How can public policy promote innovation-based growth? What is lacking in the current social protection policy in your country and how can it be improved? What are the key factors that governments should take into account when forming their migration policy? If you want to develop the skills to answer these questions in a professional capacity, then the master's program in Public Policy and Human Development is a good fit for you.
The Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development emphasizes the connection between public policy and decision-making processes, or more specifically, the effectiveness and efficiency of governance. You will be equipped with a variety of skills, tools, and knowledge that enable you to work as a policy designer or policy analyst. You will be capable of working within public and private institutions at local, national, and international levels. The one-year master's program is offered as a double degree in collaboration with United Nations University.
Fast facts
earn two master’s degrees, from UM and United Nations University
strong emphasis on developing professional skills
1-year, full-time master’s, taught in English
starts in September
weekly: 10-12 contact hrs, 30-40 hrs independent study
you’ll get an MSc in Public Policy and Human Development
some courses can be taken separately as short courses
Why this program?
Public policy issues are growing in complexity and there’s an increasing interconnectedness between local, national, and international levels of decision making and implementation. Due to the increasing complexity of the issues, there is a growing need for specialists in policy analysis who have a combination of technical skills as well as theoretical and specific area knowledge. During the one-year master's program in Public Policy and Human Development, you will be trained by leading experts from both Maastricht University and United Nations University and will earn two master’s degrees.
Double degree
After successful completion of the program, you will obtain a double Master of Science (MSc) degree in Public Policy and Human Development. You will receive two diplomas. The first is from Maastricht University and is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), and the second is issued by United Nations University.
Specializations
At the end of the fall semester, students choose one of the following areas of specialization:
Governance of Innovation (in cooperation with UNU-MERIT)
Social Entrepreneurship and Public Policy (in cooperation with UNU-MERIT)
Social Protection Policy (in cooperation with the ILO)
Risk and Vulnerability (in cooperation with UNU-EHS)
Migration Studies
Regional Integration & Multi-Level Governance
Foreign Policy and Development
The program director and the specialization coordinators are available to assist students with the selection of specializations, taking into account preferences, career goals, and previous training.
Courses & curriculum 2022 - 2023
Overview
The double degree program jointly offered by Maastricht University and United Nations University is a one-year, full-time Master's taught in English. The program focuses on evidence-based policy, and students gain the knowledge and skills required to design and analyze policies. The double degree program is comprised of core substantive courses and core skill courses in the autumn semester, specialization courses in the spring semester, and a thesis in both semesters and the summer period.
Short Courses
The Master Programme in Public Policy and Human Development is organized in such a way that students can also enroll in separate courses. Most courses run for 4 weeks (some longer) and are concluded with a written exam and/or assignment. Students receive a certificate and credits for every course completed successfully.
Core Substantive Courses
Public Policy MPP4301
Public Economics MPP4302
Public Policy Analysis MPP4504
Core Skills Courses
Introductory Data Science & Statistics SKL4102
Regression Analysis SKL4204
Research Design SKL4403
Specialization courses
Introduction to Migration Studies MGR4105
Migration and Remittance Effects MGR4206
The Migration Lifecycle: Journeys, Integ MGR4309
Comparative Migration Policy MGR4408
Thesis
Master Thesis Qualitative Track MTH4913
Master Thesis Quantitative track MTH4912
Rankings & recognition
Public Policy and Human Development has received the official EAPAA accreditation
Public Policy and Human Development ranked 4th
80% of students recommend this program: Elsevier
UM is the sixth-best Young University in the world
Your future
Graduates of the Public Policy and Human Development program are academically trained policy designers and analysts. Since its launch in 2005, over 1,100 students have successfully graduated from the program. Many of them have gone on to work as public policy actors at the local or international level.
Career prospects
Our graduates are trained policymakers and analysts, who go on to work in public policy and academia or for NGOs and consultancies. Thanks to the skills acquired in the program and the support provided during the Employability Track, they can identify and review different policy options and implement adequate policy.
In their work, they can integrate legal, social, cultural, political, and financial aspects, while ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of their policies. Policy monitoring, evaluation, innovative thinking, strong quantitative skills, and critical analysis are logical elements in our alumni toolbox.
Alumni can work throughout the world in public and private institutions of both economically strong and economically unstable countries, including national, regional, and local governments, ministries, pension funds, market authorities, NGOs, international organizations, and consultancies.
