Masters in Political Science: European Public Policy
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Program description
Masters in Political Science: European Public Policy
Are you interested in politics and would you like to specialize in European politics and a comparative perspective? The one-year full-time English-language Master’s programme Political Science: European Public policy might be the right choice for you. In this Master’s programme you will analyze how social, economic and political change impacts on European political systems and governance institutions at both the international and national level from a comparative perspective.
You will be instructed in current research endeavours and policy debates, explore theoretical perspectives and develop sophisticated research skills, which you will apply to the two principal dimensions in European politics. One is how national policies and political structures cope with global social and economic change and supranational decisions. The other is how supranational institutions, such as the EU are, in turn, affected by national interests and political mobilization. By integrating these two angles, students of the specialization Political Science: European Public policy will acquire fundamental knowledge and a set of skills that are in high demand for decision making positions at the levels of European and national policy making. The programme offers personalized tutoring by an internationally acclaimed staff whose research record has recently been assessed as being among the best of Europe in this field.&; &;
This programme is accredited by the NVAO. After finishing the programme you receive the internationally recognized degree of Master of Science (MSc).
This programme is a specialization of the Master Political Science. We also offer two other specialisations in Political Science: International Relations and Transnational Governance and Global Environmental Governance.
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Scholarships & funding
With our own scholarship, the VU Fellowship Programme (VUFP), we offer highly motivated students with excellent study results the unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree with financial support provided by the university.
The VUFP scholarship is a tuition fee waiver. The Holland Scholarship Programme (HSP) is meant for students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to follow a Master’s programme in the Netherlands. VU Amsterdam embraces diversity as an enrichment to our teaching, research and our contribution to society. This scholarship is specifically intended for excellent students who contribute to the diversity at our campus. As an international student planning to study at VU Amsterdam, you can apply for a variety of grants and bursaries.
Tuition fees
- EU-EER students fee: € 2,168
- NON-EU students fee: € 16,630
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About this institute

Welcome to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (‘VU Amsterdam’) is an internationally renowned research university founded in 1880. The university offers over 175 English-taught programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level to more than 26,000 students from all over the world. Students and staff...
Why study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
With more than 24,000 students, of which 4,088 are international, VU Amsterdam conducts cutting-edge research into problems of societal and scientific importance.
They distinguish themselves in research and education through four interdisciplinary themes:
- Human Health and Life Sciences
- Science for Sustainability
- Connected World
- Governance for Society
As a student this will help you to look beyond the boundaries of scientific disciplines, and to seek for tangible solutions for a better world.
In addition, VU Amsterdam regards diversity, whether in culture, conviction, nationality or prior education, as source of innovation and progress, and hence as special strength.
The Dutch higher education system has been ranked in the top 10 by Universitas 21. In the first Times Higher Education University Impact Ranking, VU Amsterdam is ranked 16th worldwide. In this ranking, universities are assessed based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to measure the impact of the universities on society. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018 (Shanghai Ranking) VU Amsterdam holds the 104th position. The international QS World University ranking 2021 places the Vrije Universiteit at number 236 in the world, which means the Vrije Universiteit belongs to the top 20% of the world.
At VU Amsterdam, the teaching style can be described as student-centred: they encourage students to develop their own opinions through independent and creative thinking. This means that teaching is mainly conducted in small tutorials, where interactivity is the norm rather than the exception. At every opportunity, students are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue with their professors.
Contact info
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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