brochure m.sc. public policy & human development

Master’s programme

The second year of the master programme enables you to pursue your personal interest. In the fi rst semester of the second year you can: • take additional courses, also at other faculties• participate in the research projects of the academic staff• practise an internship at a company • follow an exchange programme at a university abroad

In the second semester of the second year you will work on your master’s thesis. You will choose a research topic which you will be working on under the supervision of one of the academic staff members. You can do this research internally or externally at a company or another university. You will fi nish your master’s programme by writing a master’s thesis on the research performed and by defending your research in public.

Master of Science in Public Policyand Human Development

Maastricht Graduate School of Governance

2 Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development | 2011 3

The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an applied programme that focuses on the development and application of intelligent systems possessing abilities such as learning, reasoning and collaborating. These abilities play an important role in understanding what it means to be intelligent, and in solving challenging problems of modern society. Intelligent systems apply learning, reasoning and collaborating to perform tasks more efficiently, more optimally, or in a distributed way. Applications areas range from planning and diagnosis to image recognition, from traditional games such as chess to modern interactive computer games, and from information retrieval to data mining. A group of enthusiastic researchers at the Department of Knowledge Engineering are developing intelligent systems for application domains such as cultural heritage, air traffic control, bio-informatics, and computer games. These application areas also raise new questions concerning the concept of intelligence, its possibilities and its (current) limitations. This combination of applying intelligent systems and addressing underlying fundamental questions provides our students with an interesting and challenging learning environment and enables them to pursuit their own interests.

Profile The Master’s in Artificial Intelligence is a two-year programme taught entirely in English. In the first year, you follow courses on topics concerning machine learning, multi-agent systems, intelligent search, games and knowledge discovery. The courses on these topics are complemented with two projects that enable you to combine and apply what you have learned in these courses. Students also have the opportunity to tailor the first-year programme by exchanging courses of the master’s in Artificial Intelligence for those of the master’s in Operations Research. The first semester of the second year also offers you the possibility to follow courses from other master’s programmes at Maastricht University or universities abroad. The Department of Knowledge Engineering cooperates with some of the best international universities and has several students studying abroad.

ContentsIntroduction 4 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance 5• Ourstudents• Whattoexpect• Learningandteaching

Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development 9• Programobjectives• Careerperspectives• Faculty&guestlecturers• Master’sthesis• Internships&capstoneprojects• Alumni• Programdescription• Specializations• Admission&applicationprocess

Practical information 27 • ComingtotheNetherlands• Tuition• Scholarships• Deadlines• Maastricht:livingexpenses,accommodationandothernecessities• ServicesandactivitiesatUM


The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG) was founded in October 2005 at Maastricht University. The mission of MGSoG is to train specialists who combine a high level of academic scholarship and leadership, with a view to strenghthening governance at all levels.

MGSoG provides multi-disciplinary top-academic training in the heart of Europe. Doing so, it builds on the academic resources of the various

faculties at Maastricht University as well as those of several foreign partners. As of 2011, MGSoGhasbecomepartoftheUnitedNationsUniversity,furtherstrengtheningitsinternationaltrainingandresearchnetworkwhilebuildingontheexpertiseofUNU-MERIT,theMaastrichtbasedresearchinstituteoftheUNU.ThisphysicalintegrationofMGSoGwithinUNU-MERIThascreatedtheUnitedNations’firstpublicpolicygraduateschool. ThecurrentresearchareaofMGSoGisparticularlycomplementarytothatofUNU-MERITin terms of research content, international policy networks and expertise within graduateteaching.UNU-MERIT’sresearchprogramfocusesontheeconomicaspectsof the growth and development dynamics linked to structural change and innovation including knowledge creation and diffusion, social innovation, entrepreneurship and organizationalchange.Internationally,UNU-MERIThasbuiltupastrongacademicreputationoverthelastfiveyears. Meanwhile MGSoG has focused its research not only on (public) policy analysis and evaluation but also on the distributional aspects of growth and development, and in particular the many policy challenges posed by low levels of development, including migration. Doing so, MGSoG has become closely involved in research for a variety of UNagencies,rangingfromtheILOandUNICEFtotheWorldBank.http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Main/ProspectiveStudents/MastersProgrammes/MeetUM/MastersMeetings2.htmCombiningtheforcesofMGSoGandUNU-MERITwilltransformMGSoGintoatrulyUNGraduateSchoolofGovernancepreparing professionals for policy analysis, policy design, policy monitoring and policy evaluation across the globe.

WecanlookforwardtoabrightneweraforMGSoGembeddedandsafeguardedwithinUNU-MERITandMaastrichtUniversity,workingcloselywiththestaffofMGSoGandbeing able to share their enthusiasm and dedication with PhD fellows and students.

Professor Dr. Luc Soete, Dean of the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance and Director of UNU-MERIT

The actions of public authorities shape the lives of individuals across the globe. The impact of these actions often reaches much further than originally intended and sometimes far beyond the physical borders of nation states. The process of governing is no longer the exclusive responsibility of politicians and civil servants. Today we define ‘governing’ as a process involving many layers of public authorities ranging from internationalorganizationstolocaladministrations.

Semi-private, private and non-governmental parties are becoming increasingly important actors in all stages of complex policy processes, ranging from conceptualizationanddesign,totheimplementationandevaluationofpolicyactions.

