Maastricht Graduate School of Governance

Maastricht Graduate School of Governance

Graduate Programmes | 2010
Maastricht University:
Leading in Learning

Historic yet forward-thinking and contemporary, typically Dutch yet multicultural

and vibrant, Maastricht is a city of contrasts. Not only is Maastricht the birthplace

of the modern European Union, it also continues to establish itself internationally

thanks to Maastricht University’s position as a leading academic centre in Europe.

Beyond boundaries
With over half of its master’s students and a third of its academic staff coming from outside
the Netherlands, Maastricht University has a reputation for quality and for its international
orientation and dynamic, interdisciplinary environment. Most of our master’s programmes are
taught in English and international themes are deeply rooted in the curricula. At Maastricht
University, you will be encouraged to look across traditional boundaries for answers, looking to
other departments, disciplines, institutes, universities and international scholars to provide
better insight into your own education and research.

New perspectives
As a master’s student, you are a contributing member of our academic community. Using
the Problem-Based Learning methodology, you work in small groups alongside students from
all over the world. In close cooperation with the academic staff, you and your fellow students
seek solutions to real-world problems. You exchange knowledge and experiences, learn to see
things from new perspectives, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.

Research
Research at Maastricht University focuses on gaining insights into current issues in today’s
society. And we recognise the value of bright, young researchers in contributing to the
development of fresh and innovative ideas. That is why research plays an integral role in
the majority of our master’s programmes and why we offer a number of research master’s
focused solely on the training of future researchers.

Career
Further specialising in your field by earning a master’s degree at Maastricht University will
greatly enhance your career prospects. The effectiveness of our approach to education and
research is demonstrated by the performance of our graduates. They are self-assured,
independent and assertive professionals who are able to make a smooth transition from
university to the job market because they focus on more than just theory; they also learn
the skills they need to have a successful career.
Contents

Introduction 3
Maastricht Graduate School of Governance 4
• Our students 5
• What to expect? 5
• Learning and teaching 5
Master of Science in Public Policy and Human 6
Development
PhD Programmes 19
• PhD Programme in Public Policy and Policy Analysis 20
• Dual Career PhD Programme in Governance and Policy 22
• Analysis
Training 25 Introduction
Research 26
Practical information 30 ‘We believe that scientific exploration and explanation are
adventurous endeavours requiring discipline and creativity.
The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance unites the
excellence of the faculties of Maastricht University and the
input of leading scholars from other universities and research
institutes. Their joint efforts provide an academic forum to
discuss, discover and learn in an open-minded atmosphere.
Scholarly research is matched by socially embedded curiosity
and by the desire to contribute to the analytical mapping of
problems and solutions. The objective is to enhance ingenuity
in technical and political spheres. Sophistication is required
for its contribution to simplify the world in order to gain a
better understanding of its challenges. The School and its
staff are dedicated to these tasks and want to share their
enthusiasm with researchers and students. We warmly
welcome all who want to contribute to our mission.’

Professor Chris de Neubourg

The Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development

programme is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of
the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO).
For more information on NVAO, please visit www.nvao.nl

Maastricht University is a signatory of the “Code of conduct

with respect to international students in Dutch higher education”.
More information about this code of conduct is available at
www.internationalstudy.nl

