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.
Why Imane decided to choose this master’s programme:
“I completed the bachelor’s European Studies at Maastricht University, specialising in Politics. During that time, I had the opportunity to do an internship in a high-level position at Amnesty International. However, I felt that this job didn’t align with my long-term goals. I am looking for a more dynamic environment where I can contribute to technological developments, because I believe that politics and legislation should move in that direction. That’s why I chose this master’s programme.”
What she hopes to get out of this programme:
“I hope to acquire the skills necessary to tackle the upcoming technological challenges of our future. This master’s offers a multidisciplinary perspective focused on technology. It provides a comprehensive problem-solving approach that considers the political, economic, and environmental contexts. To meet the growing technological challenges, like AI development, it's crucial to have a comprehensive perspective that connects society and technology.”
“The international environment at Maastricht University makes me feel right at home. Everyone here embraces a cosmopolitan culture, speaks various languages, and represents diverse nationalities. This sense of geographical freedom will be valuable for my future career.”
At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 18 December, 12 March 2025 and 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.
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 9 November 2024.
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.
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.
What I especially like about the ESST program, is the interdisciplinary approach to study topics related to science and technology.
Studying European Studies on Society, Science and Technology has exposed me to even more than I expected.
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.
As a generalist, specialised in public governance, it is my goal to contribute to mitigating climate change on a European level.
I’m fascinated by how society is influenced by technological developments and science – and vice versa. I want to decipher recurring patterns.
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!
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.
Find out what it's like to live and study in Maastricht:
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