Introduction Maastricht Graduate School of Governance


The concept of ‘good governance’ refers to efficient and effective policies that reduce the chances of corruption and wastage. Experience shows that good governance is not something that can be implemented overnight. The development of a progressive, well-balanced policy requires independent professionals. MGSoG trains graduates to combine a high level of academic scholarship with leadership in order to strengthen governance at all levels. MGSoG educates these professionals and researchers in policy analysis, risk assessment, policy design, policy monitoring, policy evaluation and methods and techniques of policy research.

The Master’s and PhD programs, the research and training activities cover a wide range of topics and issues ranging from good governance to technical aspects of policy financing. All of MGSoG’s academic activities share an analytical approach to policy problems and theoretical problems relevant to policy design and implementation. The Master’sprogramoffersspecializationsfocusingonthemostrelevanttopicsofpublicpolicy:socialprotection,health,sustainabledevelopment,migration,globalizationanddevelopment.

Our studentsWewelcomehighlymotivatedstudentsfromavarietyofprofessionalandacademicbackgrounds. All students have a strong academic record, a demonstrated commitment to public (international) affairs and an outstanding potential for career growth and leadership.Wehaveamulti-culturalmixofstudentsandresearcherswhocomefromover50countriesaroundtheworld:USA,France,Nigeria,Tanzania,Brazil,Vietnam,Mexico,Turkey,India,Ghana,Thailand,Peru,Australia,China,Indonesia,theUnitedKingdom,Uzbekistan,Jordan,Albania,Bhutanandmanymore.Thisdiversityresultsinastimulating blend of country-specific knowledge and individual (work) experience where students not only learn from their teachers but also from each other. This contributes to a lively and open-minded environment in which students soon feel at home.

What to expect?• Intensiveone-yearMaster’sprogram• Shortcoursesforprofessionalsandresearchers• Traininginsmallgroups• Skillstrainings,workshops,seminars,presentations,debates

All courses are challenging but fun!

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)Maastricht University has developed a system of problem-based learning to prepare students for the realities of working life. In short, students learn to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice using case studies. Maastricht University is the only Dutch universitythatusesPBLtoitsfullestpotentialandemploysitasitskeymethodofinstruction.UniversitiesaroundtheworldarenowalsoadoptingelementsofPBL.

Blended learningOur School combines face-to-face teaching with distance or e-learning in a blended learningprocess.Internet,ICTandnewtechnologiesprovideausefuladditiontotheface-to-face learning approach.

Teaching staffAt MGSoG the academic resources of the faculties of Maastricht University and several foreignpartners(includingSyracuseUniversityandtheBrookingsInstitution,USA)arecombined to guarantee multi-disciplinary top-academic training. In our programs we use experiencedteachers(e.g.EPRISouthAfrica,ILO,OECD,WB,andofcourseUNU-Merit)withasoundbackgroundintheirdiversefieldsofexpertise.Withguestlecturersfrominternationaluniversitiesandorganizations,MGSoGcreatesaninterestingbalancebetween the theoretical and practical approach within the programs.

98 Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development | 2011

Tools and technologies• Tosupportface-to-facelearningactivities,weusetheElectroniclearningenvironment

of Maastricht University (EleUM). EleUM can be accessed through the Internet and offers a range of tools, functions and features for learning.

• Statisticalsoftware(Stata,R)isusedforsimulationsandotherassignments. SoftwareprogramslikeExcel,PowerPointandWordareusedintensively.

• TheMaastrichtGraduateSchoolofGovernanceisanaffiliateoftheGlobalDevelopmentLearningNetwork(GDLN).ThenetworkwassetupbytheWorldBank in 2000 and now includes over 70 learning centers in more than 60 countries. The learning centers use new technologies in distance learning, such as video conferencingfacilities,toconnectorganizationsandindividualsfromallovertheworld.

• MGSoGiscurrentlydevelopinganInternationalCommunityforOccupationalOpportunitiesandLifelong-Learning(iCOOL)onthegeneraltopicof‘Governance’. This community will allow Master’s students and PhD fellows from MGSoG, as well as already affiliated working professionals and alumni to stay connected and collaboratively enhance their knowledge and skills.

Academic student guidance and supportStudent guidance and support starts with providing interested students from all over the world with up-to-date information on all aspects of studying at MGSoG. Once admitted, each student is supported by an academic counselor or thesis supervisor who can help in matters of study choices, progress and planning.

• Theimpactofimmigrationpolicies• Healthcareaccessforchildrenindevelopingcountries• Mitigationoftheeffectsofglobalwarming• Buildingasocialprotectionnetandgrowinggovernancecapacityalongsideeconomic

development• Promotingsustainabilitywhilerespectingtherightsofpresentandfuturegenerations

These issues are typical public policy concerns. Given the growing complexity of the issues at hand, the peculiarities of ‘government within a context of governance’ and the interconnections between international and local levels of decision and implementation processes, there is a growing need for specialists in policy analysis. The domain of public policy is becoming increasingly complex, demanding a combination of theoretical background,technicalskillsandspecificareaknowledge.Nowadays(successful)publicpolicydemandsahighlevelofknowledgeandskillstoanalyzepolicyoptionsandtheirimpact in, for example, sustainable technology, social safety nets or healthcare organizations.

The one-year MPP program consists of two semesters of studies and a Master’s thesis. The academic program during the fall semester is identical for all students.