3
 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG)
The actions of public authorities shape the lives of individuals
across the globe. The impact of these actions often reaches
much further than originally intended and sometimes far
beyond the physical borders of nation states. The process of
governing is no longer the exclusive responsibility of politicians
and civil servants. Today we define ‘governing’ as a process
involving many layers of public authorities ranging from inter-
national organisations to local administrations. Semi-private,
private and non-governmental parties are becoming increas-
ingly important actors in all stages of the complex policy
processes, ranging from the conceptualisation and design,
to the implementation and evaluation of policy actions.
The concept of ‘good governance’ refers to efficient and effec-
tive policies that reduce the chances of corruption and wast-
age. Experience shows us that good governance is not some-
thing that can be implemented overnight. The development of
a good, well-balanced policy requires independent profession-
als. The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance trains
graduates to combine a high level of academic scholarship
with leadership in order to strengthen democratic governance
in domestic and international organisations. The School
educates these professionals and researchers in policy analy-
sis, risk assessment, policy design, policy monitoring, policy
evaluation and methods and techniques of policy research.
The master’s and PhD programmes, the research and training
activities cover a wide range of topics and issues ranging from
good governance to technical aspects of policy financing.
All of the School’s academic activities share an analytical
approach to policy problems and theoretical problems
relevant to policy design and implementation. The master’s
programme offers specialisations in social policy, health,
sustainable development, migration and trade and develop-
ment. The PhD programmes focus on research methods and
advanced training in policy analysis and its underlying disci-
plines. The topics covered in the academic research of the
4 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
fellows at the School are manifold; recent updates on the
topics and on the academic activities (workshops, seminars,
summer schools, professional training) can be found on our
website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance
Our students
We welcome highly motivated students from a variety of
professional and academic backgrounds. All students have a
strong academic record, a demonstrated commitment to
public (international) affairs and an outstanding potential for
career growth and leadership. We have a multi-cultural mix
of students and researchers who come from over 55 countries
around the world (for example, Bhutan, the USA, Germany,
Peru, Australia, China, Ethiopia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom,
Uzbekistan, Jordan, Albania, the Netherlands, Germany and
many more.). This diversity results in a stimulating blend of
country-specific knowledge and individual (work) experience
where students not only learn from their teachers but also
from each other. This contributes to a lively and open-minded
environment in which students will soon feel at home.
What to expect?
• Intensive one-year master’s programme
• Challenging PhD programmes within a welcoming research
community
• Short courses for professionals and researchers
• Training in small groups
• Skills trainings, workshops, seminars, presentations, debates
All courses are challenging but fun!
Learning and teaching
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Maastricht University has developed a system of Problem-
Based Learning (PBL) in order to prepare students for the
realities of working life. Students learn to apply their theoretical
knowledge in practice using case studies. Maastricht University
is the only Dutch university that uses PBL to its fullest potential
and employs it as its key method of instruction. Universities
around the world are now also adopting elements of PBL.
Blended learning
Our School combines face-to-face teaching with distance or
e-learning in a blended learning process. Internet, ICT and
new technologies provide a useful addition to the face-to-
face learning approach.
Teaching staff
In the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, the
academic resources of the faculties of Maastricht University
and several foreign partners are combined in order to
guarantee multi-disciplinary top-academic training in
the heart of Europe. In our programmes we make use of
experienced teachers with a sound background in diverse
fields of expertise. With guest lecturers from international
universities and organisations, the School creates an
interesting balance between the theoretical and practical
approach within the programmes.
Tools and technologies
• Fully online courses are available to overcome knowledge
deficiencies in the areas of mathematics, statistics, economics,
governance and political science. These courses help students
to start the programme with the required prior knowledge.
• To support the face-to-face learning activities, Maastricht
University uses the Electronic learning environment
Maastricht University (EleUM). EleUM can be accessed
through the Internet and offers a range of tools, functions,
and features for learning.
• In all master’s and PhD programmes, statistical software
(SPSS and Stata) is used for simulations and other
assignments. Software programmes like Excel, PowerPoint
and Word are used intensively.
• The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance is an affiliate
of the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN). The
network was set up by the World Bank in 2000 and it now
includes over 70 learning centres in more than 60 countries.
The learning centres use new technologies in distance
learning, such as video conferencing facilities, to connect
organisations and individuals from all over the world.
Language of instruction
English
Academic student guidance and support
Student guidance and support starts with providing interested
students from all over the world with up-to-date information
on all aspects of studying at the School. Once admitted, each
student is supported by an academic counsellor who can help
in matters of study choices, progress and planning.
5
 Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP)

• The impact of immigration policies Duration

• Healthcare access for children in developing countries
• Mitigation of the effects of global warming
• The conflict of China’s economic growth and its sustainable
development
• The watchdog role of the media
1 September - 31 August: every year. The programme is
constructed in such a manner that it is also possible to
start in the spring semester with one of the specialisations
(1 February - 31 January) every year.

These issues are typical public policy concerns. Given the

growing complexity of the issues at hand, the peculiarities
of ‘government within a context of governance’ and the
interconnections between international and local levels of
decision and implementation processes, there is a growing
need for specialists in policy analysis. The domain of public
policy is becoming increasingly complex, demanding a
combination of theoretical background, technical skills and
specific area knowledge. Nowadays, (successful) public policy
demands a high level of knowledge and skills in order to analyse
policy options and their impact in, for example, sustainable
technology, social safety nets or healthcare organisations.
The one-year MPP programme consists of two semesters
of studies and a master’s thesis. The academic programme
during the fall semester is identical for all students. The focus
in this semester is on the theories and practice of governance
and policy analysis. It introduces the basic knowledge and
skills related to policy analysis. In the spring semester, the
students choose one of the six areas of specialisation. These
specialisations include:
• Social Policy Design (in co-operation with the ILO)
• Social Policy Financing (in co-operation with the ILO)
• Globalisation, Trade and Development
• Sustainable Development
• Migration Studies
• Food, Health and Development
Degree
After successful completion of the programme, students will
receive a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Public Policy and
Human Development.
Programme objectives
The MPP programme trains students to analyse, monitor and
evaluate policies in order to be able to give recommendations
for improving or replacing ongoing policies. Students are
equipped with a variety of skills, tools and knowledge which
enable them to work resourcefully as policy designers and
policy analysts in public and private institutions.
Student profile
MPP students come from various backgrounds, ranging from
bachelor’s and master’s students to mid-career professionals
with different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds. The
Maastricht Graduate School of Governance aims to recruit
highly motivated students with strong academic records, a
demonstrated commitment to public (international) affairs and/
or an outstanding potential for career growth and leadership.

