Master of Public Administration in European Studies

Energy, Climate and Digital Transformation – Global Topics and Smart Technologies shaping Europe

Qualify for the future

Understanding European policy and its economical and societal impact on global topics

European Union policy strongly influences a wide range of topics. This interdisciplinary Master’s programme focuses on energy, transport, climate and digitisation from a political as well as technological point of view. It combines the excellence of RWTH Aachen University in engineering and technology with the current political and economic agenda of the EU to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of new technologies on EU governance and vice versa. The result is a highly attractive programme: the Master of Public Administration in European Studies. Study it at the renowned RWTH and qualify for leadership positions in the private or public sector.

Benefits

Learn about the EU, its policies and institutions and specialise in cutting-edge technologies in the fields of
energy & climate or digital transformation.

Benefit from:

a degree from one of Germany’s leading universities in engineering and technology

first-hand knowledge from internationally experienced RWTH lecturers and practitioners from the European Court of Justice, the European Commitee of Regions, lobby associations and NGOs

the hub location: close to EU hot spot Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg, federal state capital Düsseldorf and the trade fair city Cologne

three European countries on the doorstep

integrated work experience, networking and career events

Quick Facts

Degree: Master of Public Administration (awarded by RWTH Aachen University)
Duration: 1,5 years
Credit Points: 90 CP (study start in winter semester)

English taught
Apply by: 1st March as a Non-EU national, 15th July as an EU national
Course Fees: 5.350 € per semester (early bird rates available)

Keeping your professional development continuous

Your future career environment keeps changing. Master new challenges.

Faculty

Leading RWTH researchers and EU experts working in varied European fields as lecturers

Learn about the state of the art, latest research results and future concepts in energy, climate and digitisation from renowned academics and benefit from the expertise of EU practitioners. You experience first-hand knowledge transfer and exchange between RWTH Aachen University, diverse industries and society as a whole. By implementing application-oriented and interactive teaching and learning methods you gain in depth EU and technology knowledge, skills and competences. The interdisciplinary know-how prepares you for the demands of an international employment market.

Soft Skills

A Master’s programme strengthening excellent competences

Specially designed courses enable you to develop a critical and responsible mindset by fostering your personal skills, such as independent and analytical thinking, negotiation competence, strategic action and personal commitment. You learn how to manage international projects succesfully, how to draft policy papers, how to design and plan a campaign and how to develop political scenarios.

Work Experience

A compulsory period of work experience as an integral part of the programme

Complete an internship or realise a study related work project with your current employer. We support you in finding an internship that fits you. With our career service you discover tools to fulfil European career application standards.

Qualification Profiles

Successful graduates of the MPA European Studies are

specialists in European Union decision- and policy-making and its impact
analytical minds with an understanding of current and evolving technologies in energy, climate and digital transformation combined with EU expertise in these fields
interdisciplinary thinkers and strategists equipped for international projects
bilingual team players being flexible in multicultural contexts
active networkers experienced in the EU arena

Career Prospects

Various options instead of one job title

The interdisciplinary, forward-looking nature of the European Studies Master’s programme addresses the need for graduates who are able to work at the interface of politics and technology thus needing a profound knowledge of both. The pr ogramme prepares you for high-level positions in the private or public sector, for example in EU or national government institutions, areas of public administration, NGOs, international companies or the media. Regardless of which technology specialisation you choose in the second semester, the programme equips you for a multitude of positions in a variety of bodies, institutions and companies.

Cooperation Credits

Curriculum

1st Semester

I Compulsory courses: European Studies essentials

History of European Integration
EU Law
European Policy and Governance
Lobbying and Transparency
European Economics
Global Challenges and the Future of the EU

30 CP (6 modules á 5 CP)

2nd Semester

II Elective courses: Technical specialisations including EU policy and social impacts

Energy and Climate Track

Sustainable Energy Economics and Policy
Electric Mobility and Transport
Sustainable Climate Policy

Digital Transformation Track

Priniciples of Digitalization and Transformation
eGovernment and Digital Administration
Data Security and Privacy

15 CP (3 modules á 5 CP from one track)

III Elective courses: Soft skills

Professional Negotiation Skills and Management of Conflicts
International Project Management
Strategic Decision Making

5 CP (1 out of 3 modules)

IV Elective courses

Internship
Project Work

10 CP (internship oder project work)

3rd Semester

V Compulsory course

Master Thesis

30 CP

Download Curriculum

Helpful information

How you study

This programme is a further education master programme and includes

monthly attendance blocks of 6 to 8 days in Aachen (Germany) for one year
excursions with unique networking opportunities to the EU institutions and lobby organisations in Brussels and Berlin
guest lectures and field visits integrated into the study blocks
simulation games, policy papers, role plays, case studies and exercises
module-specific webinars
online platform for study materials
modern university library with online access and software portal

Admission requirements

first academic degree
a minimum of 1 year work experience
fluent in English

Funding

Student loans

KfW – student loan
The KfW student loan is available to German citizens or EU citizens who have been lawfully residing in Germany for at least three years. They must be enrolled at a state-recognised institution of higher education in Germany. The KfW student loan offers monthly disbursement between EUR 100 and 650 as well as flexible and moderate repayment.
Learn more or ask your bank counsellor at Sparkasse Aachen.

Studying without financial burden
Study first, pay later:
The Generation Contract (UGV) is an innovative model to finance your education. With this model every master’s applicant can study at his/her preferred partner university without paying tuition. Learn more ►

Scholarship databases

DAAD The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers a scholarship database with a broad variety of scholarship programs for international students on its website. Please visit their website to find more information on these programmes.
RWTH Database RWTH Aachen University also offers a Scholarship Database.

Student services

Get yourself easily organised and feel comfortable with the help of useful information about your studies as well as personal support.

accommodation guidance
welcome and networking events
internship and career services
information on necessary insurcances
information concerning bank accounts (e.g. at Sparkasse Aachen – Learn more or ask your bank counsellor)