The focus in this semester is on the theories and practice of governance and policy analysis. It introduces the basic knowledge and skills related to policy analysis. In the springsemester,thestudentschooseoneoffiveareasofspecialization:

• SocialPolicyDesignandFinancing(inco-operationwiththeILO)• Globalization,TradeandDevelopment• SustainableDevelopment• MigrationStudies• HealthandDevelopment

Duration1 September – 31 August(12 months full-time study)

Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP)


Language of instructionEnglish

DegreeAfter successful completion of the program, students will receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Public Policy and Human Development. The MPP is currently being accreditedasadoubledegreeincooperationwiththeUnitedNationsUniversity,theacademicbranchoftheUnitedNationswithinstitutesin12countries.ThefirstdoubledegreesawardedbyMaastrichtUniversityandUNUareexpectedin2011.

Program objectives TheMPPprogramtrainsstudentstoanalyze,monitorandevaluatepoliciesinordertobeable to give recommendations for improving or replacing ongoing policies. Students are equipped with a variety of skills, tools and knowledge which enable them to work resourcefully as policy designers and policy analysts in public and private institutions.

Student profi leMPPstudentscomefromvariousbackgrounds,rangingfromBachelor’sandMaster’sstudents to mid-career professionals with various cultural and disciplinary backgrounds. The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance aims to recruit highly motivated students with strong academic records, a demonstrated commitment to public (international) affairs and/or an outstanding potential for career growth and leadership.

Career perspectivesGraduates of the MPP Program are academically trained policy designers and analysts, workingintheareaofpublicconsultancyandadvisory.Withtheskillsacquiredintheprogram, graduates are able to identify and review the different options and implement the best policy. In their work our graduates are able to integrate legal, social, cultural, political and fi nancial 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 graduates’ toolbox.Graduates will be able to work throughout the world in public and private institutions of both developed and developing countries, including national, regional and local

governments,ministries,pensionfunds,marketauthorities,NGOs,aswellasininternationalorganizationsandconsultancies.Currentlywehavegraduatesworkingforamongothers:theInternationalLabourOrganization,DutchMinistryofForeignAffairs,PricewaterhouseCoopers,WorldHealthOrganization,andtheCentralBankofThailand.On our website you can fi nd a more detailed overview of our graduates’ employers. Our graduates are also well prepared for pursuing academic careers and a signifi cant number of students continue on to PhDs after their Master’s.

FacultyThe MPP program is set up in cooperation between Maastricht Graduate School of GovernanceandUNU-MERIT,withlinkstothevariousfacultiesofMaastrichtUniversityandotherinstitutesoftheUNUnetwork.Inadditionwecooperatewithforeignuniversities and experts working in the fi eld. Our program makes use of experienced teachers with a sound background in their diverse areas of expertise. Withguestlecturersfrominternationalorganizationsanduniversitiesabroad,MGSoGhas created a program that successfully bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Key guest lecturers • Prof.dr.PetervandenBossche,FacultyofLaw,MaastrichtUniversity,theNetherlands

andAppellateBodyoftheWorldTradeOrganization,Switzerland

“The fi rst thing that strikes you about Maastricht Graduate School of Governance as an instructor is the diversity of its students! It is remarkable to see so many students with different cultural, educational and career backgrounds. This immense wealth in different experiences lets discussions fl ow easily: often students can illustrate concepts with examples from their own experience, will know of cases in their home countries or from previous work and study that highlight interesting ideas. This makes it easy for students to learn not only in the classroom, but whenever they are among their peers!”

Dr.LutzF.KrebsEducation Director MPP

A vibrant community


• Dr.MichaelCichon,InternationalLabourOrganization,Switzerland• Prof.dr.AlainJousten,UniversityofLiège,BelgiumandInternationalMonetaryFund,

USA• Dr.KhalidKoser,GenevaCentreforSecurityPolicy,SwitzerlandandForeignPolicy

StudiesattheBrookingsInstitutioninUSA• Dr.DavidvanSlyke,MaxwellSchoolofCitizenshipandPublicAffairs,Syracuse

University, USA• Prof.dr.LucSoete,UnitedNationsUniversity-Merit,theNetherlands• Prof.Dr.MichaelSamson,WilliamsCollege,USAandEPRI,SouthAfrica

Master’s thesis One of the requirements to complete the Master’s program is to write a thesis during the spring semester and summer break. Students have to work on a specific problem, make their own analysis and write a thesis reflecting their knowledge and understanding using generally accepted methods of analysis and research. The thesis can be in the form of a survey analysis, empirical investigation, literature review, case study or theoretical investigation. The Master’s thesis gives students the chance to formulate an approach and solve a problem independently, whilst demonstrating the skills they have acquired during the program. Each student has the support of a thesis supervisor chosen from the academicstaffofUNU-Merit,MGSoGandtheirpartnerinstitutes.Studentshaveregularcontact with their supervisors and/or other academics to discuss their ideas and monitor their progress.

Extra-curricular internshipsMGSoG is able to facilitate extra-curricular internships with partners in our growing international network. In recent years students have done internships at the Ministry of ForeignAffairsintheNetherlands,ILO(Bangkok,Thailand),GTZ(Tirana,Albania),WTO(Geneva,Switzerland),andUNICEF(Tehran,Iran),tonamejustafew.

