to your goals. Upon registration, you include your choice of one of the two available tracks, the thesis track or the internship track, within your motivation letter. The thesis track comprises an elective course on policy performance in the EU (6 ECTS), coupled with the completion of the MA EPA thesis (15 ECTS). The MA EPA thesis is similar to a traditional academic master's thesis, emphasising theoretical research and analysis. This track is ideal for students aspiring to pursue research-oriented careers or those considering combining the MA EPA with another master's programme.
Internship & thesis
In contrast, the internship track encompasses an internship experience (12 weeks) and a research report (9 ECTS). The research report serves as a concise, practice-oriented final works product, showcasing your ability to analyse policy challenges in real-world contexts. Additionally, the internship experience (12 ECTS) is documented and reflected upon in an internship report. This track allows you to gain practical insights and apply your knowledge while offering the flexibility to choose host institutions based on your preferences and ambitions. Previous students have successfully interned at a diverse range of reputable organisations, including Grayling Consultancy, Belgian/German Permanent Representation, US Chamber of Commerce to the EU, UN Office for Industrial Development, European Central Bank, European Parliament, and European Environmental Bureau.
The differentiation between the thesis track and the internship track ensures that you have the flexibility to tailor your studies to align with your specific interests and career goals. This enables you to make the most of your MA EPA experience and chart your path towards a successful professional future. While on campus, students from both tracks attend classes together.
- Grayling Consultancy
- PA Europe Consultancy
- Belgian/German Permanent Representation
- US Chamber of Commerce to the EU
- UN Office for Industrial Development
- BusinessEurope
- European Central Bank
- Assistant to an MEP
- European Environmental Bureau
- Delegation of the European Commission to Thailand/Tanzania
Your teachers
European Public Affairs is a small, selective programme of 30 students. This allows you to get to know your professors, who often operate more as mentors in our close-knit academic community. Their doors are always open, and they enjoy getting to know you both personally and professionally.
Our regular staff include:
- Dr. Iskander de Bruycker (programme director, thesis)
- Dr. Paul Stephenson (module 4, thesis)
- Dr. Christine Arnold (coordinator of module 1, thesis)
- Dr. Aneta Spendzharova (coordinator of module 3, thesis)
- Dr. Francesca Colli (thesis)
- Dr. Anna Herranz Surralles (thesis)
- Dr. Andreea Nastase (coordinator of module 2, thesis)
- Dr. Elissaveta Radulova (coordinator of MARSAM, thesis)
- Prof. Esther Versluis (thesis)
- Dr. Soetkin Verhaegen (thesis)
Guest lecturers
You will also interact with our many guest lecturers, who include representatives from the European Institute of Public Affairs (EIPA), civil servants working in Brussels, and researchers and professionals from the world of European affairs.
PREMIUM honours programme
PREMIUM is our Honours programme for high-performing master’s students. If selected, you will work in an interdisciplinary team on a project for a real client from the public or private sector (e.g. Cisco, DHL, EcoAct). Along with guidance from a project mentor, you will receive individual coaching focused on your personal and professional development. You will also attend several workshops and events designed to cultivate valuable knowledge and skills, as well as build a network that provides you with the best preparation possible for the job market.
Are you up for the PREMIUM challenge?
Programme highlights
- study public affairs from a multidisciplinary perspective and gain a firm understanding of policy-making in the European Union
- practical assignments simulate the professional field of public affairs
- training in professional skills prepare you for the labour market
- focus on teamwork for debates and presentations
- strong international reputation and close ties with Brussels
- annual three-day trip (physical or virtual) to EU institutions and consultancy firms based in Brussels
- exclusive programme, with around 40 students per year • 30 students in the 2022/23 programme, with 13 different nationalities
- unique application of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) educational method
- cooperation with leading professionals in European public affairs
- study at the place where the European Union was founded through the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in February 1992
- customise your programme through the on-campus and internship track
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