My career is exactly what I hoped to achieve

“Via the School’s contacts I had the opportunity to carry
out an internship with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the
Netherlands. Working for the ‘Department of Effective-
ness & Quality’ ‘ was a very valuable learning experience.
The department examines the effectiveness and quality of
development co-operation activities by collating, recording
and analysing relevant data. As a result the department
makes policy recommendations, develops and maintains
instruments for implementing policies on cross-theme and
cross-country issues. My main assignment here concerned
capacity development. This is a complex issue, but is one
of the most fundamental elements for successful develop-
ment co-operation. In addition, I was assigned a position
on the organisation committee for a conference that
involved all heads of Development Co-operation, normally
based at Dutch embassies around the world. This enabled
me a sneak preview of the diplomatic world. Through this
internship I made contact with my current employer; VNG
International, the International Co-operation Agency of the
Association of Netherlands Municipalities. This organisa-
tion aims to facilitate decentralisation and to strengthen
local governments in developing and transitional countries.
My career direction is exactly where I hoped to be when I
started with the master’s programme. The School could not
have prepared me any better!”
Anne-Marie Tosserams (The Netherlands)
MPP Graduate 2007
Junior Project Manager, Africa
VNG International, International Co-operation Agency
of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities

6 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010

 A venue for hiring the very best policy professionals

“I had the opportunity and good fortune to teach a
one-week graduate level course on policy implementa-
tion. My experience teaching at the Maastricht
Graduate School of Governance was very positive and I
am impressed by the quality of the students, the faculty
and staff, the facilities, and the intentional goal oriented
mission of the programme. I have no doubt that the
School will be a world-wide leader in the development
of professional graduate education in the areas of
public policy and global governance. Political leaders,
academics, policy professionals, and those working in
and with bureaucratic institutions around the world
will look to the School for research, guidance, and as a
venue for hiring the very best policy professionals.”
Dr. David van Slyke (USA)
Department of Public Administration
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Syracuse University

Career perspectives Key lecturers

Graduates of the MPP Programme are academically trained
policy designers and analysts, working in the area of public
consultancy and advisory. With the skills acquired in the
programme, graduates are able to identify and review the
different options and implement the best policy. In their work
our graduates are able to integrate legal, social, cultural,
political and financial aspects, while ensuring the economic
viability and sustainability of their policies. Policy monitoring,
policy evaluation, innovative thinking, strong quantitative
skills and critical analysis are logical elements in the toolbox
of our graduates.
Graduates will be able to work throughout the world in the
public and private institutions of both advanced and less
developed countries, including national, regional and local
governments, ministries, pension funds, market authorities,
NGOs, as well as in international organisations and consul-
tancies. Currently we have graduates working for, amongst
others: BMC, ILO, GTZ, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Twynstra and Gudde, Triodos Bank, KPMG, AFM. On our web-
site you can find a more elaborate overview of the employers
our graduates are working for. Our graduates are also well
prepared for pursuing an academic career and a significant
number of students continue with a PhD after their master’s.
Faculty
The MPP programme is set up in co-operation with the
different faculties of Maastricht University. In addition, we
co-operate with foreign universities and experts working in
the field. Our programme makes use of experienced teachers
with a sound background in diverse areas of expertise.
With guest lecturers from international organisations and
universities abroad, the School has created a programme that
successfully bridges the gap between theory and practice.
• Prof. dr. Peter van den Bossche, Faculty of Law, Maastricht
University, the Netherlands and Appellate Body of the
World Trade Organization, Switzerland
• Dr. Michael Cichon, International Labour Organization,
Switzerland
• Dr. Denis de Crombrugghe, School of Business and
Economics, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
• Dr. Franziska Gassmann, , Maastricht Graduate School of
Governance, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
• Dr. Jaap Hoogenboezem, Faculty of Arts Social Sciences,
Maastricht University, the Netherlands
• Dr. Khalid Koser, Geneva Centre for Security Policy,
Switzerland and Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings
Institution in USA
• Dr. David van Slyke, Maxwell School of Citizenship and
Public Affairs, Syracuse University, USA
A regular week
A regular week in the MPP programme entails around 16 class
hours with professors and fellow students. During these
so-called contact hours, students gain in-depth knowledge
and functional skills through various educational methods.
These methods include lectures, tutorial groups, case studies,
hands-on exercises, essay and paper-writing, presentations
and small group discussions. Next to this, at least 20 hours of
private-study is expected. The programme is demanding and
challenging, but certainly a lot of fun.
Master’s thesis
To complete the master’s programme students write a
master’s thesis. Students work on a specific case, make their
own analysis and write a thesis reflecting their knowledge
and understanding using generally accepted methods of