Capstone Projects MGSoGorganizesCapstoneProjectsincollaborationwithitscurrentprojectpartners.A ‘capstone’ is a problem-based project that students work on just before they graduate. Thiscapstoneprojectisusuallyinrelationtoaspecializationandcanbehighlyusefulforwriting your thesis.

AlumniIn the first five years of operation, over 220 students have successfully graduated from the MPP. Many of them have gone on to work in public policy actors from the local to the international level. Examples include:• MunicipalityRotterdam,Netherlands• BandungRegency,Bali,Indonesia• CentralBank,Thailand• NationalSocialSecurityProgram,Ecuador• MinistryofLabourandHumanResourcesinBhutan• NationalParliament,Georgia• UnitedNationsDevelopmentProgramme• WorldBank• InternationalLabourOrganization• WorldHealthOrganization

Given the diverse set of actors working in the field of governance, it is not surprising that many MPP alumni now work for private businesses — particularly consultancies such as KPMGandPricewaterhouseCoopers—andNGOsliketheGlobalReportingInitiative,AfricanParliamentarians’NetworkAgainstCorruptionorCivilServantsandAlliedWorkersUnionofZambia.

Finally,asubstantialshareofouralumnihasdecidedtocontinuedoingacademicresearchandhasjoineduniversitiessuchastheLondonSchoolofEconomicsandPoliticalScience, Sciences-Po in Paris or Erasmus University, Rotterdam.

Program description Fall semester: Introduction & OverviewThe fall semester consists of four courses, parallel methods courses and a study month. The objective for this semester is to cover general aspects of governance, drawing on several academic disciplines such as political science, sociology, public finance and microeconomics, international relations, public management and public policy. This semester specifically aims to apply current theories and research to policy issues. In addition to giving students a sound theoretical foundation, it also places a strong emphasis on skills. Students will conduct their own research, apply policy analysis tools and, through practical training sessions, and become familiar with risk-management skills. The fall semester prepares students for the detailed analysis of issues studied in theconsecutivespecialization.


Introduction to Governance, Politics & Policy Whileexpertsmayestimatethecostsandbenefitsofpolicyoptions,outcomesdependon fi nal political decisions. Understanding these political factors is essential for effective policy-making and a careful examination of the political implications of policy proposals is imperative for the success of policy actions. A skilled analyst is able to identify the key actors, their concerns and goals and the power they hold in their specifi c cultural background. The successful analyst is also aware of how institutional structures affect choicesandoutcomes.ThecourseisprimarilyPBL-based,allowingstudentstoplayanactive role throughout the four weeks while practicing their analytical and team-working skills. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the relationships between different policy objectives, institutions and structures, and to critically review and translate their fi ndings into well-defi ned proposals. Additionally the course focuses on how the traditional role of the state has changed as a result of new forms of ‘governance’, which has in turn led to the emergence of new actors and new forms of international cooperation, such as international regimes. Important concepts in the course are states and markets; bureaucracy and implementation; leadership and capacity; and electoral incentives.

Public Economics Publiceconomictheoryisusedtoanalyzetheroleofmarketsandmarketfailures,externalities and corrective taxation, public goods and collective decisions, the pricing and regulation of natural monopolies, commodity and income taxation, capital and corporate taxes. This course is an introduction to theoretical foundations of effi ciency and effectiveness criteria; net present value analysis and the mechanics and funda-mentals of cost-benefi t analysis and their common mistakes. The analysis of these topics and the underlying economic theory form the backbone of the course and the basis for the elaboration of further training in the following course of the semester.

September Introduction to Governance, Politics & Policy

September- October Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods

October Public Economics

November Policy-Making on Risk

November- December Econometrics

December Public Policy Analysis

Empiricalanalysisisusefulindeterminingthepossibleeffectandsizeoftheintervention,because when carried out wrongly it can have a negative effect on the income level and, as such, cause social problems. Therefore appropriate design and relevant techniques for evaluating and assessing the effects of policy intervention are crucial.

Policy-Making on RiskRisk and uncertainty are important features of modern life. Our current society is increasinglyreferredtoasarisksociety,aconceptdevisedbythesociologistUlrichBeck.“How do we deal with uncertainty and risk?” is a relevant question, not only for policy-makers, but also for decision makers and their advisors and for key actors in society such as environmental lobbyists. The case studies addressed in this course range from classic health risks to new environmental risks, from investment funds to social security, from insurance issues to risks associated with new technologies and products. The aim of the course is to promote a critical and refl ective understanding of risk management. To that end, students learn how a theoretical understanding of risk and uncertainty can be used to refl ect on current practice, and how this can be used to develop alternative approaches.

“I had the opportunity and good fortune to teach a one-week graduate level course on policy implementation. My experience teaching at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance was very positive and I am impressed by the quality of the students, the faculty and staff, the facilities, and the intentional goal-oriented mission of the program. I have no doubt that the School will be a worldwide leader in the develop-ment of professional graduate education in the areas of public policy and global governance. Political leaders, academics, policy professionals, and those working in and with bureaucratic institutions around the world will look to the School for research, guidance, and as a venue for hiring the very best policy professionals.”

