The Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP) program combines a strong basis in the core subjects of public policy with specialization in selected policy areas. Courses combine analysis and critical thinking with problem-solving. Students work on both academic research papers and problem-oriented policy briefs, using quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Students may choose an area of concentration during the one-year MAPP program. These are:
• Development
• Security
• Governance
• Media and Communication
• Higher Education Policy

Overarching Goal of the Program:

The overarching aim of the program is to provide students with a solid grounding in key themes of public policy and policy analysis as well as practical and issue-oriented knowledge to prepare students for their future roles as policy-makers, advisors, and analysts in governmental and non-governmental organizations. Through the courses included in the core curricula, students will gain a detailed and systematic understanding of how policy-making processes are shaped and influenced by both actors and political institutions, and how public policies operate and interact from the global political economy through to national and local levels.

In exceptional cases, applicants with a three-year bachelor’s degree may be allowed admission into one-year master’s programs. The applicants should be aware that they may not be able to pursue a doctoral degree in the European Higher Education Area if they have accumulated less than 300 ECTS credits in their prior university studies. Applicants wishing to pursue an academic career should choose their master’s program accordingly (two-year master’s in case they completed a three-year bachelor’s degree, and one-year master’s in case they completed a four-year bachelor’s degree). For the list of conditions under which exemptions may be granted, please refer to the program’s website.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the program students will have gained

• Systematic understanding of theories, concepts and principles of policy studies
• Systematic understanding of public policy formation at all levels of government 
• Systematic understanding of national, transnational and international policy processes in a global and European context

Application of Knowledge, Problem Solving Abilities

They will be equipped to

• Critically analyze policy issues and develop holistic perspectives on domestic and global governance issues
• Evaluate public policies and policy instruments using adequate qualitative and quantitative methods
• Design and participate in the delivery of public policies in various sectors and institutional settings 
• Provide expert advice to decision makers relying on a solid understanding of institutional and political contexts

Handling Complexity and Making Judgments

They will be in a position to

• Better appreciate the need for public integrity and ethical conduct in public service
• Have a deepened understanding of representation and public participation in local, national, international and transnational policy making
• Competently use (statistical) data and formulate judgments with incomplete data and information

Learning skills and communication

And finally they will have the capacities

• To undertake further studies in a self-directed and autonomous manner using reliable sources of information
• Make written and oral presentations on policy ideas, problems and solutions to specialists and non-specialists
• Work in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
• Speak, read and write English at professional and academic level