7
 analysis and research. The thesis can take the form of a
survey analysis, empirical investigation, literature review,
case study or theoretical investigation. Each student has the
support of a senior staff member as supervisor. Students
have regular contact with their supervisor(s) and/or other
academics to discuss their ideas and monitor their progress
and regularly present their thesis progress to their fellow
students. Students can also write their thesis as a part of a
project or a research internship.
Project internships
The thesis can be written as part of a project internship.
During these projects (a group of) master’s students work
on a specific real-life case, introduced and led by a professional
partner (public authorities, international organisations,
consultancies, think tanks) and supervised by faculty. The
students report both to the School and the professional partner.
Research internships
The School also organises research internships with academic
partners and research institutes in APPAM (the Association for
Public Policy Analysis and Management). The students spend
the summer months as a research assistant on a research
project with one of the academic partners and write the thesis
on the research activities with the partner institute.
Extra-curricular internships
The School is able to facilitate extra-curricular internships
with partners in our growing international network. During
the past year, students did internships at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands, ILO (Bangkok, Thailand),
GTZ (Tirana, Albania), WTO (Geneva, Switzerland), and
UNICEF (Teheran, Iran).
8 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
Programme description
Fall semester:
Public Policy Analysis and Governance
The fall semester consists of four courses and a skills training
period. The objective for this semester is to cover general aspects
of governance, drawing on several academic disciplines such as
political science, sociology, public finance and microeconomics,
international relations, public management and public policy.
This semester specifically aims to apply current theories and
research to policy issues. In addition to giving students a sound
theoretical foundation, it also places a strong emphasis on skills.
Students will conduct their own research, apply policy analysis
tools and, through practical training sessions, become familiar
with negotiating and crisis-management skills. The fall semester
prepares students for the detailed analysis of issues studied in
the consecutive specialisation.
Programme overview fall semester
September Governance, Politics, Policy and Practice
October Public Economics and Empirical Analysis
November Risk and Uncertainty or
The Economics of the Welfare State
December Public Policy Analysis
January Research Methods
Governance, Politics, Policy and Practice
While experts may estimate the costs and benefits of policy
options, outcomes depend upon the final political decisions.
Understanding these political factors is essential for effective
policymaking and a careful examination of the political implica-
tions of policy proposals is imperative for the success of policy
actions. A skilled analyst is able to identify the key actors, their
concerns and goals and the power they hold in their specific
cultural background. The successful analyst is also aware of
how institutional structures affect choices and outcomes.
During the course hands-on workshops are organised every
week. These workshops develop different skills and qualities,
such as teamwork, investigating the relationships between
different policy objectives, institutions and structures, and
critically reviewing and translating the findings into well-
defined proposals. Additionally, the course focuses on how the
traditional role of the state has changed as a result of new
forms of ‘governance’, which in turn has led to the emergence
of new actors and new forms of international co-operation,
such as international regimes. Important concepts in the course
are states and markets; bureaucracy and implementation;
leadership and capacity; and electoral incentives.
 The engaging methodology increased my confidence

“There were several reasons for me to choose this
master’s programme: the people, the costs, Maastricht’s
centrality in Europe and the reputation of the School of
Governance, but most importantly the content. The
programme’s engaging methodology increased my
confidence and thoroughly prepared me for my
internship at the World Food Programme in the Gambia”
Darko Petrovic (Serbia)
MPP Graduate 2009