Dr. David van Slyke (USA)Department of Public AdministrationMaxwellSchoolofCitizenshipandPublicAffairsSyracuse University

A venue for hiring the very best policy professionals


Public Policy AnalysisThe formulation and implementation of public policies are important responsibilities of modern government. The focus here is the interaction between public authorities and stakeholders. To enhance this interaction, appropriate mechanisms of coordination and hierarchy in policy design and implementation are vital. This course is designed to help studentsdeveloptheskillsrequiredtodefineandcriticallyanalyzepolicyissues,articulate relevant decision-making criteria for policy analysis, evaluate alternative solutions, and assess the means and costs of implementation. Students focus on actors, institutions and policy instruments to gain a systematic way of thinking about the development, design and assessment of public sector policies. During this course specific attention is also given to policy evaluation and policy simulation through real-life exercises.

Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methods EconometricsResearch is a craft, so methods education plays a crucial role in any graduate degree program.ButinthecaseoftheMPP,themethodscourseshaveanadditionalimportance: virtually any discussion or decision on policy issues will be made on the basis of case studies and statistical information. MPP graduates need to be capable of conducting high-quality research on their own, and they need to be critical and well-informed consumers of studies produced by any number of stakeholders engaged in policydebates.Forthisreason,thetopicalcoursesofthefallsemesterareaccompaniedby two six-week methods courses that seek to provide all students with the standard tools of the social sciences, and to sharpen their eye for the best practices in conducting research.

Study Month: JanuaryAftertheintensivefirstfourmonthsoftheprogram,JanuaryallowsMPPstudentstofocus on their own goals and digest what they have learned in the first courses. They then have the opportunity to draft their thesis proposal. The study month gives them the time needed to choose a topic of interest — often in relation to the upcoming specialization—andtodoliteratureresearch.Januaryconcludeswithroundsofpublicpresentations of thesis proposals to collect feedback and advice from fellow students and faculty members.

SpecializationsSpring semester: SpecializationsAttheendofthefallsemester,studentschooseanareaofspecializationfromthefivetracks offered in the MPP. Each track offers four courses covering one particular theme of publicpolicy.Theeducationdirectorandthecoordinatorsofthespecializationsareavailabletoassiststudentswiththeselectionoftheirspecialization,andstudentscanchoosetoeitherfollowacompletespecializationortodecidetheirowncombinationofcourses from those available in the MPP.

Formoredetailedinformationaboutindividualcoursedescriptions,pleaseseeourwebsite: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance

Specialization Social Policy Design & FinancingForthevastmajorityoftheworld’spopulation,workingistheprimaryandsolemeanstoearn a living. The market value of labor depends increasingly on investment in human capital marketable in the formal labor market. Education and training are therefore crucial elements of social policy. A form of social protection is needed to guarantee dignified survival for those unable to work, whether temporarily or permanently. Public social protection systems redistribute 5-35 per cent of GDP, depending on the level of development. Deficient and/or inefficient design and management within (and coordination between) social protection institutions may lead to wastage of public resources or to socio-economic inefficiencies,

Specialization Partner Institution

Social Policy Design and Financing International Labour Organization (ILO)

Health and Development Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Science

Globalization, Trade & Development

UNU-MERIT, UM School of Business & Economics, UM Faculty of Law

Migration Studies MGSoG & UNU-MERIT

Sustainable Development

UNU-MERIT, Int. Centre for Integrated Assessment & Sustainable Development and potentially UNU-EHS

ineffectiveness and misallocation of social transfers. The failure to invest an adequate share of public resources in social protection leads to avoidable loss of welfare and economic performance. In both cases those most in need may not receive a fair share of scarce public resources.Thisraisesdebatesabouttheorganizationandimpactofsocialprotectionsystems,theirfi nancing and sustainability. Public policies are needed in the areas of poverty reduction, labor conditions, health care, human capital development, and income security systems (suchasretirementpensions).ThespecializationSocialPolicyDesignandFinancingdiscusses these issues in an accessible, contemporary and practical manner.

February Financing Social Protection

March-April Social Budgeting

April-May Poverty and Inequality

June-July Comparative Analysis of Social Policy Design

“Coming to Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, coming home”

“Social protection systems save millions of lives every year by providing healthcare and income to people who would otherwise fall into poverty. They make the difference between a decent life and a miserable one for millions of unemployed, disabled and old people. They often – but not often enough - provide income that enables children to go to school rather than to work, thus breaking multi-generational poverty cycles. They create the societal coherence and stability that is a precondition for economic and social development. Social security – underrated as it may be in many current policy debates – was only developed less than 130 years ago, yet it is one of the most important inventions in human history. The global community spends more than US$4000 billion on social transfers and yet about 80 per cent of the world’s population does not have access to adequate social security and two thirds do not have access to a minimum standard of healthcare. We would need less than 2 per cent of global GDP to provide a minimum level of social security to all of the world’s poor, most of which could be fi nanced by national governments. Some countries might

