European Studies MPA-ES

 

Program Description

The Master of Public Administration in European Studies (MPA-ES) combines European competence in politics, law and economics with technical know-how in the fields of energy, transport and digitalization. Students will learn to link current technology trends and policy areas at EU level to develop solutions for European and global issues. The program specifically addresses the changing requirements and needs of corporate practice and the public sector due to an increasing digital transformation and will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact new technologies have on EU governance and vice versa. Students of this highly interdisciplinary program will learn to think strategically about the mechanisms of European policy-making and will be able to analyze current and future global challenges and their impact on European Union politics and policies.

 

Degree Content

The MPA-ES leads to a MPA degree to be awarded from RWTH Aachen University. The program offers two study tracks to specialize in:

1. Energy and Climate
2. Digital Transformation

The curriculum comprises compulsory modules such as History of European Integration, European Economics, Sustainable Energy Economics and Policy, eGovernment and Digital Administration or Big Data, Big Responsibility. Networking events, discussions with experts, and visits to institutions relevant to the EU, as well as a compulsory internship and project work, enable students to get in contact with European policy. The program structure allows to organize the studies in a flexible way, due to its block course format and online seminars and is therefore compatible with part-time work. For more detailed program information visit RWTH International Academy, the course of study website.

 

Prerequisites

A prerequisite for starting this course of studies is a first university degree which proves the necessary background education as determined in the examination regulations. Furthermore, practical work experience of at least 6 months is a mandatory admission requirement. The degree program is open to all disciplines. The examination board determines whether the applicant fulfills the entrance requirements.

 

Career Prospects

The MPA-ES focuses on European and technical aspects as well as methodical competencies. Graduates will have a deep, engineering-based understanding of current and emerging technologies combined with EU expertise and thus be able to propose innovative solutions to European and technological issues. The program trains leaders to understand the advantages and disadvantages of emerging technologies, while also considering European positions and regulations to make effective decisions in private companies or public organizations.

Graduates can expect to work in the private or public sector at the interface of politics and technology, such as EU or national government institutions, public administration sectors, NGOs, international companies, or the media.

 

Examination Regulations

Regulations that apply for all Bachelor and Master courses of study as well as detailed information about the necessary documentation of required language skills can be found in RWTH’s General Examination Regulations.

Subject-Specific Examination Regulations regulate academic goals, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains a description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

Some regulations have been translated or are currently being translated into English. Please note, however, that examination regulations are officially published in German and this is the only legally binding version!

 

Faculty

The MPA-ES is led by the Institute for Political Sciences at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of RWTH Aachen University. However, other RWTH faculties are involved in the program as well ensuring its interdisciplinary nature.