Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE)

Master in Advanced European and International Studies – Applied European Policy and Governance Studies - Nice-Brussels-Berlin

This online session is intended for candidates interested in applying for the Applied European Policy and Governance programme in 2026/27.

Career prospects

The graduates of CIFE’s Master’s programmes work as Senior officials in European institutions, policy officers within the UN framework, administrators, diplomats, consultants, researchers for think tanks, lobbyists, and academic experts.

Degree and recognition

Students who successfully complete the programme are awarded two certifications at the end of the academic year:

• Master in Advanced European and International Studies: This is the diploma of CIFE, certifying the successful completion of the academic curriculum and granting 60 ECTS credits at Master level.
• The degree qualification Chargé de mission en organisations européennes et internationales (Policy Officer in European and International Organisations), recognised by the French state as a degree at Master level (level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework EQF).

Overview of the academic year

The programme starts off in Nice (October–December) and encompasses introductory classes for all five modules, complemented by international conferences and seminars dealing with current world political events. This term is concluded with a mid-term exam.

The second term takes place in Brussels (January–March). During this term, students visit EU institutions and policy-related institutions and have the opportunity to network with many CIFE Alumni and experts based in the European capital. An intensive study trip to the European institutions and international organisations in Strasbourg, Luxembourg and/or Geneva is organised during this period.

During the third term in Berlin (April–July), the programme aims to deepen the students’ understanding of European integration and contemporary problems in international relations. Students who choose the trilingual option will attend additional courses in German on Germany's European policy and will visit political institutions in Berlin. Students will produce an extra written assignment in German in order to validate the trilingual option. Students will have the opportunity to advance their research work, as they are free of obligations during the last weeks of the term. The programme concludes with the defence of the thesis and oral exams. With their graduation, students become part of CIFE’s worldwide Alumni network.

After graduation, students who have chosen the internship option will do a professional internship (max. three months). The internship can be accomplished in a European institution, an international organisation, a national diplomatic agency, a consultancy, a non-governmental organisation or research institute.

Teaching modules

European Integration and Governance

The module aims at familiarising the students, who could well become the next generation of European and international decision-makers, with the complexity of European integration and the main features of EU policymaking. It considers the dynamics of European integration from a historical perspective and applies to discussing current and future challenges. It includes concepts such as differentiated integration, political change and Euroscepticism.

EU Policies and Flagship Initiatives

This module aims to give students an insight into key policies of the European Union, such as enlargement, cohesion or competition policy, as well as the dynamics of decision-making and national interests of the member states. Students learn about flagship initiatives of the EU, such as climate policy, the digital agenda and migration.

EU Neighbourhood and External Relations

This module focuses on the EU's policy towards its direct and wider neighbourhood in the East and the South, as well as other important international actors such as the United States, Russia and China. Students also explore the major schools of thought regarding international order and conflict.

The European Economy and Globalisation

The European economy, embedded in a globalised world, has to face new emerging competitors with the rise of new Asian powers. While the European economy has considerable strengths, it must meet major challenges, including deepening economic and social integration.

Professional Skills Workshops

This module equips the participants with professional skills and competencies that will enable them to work in European and international cooperation. Seminars and workshops on:

• Negotiation skills
• EU Council simulation
• Intercultural communication
• EU policies at work: Policy tracking
• Project cycle management
• Drafting of position papers and policy recommendations
• Career coaching

Have a look at our video to learn more about the experiences of the participants!

Graduates receive two certifications:

• The Master in Advanced European and International Studies - Applied European Policy and Governance Studies. This is the diploma of CIFE as a private institute of higher education, certifying the successful completion of the academic curriculum and granting 60 ECTS at Master level.
• The degree qualification "Policy Officer in European and International Organisations" (level 7 EQF), recognised by the French state.

A one-year programme from October to July in 3 different cities + optional professional internship (3-6 months to be completed by 31 December)

• Trimester 1 in Nice (France): October to December
• Trimester 2 in Brussels (Belgium): January to April
• Study trip to Strasbourg, Luxembourg and/or Geneva in March
• Trimester 3 in Berlin (Germany): April to July