need some help, but the aim of extending social security need not involve fi nding extra development aid; it could be achieved by getting national priorities right or, in other words, getting national governance right. The ILO’s mandate is to promote social justice and extend social security to all. We know that this can only be done if we build national capacities for social security designs, planning, management and fi nancing. And we can only build that capacity when we train fi rst class professionals who are committed to changing people’s lives for the better. When we were looking for an academic partner to launch a major training programme in social protection fi nancing, we found that there are hundreds of business schools around the world that train people to handle much smaller amounts of money, however we did not fi nd a school that seriously helped people to manage major transfers that account – or should account – for sizeable proportions of national GDPs. Prof. Chris de Neubourg and Maastricht University decided to change this. Out of the fi rst programme in Social Protection Financing grew, within fi ve years, a new Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, thanks to the very committed and lively crew. The staff of the social security department still teaches two specializations of the MPP programme at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance: Social Policy Financing and Social Policy Design. For the ILO, the investment has paid back many times by graduates that now work in ministries, social security agencies and international organisations all over the world. They help shape the future of social security in all fi ve continents. These graduates were all trained in small classes; they all share the experience of intensive, high pressure work that creates bonds that turn into lifelong support networks. These graduates are a powerful resource for any ministry, any social security institution and even private sector corporations and consulting groups. Graduates of MGSoG have learned to analyse complex governance problems, rationalise diffi cult policy choices and put a budgetary fi gure on policy decisions. One could say that their two prime qualities are intellectual rigour and compassion, people with “soft hearts and hard heads”.Our investment has also paid back on a personal level. The ILO staff fi nds themselves challenged and refreshed intellectually by truly international and diverse classes that pose a never ending series of demanding questions; questions that force us to constantly revisit the conceptual certainties that we all have developed in the course of our professional lives. None of the ILO staff involved has ever asked to be freed from teaching the next course. Everybody wants to return to this place that provides space and time for unconventional thinking. Coming to Maastricht to teach each year is like returning to school and coming home. The fact that many of our Master’s students return for PhD programmes tells us that they feel the same way.”

Dr.MichaelCichonDirector Social Security DepartmentInternationalLabourOrganization(ILO)



Specialization Globalization, Trade & DevelopmentInternationalDevelopmentLawhastwodistinctbutinterconnectedaspects.Thefirstofthese concerns international legal regulatory frameworks and the extent to which they provide incentives for state- and non-state actors to set policies which move human development forward. In this respect, the course gives an introduction to rules of international law which aim to promote human development. The second aspect concerns international development and the rule of law, including an examination of the extent to which rule of law is necessary for development and the attempts by the international community to support state growth and stability through rule of law. Projects and programs aimed at judicial reform and support for the rule of law in developing and transitional countries have increased significantly in recent decades, often with little attention paid to the context in which these activities are carried out or the assumptions underlying their development and implementation. This course critically assesses the goals of economic development and the role of legal rules in facilitating or hindering that process, as well as the international activities directed at judicial reform andotherlegalassistanceindevelopingandtransitioncountries.Weexaminethecurrent international legal development regime; examine the underlying social and economicfactorsthatcontributetofailureofeffortsatlegalreform;analyzethereformstrategies of selected development agencies; and explore alternative modes of analysis that may lead to more effective strategies than many legal assistance programs have enjoyed to date.

Specialization Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development is a fundamental element of modern policymaking. Many challenges related to global human activities require a central focus on sustainability and development. These challenges include: long-term and sudden climate change; extreme poverty;infectiousdiseaseinaglobalizingworld;globaldemographicchange;urbangrowth; biodiversity loss and ecosystem functioning, and the sustainable use of ocean space and its resources.

February International Economics

March-April The Law and Policy of the WTO

April-May International Intellectual Property Law and Policy

June-July International Development Law

Themainobjectiveofthisspecializationistogivestudentsinsightsintotheprinciplesof governance, sustainable development and scientific theories, by understanding the challenges, constraints and interactions of academic definitions, decision-making tools andpractices.Thespecializationbuildsonanunderstandingofgovernanceandsustainable development as a co-evolutionary, adaptive process that needs to permeate human societies and the natural environment. The emphasis is on explaining and using the generic, complex and, by definition, flexible terminology of sustainable development. Attention is given to the processes of international (environmental) politics, the role of NGOsandcivilsociety.Auniquefeatureofthecourseisitsinterdisciplinarycore,whichprovides students with a broad and integrated understanding of sustainable development. It differs from other programs related to sustainable development in its coverage of sustainable development not only from an ecological perspective, but also from social, economic and institutional point of views.

February Introduction to Sustainable Development

March-April Governance for Sustainable Development: Concepts and Practice

April-May Sustainability in Globalizing World

June-July Integrated Assessment

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Specialization Migration StudiesMigration is a growing phenomenon that has gained importance in the public debate on development, welfare and immigration policy. According to the International OrganizationforMigration,thereareanestimated191millioninternationalmigrantsworldwide, constituting 3 per cent of the world population (2005). Remittance transfers (the money that migrants send back to their home countries) currently amount to more than US$300 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment and offi cial development aid in many countries around the world. Migration is a controversial topic in the international and national policy arena and the effects of migration on migrants, their families and communitiesinthehostandorigincountryneedtobestudiedcarefully.Whilemassmedia often focus on a few spectacularly problematic integration cases, the courses in thisspecializationstudythekeyissuesin-depthandwithscientificrigor.

Thisspecializationcomprisesfourcoursesthatintroducestudentstotheessentialcomponents of migration studies including trends, theories, causes and effects, and also migration policy. Students will have the opportunity to explore the area of migration studies by taking courses with a broad perspective on the prevailing theory and practice. Particularemphasisisputonpracticalfieldwork.ThespecializationMigrationStudiestrains students for the international labor market as policy advisors, practitioners, researchers,etc.workingforgovernments,internationalorganizationsoracademicinstitutions.