Public Economics and Empirical Analysis
Public economic theory is used to analyse the role of markets
and market failures, externalities and corrective taxation,
public goods and collective decisions, the pricing and regula-
tion of natural monopolies, commodity and income taxation,
capital and corporate taxes. This course is an introduction to
theoretical foundations of efficiency and effectiveness crite-
ria; net present value analysis and the mechanics and funda-
mentals of cost-benefit analysis and their common mistakes.
The analysis of these topics and the underlying economic
theory form the backbone of the course and the basis for the
elaboration of further training in the following course of the
semester. Empirical analysis is useful in determining the
possible effect and size of the intervention, because when
carried out wrongly it can have a negative effect on the
income level and, as such, cause social problems. Therefore,
appropriate design and relevant techniques for evaluating
and assessing the effects of policy intervention are crucial.
Risk and Uncertainty
Risk and uncertainty are important features of modern life.
Our current society is increasingly referred to as a risk society,
a concept devised by the sociologist Ulrich Beck. “How do we
deal with uncertainty and risk?” is a relevant question, not
only for policymakers, but also for decisionmakers and their
advisors and for key actors in society such as environmental
lobbyists. The case studies addressed in this course range
from classic health risks to new environmental risks, from
investment funds to social security, from insurance issues to
risks associated with new technologies and products. The aim
of the course is to promote a critical and reflective under-
standing of risk management. To that end, students learn
how a theoretical understanding of risk and uncertainty can
be used to reflect on current practice, and how this can be
used to develop alternative approaches.
ity of public authorities for the economic and social fate of
their residents. This introductory course makes a comparison
between different social security systems in advanced capital-
ist economies, to set the scene for a more comprehensive
analysis of social protection in both developed and developing
countries. Students are introduced to the economic justifica-
tion behind the welfare states, the macroeconomic setting
and the different components of the welfare state. Finally the
course introduces the students to international law and inter-
national social security standards.
Public Policy Analysis
The formulation and implementation of public policies are impor-
tant responsibilities of modern government. The focus here is the
interaction between public authorities and stakeholders. In order
to enhance this interaction, appropriate mechanisms of co-ordi-
nation and hierarchy in policy design and implementation are
vital. This course is designed to help students develop the skills
required to define and critically analyse policy issues, articulate
relevant decision-making criteria for policy analysis, evaluate
alternative solutions, and assess the means and costs of imple-
mentation. Students focus on actors, institutions and policy
instruments in order to gain a systematic way of thinking about
the development, design and assessment of public sector poli-
cies. During this course specific attention is also given to policy
evaluation and policy simulation through real-life exercises.

The Economics of the Welfare State

The twentieth century in the developed capitalist economies

has largely been characterised by a growth in the responsibil-

9
Coming to the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, coming home
“Social protection systems save millions of lives every
year by providing healthcare and income to people
who would otherwise fall into poverty. They make the
difference between a decent life and a miserable one
for millions of unemployed, disabled and old people.
They often - but not often enough - provide income that
enables children to go to school rather than to work, thus
breaking multi-generational poverty cycles. They create
the societal coherence and stability that is a precondition
for economic and social development. Social security -
underrated as it may be in many current policy debates
- was only developed less than 130 years ago, yet it is one
of the most important inventions in human history.
The global community spends more than 4000 billion
US dollars on social transfers and yet about 80 percent
of the world’s population does not have access to
adequate social security and two thirds do not have
access to a minimum standard of healthcare. We would
need less than 2% of global GDP to provide a minimum
level of social security to all of the world’s poor, most
of which could be financed by national governments.
Some countries might need some help, but the aim of
extending social security need not involve finding extra
development aid; it could be achieved by getting national
priorities right or, in other words, getting national gov-
ernance right.
The ILO’s mandate is to promote social justice and extend
social security to all. We know that this can only be done
if we build national capacities for social security designs,
planning, management and financing. And we can only
build that capacity when we train first class profession-
als who are committed to changing people’s lives for the
better. When we were looking for an academic partner to
launch a major training programme in social protection
financing, we found that there are hundreds of business
schools around the world that train people to handle
much smaller amounts of money, however we did not
find a school that seriously helped people to manage
major transfers that account - or should account - for
sizeable proportions of national GDPs. Prof. Chris de Neu-
10 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
bourg and Maastricht University decided to change this.
Out of the first programme in Social Protection Financing
grew, within five years, a new Maastricht Graduate
School of Governance, thanks to the very committed and
lively crew. The staff of the social security department
still teaches two specialisations of the MPP programme
at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance: Social
Policy Financing and Social Policy Design. For the ILO,
the investment has paid back many times by graduates
that now work in ministries, social security agencies and
international organisations all over the world. They help
shape the future of social security in all five continents.
These graduates were all trained in small classes; they all
share the experience of intensive, high pressure work that
creates bonds that turn into lifelong support networks.
These graduates are a powerful resource for any minis-
try, any social security institution and even private sector
corporations and consulting groups. Graduates of the
MGSoG have learned to analyse complex governance
problems, rationalise difficult policy choices and put a
budgetary figure on policy decisions. One could say that
their two prime qualities are intellectual rigour and
compassion, people with “soft hearts and hard heads”.
Our investment has also paid back on a personal level.
The ILO staff finds themselves challenged and refreshed
intellectually by truly international and diverse classes
that pose a never ending series of demanding questions.
Questions that force us to constantly revisit the concep-
tual certainties that we all have developed in the course
of our professional lives. None of the ILO staff involved
has ever asked to be freed from teaching the next course.
Everybody wants to return to this place that provides
space and time for unconventional thinking. Coming to
Maastricht to teach each year is like returning to school
and coming home. The fact that many of our master’s
students return for PhD programmes tells us that they
feel the same way.”
Dr. Michael Cichon
Director Social Security Department
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Spring semester: Programme overview
Specialisations
February SPF Financing Social Protection
At the end of the fall semester, students choose an area of SPD Financing Social Protection
specialisation. The programme manager and the coordinators
March SPF Social Budgeting
of the specialisations are available to assist students with the
SPD Social Budgeting Thesis
selection of their specialisation. In exceptional cases the
Writing
Examination Board can decide to limit the amount of April-May SPF Actuarial Practice in Social Protection
and
specialisations offered. Next to the specialisation courses SPD Poverty and Inequality
Research
students write their master’s thesis (February to August).
May-June SPF Quantitative Techniques in Health Skills
Care Financing
SPD Comparative Analysis of Social Policy
Specialisations Design
Social Policy Financing and Social Policy Design
July-August SPF/SPD Thesis Writing
For the vast majority of the world’s population, working is the
primary and sole means to earn a living. The market value of
labour depends increasingly on investment in marketable Financing Social Protection
human capital. Education and training are therefore crucial
elements of social policy. Nowadays, it is common knowledge Should we pay for unemployment benefits with general taxation
that education and training are essential ways of fostering or contributions? In any society, social transfers, such as un-
economic growth through enhancement of productivity. employment benefits, account for a substantial part of national
For those unable to work, whether temporarily, permanently income. Distributive mechanisms on such a large scale have to be
or because of age, a form of social protection is necessary to designed and operated with utmost care to ensure they achieve
guarantee survival. Public social protection systems redistrib- optimal results socially, economically and fiscally. In this course
ute between 5 and 35 percent of GDP, depending on the state’s our students are equipped with the tools they will need as finan-
level of development. Deficient and/or inefficient design and cial planners and decision-makers to assess, develop and main-
management within (and co-ordination between) institutions tain good governance of national social protection systems.
of social protection often leads to wastage of public resources The aim of social protection systems is to alleviate situations that
as well as social inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of the social put people under (financial) strain. In this context the following
transfer systems. Consequently, those most in need may not question arises: “Is there anybody too poor to share?” Or, in other
receive a due share of scarce resources. This raises debates words: “Are there any countries that cannot afford any social
about the arrangement and impact of social protection protection?” The short answer is “No”, the long answer is dis-
systems, their financing and sustainability. Public policies are cussed and analysed in this course. Furthermore, the course
needed in the areas of poverty, labour, health, human capital, outlines ways to assist in policy processes that define desirable
and retirement in old age. The specialisations Social Policy levels of social protection, and its scope in a given country.
Financing and Social Policy Design discuss these issues in an
accessible, contemporary and practical manner.
Social Budgeting

