Master of Arts Program in Public Policy

The Department of Public Policy offers two graduate degree level programs: a one-year Master of Arts in Public Policy; and a two-year Erasmus Mundus Masters Program in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP). Both MA programs feature core courses that address key public policy themes, including: policy process and policy analysis; political institutions; public management and administration; micro- and macroeconomics; ethics and public policy; and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

One-year Master of Arts in Public Policy

The one-year Master of Arts in Public Policy degree program seeks to train future decision-makers and policy experts. The curriculum connects critical thinking with problem-solving dynamics and policy practice. It aims to deepen the knowledge of policy theories and administrative practice for its application in contemporary governance. The program is based on a strong conviction that well-targeted research, reasoned debate, and informed public decision-making need to be advanced to address contemporary policy problems, and that these needs can usefully draw on globally transformed policy experience.

Besides completing the course requirements, students are engaged in practical research and gain professional experience, notably through the porgram’s compulsory practice component. Students either do an internship with an international organization, government department, NGO or similarly relevant body. Alternatively, students work in small teams of three-four to produce a piece of original research for an external client engaged in public policy advocacy, implementation and development.

MA students may specialize in either one of the seven fields below by completing a minimum of 6 credits, as well as writing their thesis (also 6 credits) on a topic in either of the fields below:

• European Public Policy

• International Public Policy

• Decentralized Governance

• Higher Education Policy and Management

• Media, Information and Communications Policy

• Political and Economic Development

• Equality and Social Justice

To earn a Master of Arts in Public Policy, students complete 40 credit hours (34 course credits - of mandatory and elective courses + 6 dissertation credits). At the end of the teaching terms MA students write a master thesis under the guidance of a faculty member.

Erasmus Mundus Master of Arts in Public Policy

The Erasmus Mundus Masters Program in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) is a 2-year-long international Masters course that embeds the nascent field of transnational public policy into a European context. It is funded by the European Commission, and operated by a consortium of four leading European institutions: the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, as coordinating institution, the Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI) in Spain; the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) in The Hague, Netherlands; and the University of York in the United Kingdom.

The European Commission's Erasmus Mundus program provides scholarships to outstanding students from countries outside the European Union to attend Mundus MAPP and to visiting scholars to participate in teaching and research.

The Mundus MAPP study program lasts two years. The first or foundation year is spent either at CEU or at ISS. Having completed their courses students participate in a spring school, and submit a thesis report and move for a second academic year either to IBEI or to York where they submit their final thesis. Students also undertake an internship after the first academic year.

Starting from the study period 2012-14, students successfully completing a program will receive a Master of Arts in Public Policy jointly awarded by the two consortium institutions they attend, as well as a diploma supplement. The official approval (accreditation) of the degree by the relevant authorities in the countries where Mundus MAPP universities are located is in progress, expected to be completed by February 2012.

For more information on the program and eligibility please visit the Mundus MAPP website.

Should you have any questions about applying contact Mundus MAPP directly.