February Introduction to Migration Studies

March-April Migration and Remittance Effects

April-May Applied Migration Studies

June-July Comparative Migrations Studies

February Economic Analysis of the Healthcare Systems

March-April Managing (Global) Healthcare Organizations

April-May Assessing Needs and Understanding Behavioral and Environmental Risks

June-July Quantitaive Techniques in healthcare Financing

“In Sierra Leone I am a manager in a pension fund administration, and I am specifi cally concerned with social security for older people who can’t work anymore and who don’t benefi t from family support. The way the elderly are taken care of through the Dutch system is the blueprint for social security. The School has taught me not to think in terms of problems but in terms of opportunities. Small steps towards a good social security net in Sierra Leone now will make a huge difference 20 years from now. If Sierra Leone is able to create and maintain a proper social protection system, this eventually will contribute to economic development and growth and we will be able to handle the risks that society is likely to face.”

IdrisTuray,SierraLeoneMPP Graduate 2008AreaManager,NationalSocialSecurityandInsuranceTrust

Small steps towards a good social security net in Sierra Leone

Specialization Health & DevelopmentTheobjectiveofthisspecializationistoacquaintstudentswiththeglobalaspectsofpublic health and food policy, and to offer students insights into the various related disciplines such as biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, law, policy sciences and economics.Bycombiningthesedisciplinesinfourthemesormodules,studentsareprovidedwiththeacademicskillsandconceptualknowledgenecessarytoanalyzeissueson public health. Graduates are able to effectively apply relevant theoretical models and concepts to public health and food policy issues and, vice versa, to refl ect upon theoretical developments on the basis of practical experience in the fi eld. This specializationisofferedincollaborationwiththeFacultyofHealth,MedicineandLifeSciences.

Application and admissions: Master’s program

Each application will be reviewed by the Board of Admission. The tuition, admission requirements and application procedures are the same for all specializations of the MPP.

Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a relevant academic fi eld such as economics, international relations, political science, law, social sciences, business administration, health sciences or public health

• Adequate knowledge of pre-calculus mathematics and ideally descriptive statistics. This is judged by reviewing the content and grades of previous studies and/or the content and level of work experience

• Basic knowledge of economics, social sciences, political science and/or law; this is measured by reviewing the content and grades of previous studies and/or the content and level of work experience

• Profi ciency in English; the minimum level accepted is 600 PBT, 100 IBT, 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS).

How To Apply

If you meet the admission requirements, you should complete a registration request for the selective Master’s program via www.studielink.nl. You will receive confi rmation of your request as well as login details for www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > My UM. In the My UM portal you should complete the application form and upload all documents relating to the admission requirements. If further information is needed to assess or complete your application, additional documents may be requested. After the receipt of a complete application has been acknowledged, your application will be reviewed. Within two to four weeks you will hear whether you have been admitted to the program.

Only complete fi les will be evaluated and considered for admission. A fi le will be considered complete if the following documents are included in the application:• A letter of motivation (400-500 words) explaining the reason(s) why you chose the program,

what your plans for the future are, and in which you convince the Board of Admission that you have the intellectual capacities and personal skills to successfully complete the program

• An essay of 400 words related to one of the specialization topics that displays a basic knowledge of the subject matter, a suffi cient level of English and an appropriate academic writing style. Please use references (in Word or PDF format)

• A certifi ed copy of your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree

“Via the School’s contacts I had the opportunity to carry out an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands. Working for the ‘Department of Effectiveness & Quality’ was a very valuable learning experience. The department examines the effectiveness and quality of development cooperation activities by collating, recording and analyzing relevant data. As a result the department makes policy recommendations, develops and maintains instruments for implementing policies on cross-theme and cross-country issues. The MPP programme could not have been a better preparation for this. My main assignment here concerned capacity development. This is a complex issue, but is one of the most fundamental elements for successful development cooperation; without capacity development, a successful and sustainable policy cannot be implemented. In addition, I was assigned a position on the organisation committee for a conference that involved all heads of Development Cooperation, who are normally based at Dutch embassies around the world. This enabled me a sneak preview of the diplomatic world.Through this internship I made contact with my current employer; VNG International, the International Cooperation Agency of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities. This organisation aims to facilitate decentralisation and to strengthen local governments in developing and transitional countries. My career direction, as it is now, is exactly where I hoped to be when I started with the Master’s programme. The School could not have prepared me any better!”

Anne-Marie TosseramsMPP Graduate, 2007JuniorProjectManager,AfricaVNGInternational,InternationalCooperationAgencyoftheAssociationofNetherlandsMunicipalities

My career is exactly what I hoped to achieve


• A certified list of grades from your Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree• Two letters of recommendation by current or former professors or employers (original hard

copies need to be sent directly to the Student Affairs Office)• Proof of proficiency in English. The minimum level accepted is 600 PBT, 100 IBT, 240 CBT (TOEFL)

or 7.0 (IELTS). Native speakers and students who have received their Bachelor’s or Master’s education in English are exempted

• Curriculum vitae• Copy of valid passport• Passport size picture

Online leveling courses in Economics and Quantitative Methods for admitted studentsStudents with below average prior knowledge are offered the opportunity to follow the appropriate online courses*. Participation in these courses significantly improves students’ performance in the Master’s program. All online courses are flexible in the sense that students can participate irrespective of time and place.

