Fondazione Collegio Europeo di Parma
Master in European Affairs and Policies (MEAP)
Parma, Italy
Master degree
DURATION
1 year
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Nov 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,500 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: The MEAP Master in European Affairs and Policies, run by the European College of Parma and the University of Parma, trains graduates in EU governance, law, economics, policy. Delivered in English, blended format, it mixes lectures, seminars, workshops, study visits (including Brussels), and traineeship. It awards 60 ECTS and offers recognition toward the University of Parma Master’s Degree.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work in European institutions, national and local public administrations, NGOs, international organizations, consultancies, and the private sector. Typical roles include EU Policy Officer, Junior Project Manager, Consultant in European and international policies, policy analyst, and legislative assistant.
The First Level University Master in “European Affairs and Policies” (MEAP), organised jointly by the European College of Parma and the University of Parma, is designed for recent graduates who aspire to build a career in the European Union and international arena. Thanks to a mix of academic excellence and practical training, the programme provides a structured understanding of EU governance, policies, and global challenges.
MEAP is delivered in English, in a blended format combining on-campus and online activities. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and a traineeship, ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
By combining a solid academic foundation with a practical and applied approach, the program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary pathway covering governance, law, and the main policies of the European Union.
Students will engage in a dynamic and stimulating environment, interacting with university professors, senior officials from European institutions, and professionals from across Europe.
Academic Experience and Opportunities
The program provides valuable networking, internship, and career development opportunities, preparing participants to work in European institutions, international organizations, public administrations, NGOs, and the private sector.
Upon completion, students will have both in-depth knowledge of European affairs and practical skills, along with an international mindset enabling them to actively contribute to Europe’s future.
Academic Recognition
The Master awards 60 ECTS credits and offers the possibility of an accelerated academic pathway, with recognition of the first year of the Master’s Degree in Global Politics and International Relations at the University of Parma.
Faculty
One of the key features of MEAP is the world-class Faculty, composed of leading Academics, EU Officials, and Professionals from the private sector. This teaching body ensures a learning experience, which combines academic excellence with strong practical relevance. Indeed, drawing on their direct involvement in European Policymaking and global affairs, Faculty members provide students with first-hand insights into EU Institutions, policy processes, and international dynamics, going beyond traditional theoretical approaches.
Teaching is thus designed to be highly engaging and career-oriented, integrating interactive methods, real-world case studies, and simulations that reflect the daily work of European Institutions and Agencies: this means gaining access to a unique and strong network of Experts and Practitioners, able to guide participants towards a successful career.
Study Visits
The programme enriches the learning experience through a series of Study Visits, designed to connect academic knowledge with real-world practice.
One the Master’s added value is represented by the “Study Trip to Brussels”, where participants have the opportunity to visit the major EU Institutions, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council, gaining direct insight into how EU decision-making process works in practice.
Furthermore, students take part in visits to companies, organizations, and institutions (e.g. EFSA), in and around Parma, where they can explore how European Policies are implemented across different sectors and operational contexts.
These experiences also offer valuable opportunities for networking and professional interaction, allowing participants to engage directly with experts and practitioners working in the field.
Working Languages
MEAP is delivered primarily in English, ensuring an international learning environment and enabling participants to engage with European and global topics in a common professional language. Indeed, English is used throughout lectures, seminars, workshops, and most programme activities, allowing students to develop a strong command of the terminology and communication skills required in European Institutions and international contexts.
Moreover, the programme includes dedicated English language classes, aimed at further strengthening participants’ linguistic proficiency and confidence in both academic and professional settings.
The Master in “European Affairs and Policies” offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum, designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the European Union and its role in a complex global environment. The programme combines academic rigor with a strong practical orientation, integrating lectures, seminars, workshops, and applied learning activities.
Core modules are:
- EU Governance and Legal Framework
- Economics of European Integration and Agri-food Policies
- Europe, Security and World Geopolitics
- Human Rights and International Cooperation
- Competitiveness, Innovation and Strategic Autonomy
One of the program’s key innovations is its broader perspective beyond traditional EU Policies, with a strong emphasis on External Action. Indeed, students will examine how the European Union “navigates” an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, gaining the tools to better understand its main strengths and the challenges it faces on the global stage.
Information on possible scholarships will be published on the College’s website as soon as available.
Graduates are prepared for roles in European Institutions and Agencies, public administration, international organisations, and the private sector, including consultancies, law firms, and think tanks. Typical career paths include EU Policy Officer, Junior Project Manager, and Consultant in European and international policies.
This Master programme is ideal for motivated graduates in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Foreign Languages, or related fields, who are willing to join the “EU Bubble” and contribute to shaping Europe’s future.


