Master

European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

Are you a socially conscious, critical thinker? Are you interested in politics and technology? And does the connection between innovation and society intrigue you? Then the master’s European Studies on Society, Sciences and Technology (ESST) might be what you are looking for. As an ESST student, you will investigate the relationship between science, technology, and society, from a cultural, political, economic, and historical point of view.

The programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and managing the complex issues of modern innovation. The programme approaches these problems from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, such as history, sociology, ethics, and political science.

This programme is offered together with 13 partner universities across Europe. You will spend your first semester taking courses at Maastricht University. During the second semester, you will select a specialisation and write your thesis either at Maastricht University or at one of the programme’s partner universities abroad.

Fast facts

Joint master’s with 13 universities in 13 countries
Multiple specialisation options
Multidiciplinary approach: political & social sciences, cultural & innovation studies, science & technology studies
1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
Starts in September
Weekly: 12 contact hrs, 28 hrs group/individual study
You will get an MA in European Studies, with a specialisation in European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

Want to know more about this programme? Request a brochure

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Mattis Goux, Student Ambassador European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

In association with the University of Liège, Mattis chose for a master European Studies on Society, Science and Technology at FASoS in Maastricht.

Why Mattis chose to study European Studies on Society, Science and Technology:
“I chose to do my master’s in Maastricht because it is part of my two years STS Master at the University of Liège in Belgium. I really like the interdisciplinary field of Science, Technology and Society. We can use sociology, philosophy and use it on science but also economy, political science aspects. So, the program itself is very rich, and that gives me different perspectives on the topics we are studying.”

“My favourite topic in my program is about the conspiracy theories. I think it’s enjoyable to study, and an important subject for society . In my opinion, it’s a huge problem to our communicative society.”

Follow Mattis:
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Mattis Goux, Student Ambassador MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology 2022-2023

“I find the Problem-based learning model (PBL) at Maastricht University much more stimulating than my previous model of learning. We learn about a subject by working in groups, solving a problem together.”

UM Campus Tour

Are you about to start a Master's programme at Maastricht University? Our UM Campus Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to explore the city, our faculty buildings and facilities for students. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city.

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 11 November 2023.

For other events we offer, take a look at our Online Master events page.

UM Campus Tour - Register now!

More information and registration

Pre-master's programme

If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of this Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. Check out the Pre-master information and learn more about the programme, the courses and the requirements.

Pre-master European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

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Student testimonials

What I especially like about the ESST program, is the interdisciplinary approach to study topics related to science and technology.

Chloë Rogiers

Studying European Studies on Society, Science and Technology has exposed me to even more than I expected.

Olajide Olugbade

What I really like is the fact that we have the possibility to go abroad to specialise in one of the 13 partner universities of this programme.

Valeria Peruzzi

As a generalist, specialised in public governance, it is my goal to contribute to mitigating climate change on a European level.

Samuel Gürtl

I’m fascinated by how society is influenced by technological developments and science – and vice versa. I want to decipher recurring patterns.

Thomas Verra

In this programme you find yourself at the crossroads of society & culture and science & technology. With everything that is going on in today’s world, I cannot think of a more interesting place to be!

Inger Rutten

I would like to raise awareness about the growing influence of technology and science on people’s lives and the possible downsides of that development.

Florieke Bogaarts