* The courses are only free of charge for admitted students. In return for having free access to these courses, we expect the participants to be motivated, able and willing to actively participate online on a regular basis for six weeks (in total 80 hours for one entire course)

Coming To The Netherlands

Students who do not have a passport issued by an EU/EEA country will generally need an entry visa and/or residence permit. An entry visa (called MVV) is required for all non-EU/EEA students entering the Netherlands, except for nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, USA and Vatican City State. It is not possible to apply for an entry visa yourself if you want to travel to the Netherlands for study purposes. The application for the entry visa will be submitted by the University Visa Office.

Tuition

For the academic year 2011-2012 the tuition fee for EU/EEA Master’s students under the age of 30 is � 1,713. For EU/EEA Master’s students over the age of 30 the fee is � 2,058.For non-EU/EEA Master’s students the tuition fees for the academic years up to and including 2012-2013 amount to � 12,000. These amounts are indicative only, as fees are determined by the Ministry of Education.

Please consult www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ssc (> Information for (prospective) students > About application and registration > Tuition fees) for other fees and the latest information.

Scholarships

There are various scholarship opportunities for the Master’s programs, e.g. Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship Program, Nuffic, World Bank, Alban etc. For more specific information on the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the scholarship section on our website.

Application Deadlines

The following deadlines apply for starting in September:• students requiring a visa: 15 June, each year• students requiring no visa: 1 August, each year

Questions About The Application Process?

If you have any questions about the application process please e-mail us at:[email protected]

Program details and tuition fees may change, so please contact us or check our website for the latest information!



Practical information

About Maastricht

Maastricht is a beautiful, ancient city, with a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of historic buildings. It is well-known for its charming atmosphere and varied cycle of festivals and events. The lovely local countryside and proximity to other European countries are an invitation to go out and explore. Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne lie within a 100 km radius, while Amsterdam and Luxembourg are a mere 200 km from Maastricht; London and Paris can be reached in just a few hours via high-speed train connections. In addition, railway and airline connections to many other major European cities are available. All in all, Maastricht provides a relaxed environment for learning and living.

Student Affairs Office

The Student Affairs Office advises students on specific questions or problems concerning the application procedure, admission, registration, and visa application. They can also help with educational matters and all kinds of program-related administrative tasks.

Living Expenses

The cost of living in Maastricht is comparable to smaller European cities. On average you will need around 800-900 euros per month for accommodation, groceries, copying, printing, going out on occasion, etc. If you need a visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands, the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires that you have a minimum amount of money at your disposal each month. At present this is set at 800 Euros per month.

Accommodation

Students are expected to arrange housing themselves. Admitted students will receive an information package which lists a number of agencies that can help you in finding accommodation. We recommend that students book accommodation through the University Guesthouse. Although not the cheapest option, they offer furnished rooms (bed, table, chair, etc.) and in many cases high-speed Internet facilities.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands. Always check with your insurance company whether you are covered during your stay in Maastricht. The Students Affairs Office can arrange insurance which covers the entire study period. The insurance costs 465 Euros for one year and has to be paid by the student. Please check www.students-insurance.eu for more information about the terms and conditions. This information does not apply to Dutch citizens, who are required by law to take out the compulsory basic health insurance.

Student Clubs and Organizations

There are a number of student clubs and organizations. Many of them are internationally oriented and help both Dutch and foreign students to integrate. Our student organization, ‘DEMOS’, was set up by a group of enthusiastic students to combine social and academic activities between the students and researchers at MGSoG.

For more information about Demos, please see: www.demos-mpp.org

Governance Newsletter

A monthly digital newsletter gives details about activities and programs at MGSoG, as well as more informal matters. If you would like to receive the Governance Newsletter, please send an email to:[email protected]

Career Days

UM Career Services organize regular career days to help you find a job after graduation. At career days, alumni and speakers from international organizations, consultancies and NGOs are invited to inform students about careers in the (public) policy sector.

MGSoG also encourages its students to participate in workshops organized by the Maastricht University Career Services by sponsoring participation in one workshop.

Finally, UM Career Services offers numerous free and helpful activities including CV checks, personal career advice and mock job interviews. These services are available up to two years after graduation.


University Library

To make the most of your studies, extensive library facilities are vital. All important books and articles are accessible for students, in print or as e-books and e-journals. The library also offers up-to-date and comfortable study facilities, for individual and cooperative learning.

Pre-Academic Training

As all our programs are taught in English, we realize that some participants might feel insecure about their level of English. Maastricht University offers plenty of possibilities to enhance or develop English language skills. If you do not meet the language requirements mentioned in the admission requirements, you can join the Pre-Academic Training (PAT) at Maastricht University via the Center for European Studies (CES).Pre-Academic Training enables you to improve your English proficiency as well as other related communication and study skills and still obtain the required score before the start of your program. Please check the Centre for European Studies website at www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ces for more information.

www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance

Contact informationCommunications Offi ceMaastricht Graduate School of Governance UNU-MERITMaastricht UniversityP.O. Box 6166200 MD MAASTRICHTThe Netherlands

Phone: +31 43 388 4650E-mail: [email protected]

Open DaysSaturday 26 February 2011Saturday 15 October 2011

Student for a dayIf you are interested in experiencing the Master’s program, we invite you for a day at our School, attend a lecture, a tutorial or simply meet current students or the course coordinator. Just send an email [email protected].

Based in Europe, focused on the world. Maastricht University is a stimulating environment. Where research and teaching are complementary. Where innovation is our focus. Where talent can fl ourish. A truly student oriented research university.

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