European Governance and Administration

The Master’s program in European Governance and Administration at the University of Potsdam offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for active roles in the complex and rapidly changing landscape of European governance. This program emphasizes the development of critical analytical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical competencies necessary to understand and shape policy-making processes at the national, European, and international levels. Students will explore a wide array of topics including European integration, public administration, political science, legal frameworks, and institutional development, enabling them to critically assess current governance challenges and contribute innovative solutions.

The curriculum is carefully structured to provide a balanced mix of theoretical foundations and practical applications. Core modules cover areas such as European Union institutions and decision-making processes, public policy analysis, administrative law, and EU law. Additionally, students engage with specialized electives that address current issues like digital governance, environmental policy, and social justice within the European context. An emphasis is placed on fostering intercultural competences and understanding the diverse political and administrative cultures across Europe.

Through a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and project work, students gain valuable skills in policy analysis, strategic planning, and administrative management. The program also encourages international exchange and cooperation, offering opportunities to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and collaborative projects with European institutions and organizations. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in public administration, EU institutions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions.

By challenging students to think critically about governance structures and policy processes in Europe, this Master’s degree aims to produce highly qualified professionals capable of contributing to the development of democratic and effective governance across Europe. The program’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic European political landscape and to be proactive agents of change in their future careers.

Educational organisation

MEGA is a part-time executive Master's programme running over two years.
It includes four two-week on-site modules in Paris, Strasbourg, Potsdam, and Berlin, a nine-week internship in France, in Germany, in a European institution or in an international organisation, workshops and group projects, and the submission and defence of a Master's thesis.

Upon successful completion of the programme graduates will be awarded the joint degree "Master of European Governance and Administration" by the participating institutions.

Study abroad unit(s)

On-site modules in France and Germany
Internship in France, Germany, in a European institution or in an international organisation

Internships

An internship of nine weeks is part of the programme. The programme staff will assist students in finding appropriate internship placements.

Forms of assessment

Presentations, case studies, transfer essays, negotiation simulations, action planning, Master's thesis

Language requirements

Excellent language skills in German and French (minimum B2)

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

(An) academic degree(s) of at least 240 ECTS (Master's degree or equivalent),
at least five years of professional experience (mostly in the public sector),
good command of German and French (minimum B2),
further admission requirements: written application and interview (in Paris or Berlin)

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g., in restaurants, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student assistants at the university or in the numerous non-university research institutions located in Potsdam. Furthermore, lots of tourist attractions (castles and museums) in town offer jobs for international students. More job opportunities for students of the University of Potsdam are offered by the "Studentenwerk Potsdam" (see http://www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/jobvermittlung.html).
As the German capital Berlin is located just around the corner, students can also find jobs there.

Arrival support

Potsdam is conveniently located near the Berlin airports and international train stations. You can reach Potsdam easily via the local train service (S-Bahn and Regionalbahn).
The winter semester at the University of Potsdam starts on 1 October and the summer semester starts on 1 April. Detailed information about your exact arrival day, meeting point, and how to reach your meeting point is provided by the programme coordinators.

The University of Potsdam provides numerous preparatory programmes that start prior to or at the beginning of the semester. More information on specific courses for international students can be found online: http://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/zessko/the-introductory-study-phase/index-eng.html. Preparatory courses cover study techniques or the German language, including a preparation course for the DSH test. The preparatory courses aim to support international students right from the start and thus facilitate a successful study experience.

Moreover, international students can participate in the Buddy Programme. This programme offers a support network in which students from the university assist our newly arrived international students. The support network especially offers support at the start of the programme, but the support often continues until the end of the semester. The international and German students involved in the programme exchange language and cultural skills and thus quickly get to know many fellow students and the new academic environment.

Services and support for international students

The International Office provides advice to international students on all administrative issues as well as on legal and financial questions. All programmes have coordinators who should be contacted with any questions regarding the study programme, application, and details of the specific programme.

The University of Potsdam offers various programmes and courses to support international students (Buddy Programme, Tandem Programme, preparatory courses). The Buddy Programme offers a support network in which students of the university assist newly arrived students before and upon their arrival in Potsdam and at the university.

Accommodation

Depending on the programme, accommodation is either arranged in advance or the International Office will help you find suitable accommodation. Student accommodation is managed by the Studentenwerk Potsdam. On their website (see below), the available rooms can be viewed and further information about the application process can be found.
See: http://www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/en/wohnen.html