What is the effect of the ageing population on our pension

systems? One of the major reasons why social protection has
been regarded as an obstacle to higher growth in the past was
the fact that governments seriously mismanaged the finances

Broaden your horizon: social protection available for all

“For me, the master’s specialisation in Social Policy
Design was a unique opportunity to broaden my horizon
while focussing on an issue that is fundamental to all
societies, namely social protection. The interdisciplinary
and solution-oriented approach to social protection, and
the School’s global perspective helped me to understand
social policymaking on an international level. Also,
insights from interaction with policymakers sharpened
my vision of a possible career in this field. In this truly
multi-cultural and supportive surrounding, I greatly
enjoyed the programme.”
Conrad Schmidt- Bens (Germany)
MPP Graduate 2007
PhD Fellow, United Nations University - MERIT

11
Small steps towards a good social security net in Sierra Leone

“In Sierra Leone I am a manager in a pension fund administra-
tion, and I am specifically concerned with social security for
older people who can’t work anymore and who don’t benefit
from family support. The way the elderly are taken care of
through the Dutch system is the blueprint for social security.
The School has taught me not to think in terms of problems
but in terms of opportunities. Small steps towards a good
social security net in Sierra Leone now will make a huge differ-
ence 20 years from now. If Sierra Leone is able to create and
maintain a proper social protection system, this eventually
will contribute to economic development and growth and we
will be able to handle the risks that society is likely to face.”
Idris Turay (Sierra Leone)
MPP Graduate 2008
Area Manager, National Social Security and Insurance Trust

