Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration

Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration

This programme is a one-year Advanced Masters that builds on the international reputation of KU Leuven and develops a course that prepares students for careers in governments, international bodies and research. With an explicit focus on European countries and the European Union, and the comparative aspect of research, MEPP is a rigorous and valuable course for individuals interested in the EU and Europe.

About the programme 

The Master in European Politics and Policies (MEPP) offers both academic rigor and reputation with EU practitioner insight. It is a one-year programme that empowers you to gain critical insight into today’s key issues in European public administration, public policy and public management. The programme is designed to provide students with rigorous research and analytical skills and prepares them for careers in governments, international bodies and research, all around the world.

This programme combines academic excellence in the comparative study of public sector structures, policy-making and administration within Europe, with a concern for the practical challenges professionals in policy, administrative and consultative functions face at the sub-state, state and European levels.

Programme strengths

• Interactive courses in small groups: Experience our excellent research-based education in a small and international student group, providing you all the opportunities for a rich learning experience. A specific focus is placed on the use of case studies; the emphasis is placed on how problems can be solved. Moreover, each class involves a considerable amount of self-study and assignments that are meant to help you assimilate the information presented in a quick and effective way. Added value is created by giving attention to the practical challenges of professionals in policy, administrative and consultative functions.
• An explicit European Policy and Public Administration programme: A strong core of compulsory courses acquaints you with the comparative study of public policies, public administration and public management in different member states and with the political dynamics of European integration itself. The rich variety of electives enables you to explore particular interests. You will gain necessary research skills, culminating in a dissertation.

In the Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration, students gain knowledge and insight into a wide range of theoretical perspectives in several domains of European public management, public administration and public policy. Students learn to combine this theoretical knowledge with their (methodological) research skills to conduct fundamental or comparative research in an academic and professional context. In addition, the programme pays significant attention to the practical challenges professionals in the field are facing today.

Career perspectives

This intensive, one-year programme is the ideal preparation for a career in the field of European policy and public administration. Graduated students go on to pursue a number of interesting careers at all levels of government (federal, local, regional) and in European and international institutions or interest groups. Graduates also find careers in non-governmental organisations, pressure groups and the private sector.

The MEPP programme can also be considered as a preparation for PhD research in political science and public administration.