Why this programme?

European Studies on Society, Science and Technology

The emergence of new technologies – such as social media platforms, corona apps, robotics, and sustainable energy resources – opens up both opportunities and threats to modern societies and economies. Citizens, governments, businesses and universities face great challenges when trying to take advantage of the seemingly infinite opportunities of scientific and technological innovations, not least because of the unintended consequences that often accompany them.

Convinced that innovation cannot be captured by economics alone and that a purely technical approach is not enough to understand today’s knowledge society, ESST approaches scientific and technological development from a multidisciplinary perspective. The programme explores the interrelated worlds of the scientist, engineer, politician, and citizen by examining the values, economics, history, and politics of modern innovation. Furthermore, its global, culturally sensitive and environmentally conscious angles help you develop ethical awareness and public responsibility.

Programme highlights

The master's programme European Studies on Society, Science and Technology:

explores the complex interactions between science, technology and society
trains you to be a problem definer, problem solver and bridge builder
26 students in the 2022/23 programme of which 54% came from outside the Benelux
truly interdisciplinary: taking perspectives from sociology, anthropology, history, economics, philosophy and political science
exchange opportunities in the second semester: you conduct research at home or abroad
joint master's programme: choose from 18 specialisations with 13 partner universities in 13 different countries
classified as “unique in the Netherlands” with an “impressive international reputation” in the latest national QUANU review (2020)

What will you learn?

In this programme, you will:

Get insights into controversial areas and acquire knowledge of the research methodologies needed to study debates, policies, and the underlying assumptions about the relationships between science, technology and society
Become adept at looking at issues from a variety of perspectives
Learn how to tackle complex ideas, which are indispensable to real-world problem solving
Become a ‘systematic thinker’ so you can build bridges between different parties involved in a given situation

Multidisciplinary approach

The ESST programme offers an integrated curriculum that is based on disciplines such as philosophy, anthropology, innovation studies, sociology, sustainability studies, history, feminist theory, risk analysis, evolutionary economics, and systems development and design. This approach is essential to the programme because:

Innovation and technological change are not merely technical or engineering matters; they're social processes
Political, economic and cultural processes shape the evolution of technology
The application and spread of new innovations also involve social, economic and political decisions
Scientific and technological innovations have impact on society

ESST will give you a broad theoretical foundation and will teach you how to build bridges between disciplines, something that will valuable later on in your career.

Analytical focus

The analytical focus of ESST is on:

Political and cultural analysis of the modern knowledge society
Social and economic analysis of different cultures of innovation
Ethical reflection on scientific and technological development

Specialisations

You can choose from a number of specialisations that you can take at Maastricht University or abroad.
View the specialisations

International experience

From day one, you will be challenged with differing viewpoints and experiences as you interact with staff and students from all over the world. This kind of interaction brings you closer to the programme’s goal of teaching students not only facts and concepts but also international accessibility and understanding. This programme offers a truly international experience, in which you are exposed to a variety of ideas, opinions and perspectives. In the 2021/22 programme, 61% of the students came from outside the Benelux.

Combine your thesis with an internship

Internships give you practical experience that enhances your studies and increases your employability. Most specialisations of this programme allow you to combine research activities with an internship. For example, with Maastricht University, you can do an internship at the Rathenau Institute in The Hague. The Rathenau Institute promotes the formation of political and public opinion on science and technology by studying the organisation and development of science and technology systems, publishing about the social impact of new technologies, and organising debates on issues and dilemmas in science and technology.

MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (ESST) student Bob Jennekens worked on his master’s thesis under the supervision of professors from two universities and came to the National Research University (Russia) Higher School of Economics (HSE) to defend it.
Read the HSE interview with Bob on his research, reasons for going to HSE to defend his thesis, and about his experience there.

Write your thesis abroad

The European Studies on Society, Science and Technology programme is a joint master with 13 universities in 13 countries. You can select a specialisation offered by one of these universties and use the second semester to move to the corresponding university, follow a course on your specialisation topic and write your master’s thesis there.

Teaching methods

ESST is taught using an advanced version of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method in which learning is achieved through active participation in academic discussions and by doing research. In all stages of the curriculum, you will be trained in formulating research questions, developing strategies for investigating those questions, evaluating the results of your enquiries and presenting them in a media format suited to the subject of the module (essay, oral presentation of field data, historical analysis, etc.).

You will be taught through lectures, projects, skills trainings where you learn by doing, presentations from your fellow students on their work, and site visits to relevant institutions. You will also participate in seminars, which are guided by a tutor, where you discuss key questions related to the reading with your fellow students. Round table meetings where you can present your progress on your thesis as well as give and receive feedback from your fellow students will also provide valuable insights.

Teaching Staff:

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?

More about PREMIUM