of social protection systems that were initially well-designed. It
is imperative when developing a system of social sector govern-
ance to know what the present overall level of expenditure is,
where money is spent, where needs are not met, and how the
overall national social expenditure and the financial burden for
the different financers of the system (employers, workers and
the government) would develop under different economic
scenarios and under different reform options. In this context it
is very important to consider the effects of long-term trends,
like the population decline observed in many countries.
SPF: Actuarial Practice in Social Protection
If ageing continues at the present pace, when will the current
pension funds go bankrupt? Actuarial practice deals with com-
plex demographic, economic, financial, institutional and legal
aspects that all interact with each other. This exercise requires
the handling of reliable statistical data, the formulation of
prudent but realistic actuarial assumptions and the design of
sophisticated models to ensure consistency between the objec-
tives and the means of the social protection scheme. This
course teaches basic actuarial methods so that students are
able to conduct actuarial valuations of social protection sys-
tems, while always applying the theory to real-life examples.
demographic, economic and social factors affect the financial
ability of the system in the short and medium term. In addi-
tion, students are trained to forecast the impact of current
decisions on healthcare expenditures in the future.
SPD: Poverty and Inequality
Is the meaning of poverty and inequality the same every-
where? How can poverty and inequality be measured? This
course examines the debates concerning poverty and ine-
quality in both OECD economies and developing countries,
and provides theory and tools for the measurement of these
issues. The modern political economy serves as the backbone
for the theoretical explanations and the role of economic and
social policy is central in the approach. However, a wide range
of theories from different fields ranging from sociology to the
capability approach of Amartya Sen are considered with
respect to the conceptualisation and definition of poverty.
The measurement of poverty and inequality is discussed and
conducted in order to equip students with the basic technical
skills needed to design poverty/inequality reduction policies.
SPD: Comparative Analysis of Social Policy Design

How do the US and European welfare states differ? Relatively

SPF: Quantitative Techniques in Healthcare Financing
What should we do when people “overuse” a free healthcare
system? Nearly all policy decisions for national health sys-
tems must be based on the quantitative aspects of the
options available, and the impact of any decisions taken. A
free healthcare system might promote a healthier popula-
tion, but will be very expensive. A health system’s impact is
also a critical input to reform. Hence, the ability to describe
healthcare systems quantitatively, as well as to create a range
of ‘what if’ scenarios based on new directions for those sys-
tems, is increasingly important in all countries. The method-
ology presented in this course enables the student to work
out a clear and complete description of how a healthcare
system is financed. Furthermore, the course illustrates how
new social policy arrangements in Central and Eastern Europe,
as well in many middle income countries, provide new per-
spectives on the viability and the sustainability of welfare
states. Welfare states all over the world differ not only in how
much is spent, but also on what and how the money is spent.
We look at different systems all over the world ranging from
minimal social protection systems in Africa to the extensive
welfare states in Europe. This course continues the comparison
between different social protection policies and welfare states
that was introduced in the course ‘The Economics of the
Welfare State’ and stimulates an in-depth discussion of the
differences between welfare states and their policies. The
course poses important questions, such as: under what condi-
tions do larger welfare states reduce poverty? The course
shows students how to approach those problems.

12 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010

Specialisation they are cheaper and firms can specialise in goods which
Globalisation, Trade and Development they can produce more efficiently than their competitors, all
enhancing economic efficiency. However, there are disadvan-
What are the hot issues in globalisation and how does this tages as well. These disadvantages do not necessarily have to
shape the world? More specifically, who trades with whom outweigh the benefits, if properly taken into account, however,
and how much? This specialisation investigates the dynamics in reality they are not always properly considered. As a result
of the globalisation of trade and development. It comprises of this, many conflicts have arisen. To understand the sources
four in-depth courses that allow students to grasp the of these conflicts one first needs to understand who benefits
essential components of international economic law. Students from trade and factor movements and who does not, and
will have the opportunity to explore the realm of trade by how trade and factor movements contribute to development.
taking courses on the theory of international trade and the This course equips students with the basic skills necessary to
law, and policy of the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, understand these conflicts and to be able to find sophisticated
the specialisation includes a course on international property solutions. Overall, it provides students with a thorough and
law and policy and one on international development law. balanced understanding of global economic development.
In parallel with these four courses, students will participate
in a substantive case study that will expand and test their
understanding of each individual course’s subject matter.
Besides the coursework included in this specialisation, The Law and Policy of the WTO
students are also offered study trips to Brussels and Geneva.
What is the role of the WTO and international trade in these
times of economic crisis? Is international trade part of the
Programme overview problem or, possibly, an important element in recovering from
recession? This course introduces students to the institutional
February International Economics and substantive aspects of law and policy of the World Trade
Organization. The course focuses on a number of international
March The Law and Policy of the WTO Thesis
trade problems encountered by the governments of two
Writing
April-May International Intellectual fictional countries, the Kingdom of Richland, a developed
and
Property Law and Policy country and the Republic of Newland, a developing country.
Research
This course enriches the knowledge of students with an
May-June International Development Law Skills
understanding of the problems that are occurring in inter-
July-August Thesis Writing national trade and the important role that the WTO plays in
preventing or resolving trade disputes.

