MSc in Public Policy and Human Development
Maastricht University, School of Business and Economics
Key Information
Campus location
Maastricht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 *
Application deadline
01 May 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* statutory fee, institutional fee for this program is: € 15,800
Introduction
How can public policy promote innovation-based growth? What is lacking in the current social protection policy in your country and how can it be improved? What are the key factors that governments should take into account when forming their migration policy? If you want to develop the skills to answer these questions in a professional capacity, then the master's program in Public Policy and Human Development is a good fit for you.
The Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development emphasizes the connection between public policy and decision-making processes, or more specifically, the effectiveness and efficiency of governance. You will be equipped with a variety of skills, tools, and knowledge that enable you to work as a policy designer or policy analyst. You will be capable of working within public and private institutions at local, national, and international levels. The one-year master's program is offered as a double degree in collaboration with United Nations University.
Fast facts
- Earn two master’s degrees, from UM and United Nations University
- Strong emphasis on developing professional skills
- 1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
- Starts in September
- Weekly: 10-12 contact hours, 30-40 hours independent study
- You’ll get an MSc in Public Policy and Human Development
- Some courses can be taken separately as short courses
Why this program?
Public policy issues are growing in complexity and there’s an increasing interconnectedness between local, national, and international levels of decision making and implementation. Due to the increasing complexity of the issues, there is a growing need for specialists in policy analysis who have a combination of technical skills as well as theoretical and specific area knowledge. During the one-year master's program in Public Policy and Human Development, you will be trained by leading experts from both Maastricht University and United Nations University and will earn two master’s degrees.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
It is Maastricht University’s (UM) mission to offer students from all over the world the opportunity to develop into active, globally oriented thinkers that are ready to make a positive contribution to their societies.
UM’s high-quality, innovative education based on small-scale Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in an international and intercultural setting prepares students for this purpose.
As an open and accessible academic community, UM offers several scholarships to support top-performing undergraduate and graduate students with personal development potential that are experiencing financial difficulties to pursue a degree at UM. UM scholarship students function as important ambassadors of the university during and after their studies.UM scholarship students are selected on the basis of their academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, active citizenship and financial need. As the number of scholarships is limited, the selection process is highly competitive.
Before applying for a UM scholarship, please take into account the factors summed up below. Read these carefully, to make sure that the valuable time you invest in applying pays off:
- You will have to apply for a study programme at UM before applying for a scholarship;
- You are only allowed to apply for one UM scholarship, multiple applications will be disqualified;
- Verify if your nationality is eligible for the scholarship;
- Verify whether your study programme is participating in the scholarship;
- Ensure that if the scholarship covers only the tuition fees, you are able to finance your own living expenses (rent, food and insurances) for the complete duration of your studies.
Curriculum
Double degree
After successful completion of the program, you will obtain a double Master of Science (MSc) degree in Public Policy and Human Development. You will receive two diplomas. The first is from Maastricht University and is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), and the second is issued by United Nations University.
Specializations
At the end of the fall semester, students choose one of the following areas of specialization:
- Governance of Innovation (in cooperation with UNU-MERIT)
- Social Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (in cooperation with UNU-MERIT)
- Social Protection Policy (in cooperation with the ILO)
- Risk and Vulnerability (in cooperation with UNU-EHS)
- Migration Studies
- Global Governance for Development
The program director and the specialization coordinators are available to assist students with the selection of specializations, taking into account preferences, career goals, and previous training.
Rankings
Rankings & recognition
- Public Policy and Human Development has received the official EAPAA accreditation
- Public Policy and Human Development ranked 4th
- 80% of students recommend this program: Elsevier
- UM is the sixth-best Young University in the world
Career Opportunities
Your future
Graduates of the Public Policy and Human Development program are academically trained policy designers and analysts. Since its launch in 2005, over 1,100 students have successfully graduated from the program. Many of them have gone on to work as public policy actors at the local or international level.
Career prospects
Our graduates are trained policymakers and analysts, who go on to work in public policy and academia or for NGOs and consultancies. Thanks to the skills acquired in the program and the support provided during the Employability Track, they can identify and review different policy options and implement adequate policy.
In their work, they can integrate legal, social, cultural, political, and financial aspects, while ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of their policies. Policy monitoring, evaluation, innovative thinking, strong quantitative skills, and critical analysis are logical elements in our alumni toolbox.
Alumni can work throughout the world in public and private institutions of both economically strong and economically unstable countries, including national, regional, and local governments, ministries, pension funds, market authorities, NGOs, international organizations, and consultancies.