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

Marcelina Palamar, Student Ambassador European Studies on Society, Science and Technology 2024-2025

Why Marcelina decided to choose this master’s programme:
“I chose Maastricht because it was recommended to me. The university has a strong reputation, and its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach appealed to me, especially since many graduates move to Brussels. At Cambridge, I initially studied French and Russian for three years before switching to business management in my final year. This shift helped me explore topics for my master's, like business innovation and the societal impact of technology.”

Where does she see herself in five years:
“I’d love to work in a policy or government role where I can see the real-world effects of my work. Whether it’s in a think tank or something similar. I want to contribute to positive societal change. For now, I’m keeping my options open and will use the career services at UM to help with my next steps”

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“I’d love to work in a policy or government-based role where I can see the real-world effects of my 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.

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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Times Higher Education 2024 Young Universities Ranking

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