International Economics International Intellectual Property Law and Policy

Who gains from international trade, capital movements and
migration, and are these gains spread equally? In principle
international trade and factor movements are advantageous
for citizens; capital and labour can move where they earn the
most income and households buy goods and services where
How to protect intellectual property in a world where coun-
try borders are rapidly fading due to political developments
and new technologies? Faced with the realities of the modern
world, with increasingly sophisticated technology and inter-
national communication, many professionals need to under-

Understanding of the law is indispensable for policy makers

“In these times of global economic crisis, a thorough
understanding of the law, economics and politics of
international trade and investment is indispensable for
national policymakers. The rules on international trade
and investment directly affect the policy space within
which national policymakers must operate and the
instruments available to achieve their policy objectives.
The specialisation Globalisation, Trade and Develop-
ment, therefore, focuses on international economics,
international trade law, international intellectual
property law and international development law.
The law in these various fields is studied with the
practical needs of policymakers in mind whilst taking
into account that many policymakers do not have an
academic background in law.”
Prof. dr. Peter van den Bossche
Faculty of Law, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
and Appellate Body of the World Trade Organisation,
Switzerland

13
The only way to make a difference

“Ecuador is a highly unstable and vulnerable country.
With its geographical location, the country is often affect-
ed by volcanic activity, floods and capricious earthquakes.
Instead of investing in sustainable, risk-management poli-
cies, the government is only following an emergency plan,
and looking only at the economic aspects of most prob-
lems. I was working in the public sector for seven years for
the Ministry of Economics and Finance. As the focus of my
work was primarily on economics, I decided that in order
to properly design sustainable policies, I needed to deepen
my knowledge on public policy issues. I heard about
the School and its multidisciplinary approach through
a graduate. This multidisciplinary approach is precisely
what attracted me to the programme in Public Policy
and Human Development: a programme that took into
account not only the economic side of developing policies,
but also the social, cultural and legislative aspect.”
Diego Martínez Echeverría (Ecuador)
MPP Graduate 2007
Second Director, Social Protection Programme,
Ministry of Economic and Social Inclusion, Ecuador

stand the legal issues arising from the use of intellectual
property law. This course will provide an introduction to
international intellectual property and policy issues including
their connection with efforts to free world trade (WTO) and
regional integration, such as the European Union, NAFTA, and
ASEAN, to create an internal market with a level playing field
for the protection of intellectual property, economic develop-
ment in innovation and creativity. The course will provide an
overview of substantive and procedural matters, as well as
international obligations and economic and policy questions
involving intellectual property acquisition, enforcement and
exploitation. Diverging perspectives on topics ranging from
the protection of traditional knowledge and folklore to high
technology will also be addressed.
International Development Law
This course looks at the relationship between law and inter-
national development, which nowadays also includes a focus
on human development. The concept of human development
has economic and environmental implications, as well as
human rights concerns. Consequent changes in the inter-
national approach to the problems faced by developing states
have resulted in renewed interest in the application of Rule of
Law and in a significant revision in the focus of the interna-
tional regulatory framework which addresses development
issues. Using a problem based approach, we analyse the
application of law at the international and domestic levels to
human development in order to address the issues faced by
developing countries and the international response. Sources
are used from across the world, representing conflicting
perspectives on the role of law in development.
ties require a central focus on sustainability and development.
These challenges include: long-term and sudden climate
change; extreme poverty; infectious disease in a globalising
world; global demographic change; urban growth; biodiversity
loss and ecosystem functioning, and the sustainable use of
ocean space and its resources. The main objective of this
specialisation is to give students insights into the principles of
governance, sustainable development and scientific theories,
by understanding the challenges, the constraints and the
interactions of academic definitions, decision-making tools
and practices. The specialisation builds on an understanding of
governance and sustainable development as a co-evolutionary,
adaptive process that needs to permeate human societies and
the natural environment. The emphasis is on explaining and
using the generic, complex and, by definition, flexible termi-
nology of sustainable development. Attention is given to the
processes of international (environmental) politics, the role of
NGOs and the civil society. A unique feature of the course is its
interdisciplinary core, which provides students with a broad
and integrated understanding of sustainable development.
It differs from other programmes related to sustainable devel-
opment in its coverage of sustainable development not only
from an ecological perspective, but also from social, economic
and institutional point of views.
Programme overview
February Introduction to Sustainable Development
March Governance for Sustainable Development: Thesis
Concepts and Practice Writing
and
April-May Sustainability in a Globalising World
Research
May-June Integrated Assessment Skills

Specialisation Sustainable Development July-August Thesis Writing

Sustainable development is a fundamental element of modern

policymaking. Many challenges related to global human activi-

14 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010

Introduction to Sustainable Development
According to the Brundtland report, sustainable development
is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs. But what does this mean in reality for policy-
makers? The concept of sustainable development has
become one of the key policy challenges facing the planet.
Achieving sustainable development requires understanding
that inaction has consequences, and that we must find inno-
vative ways to deal with the important economic, social and
ecological trade-offs involved. This course gives an introduc-
tion to the concept of sustainable development, the different
perspectives involved and its implications for policymaking.
Governance for Sustainable Development:
Concepts and Practice
Implementing sustainable development requires reconciling
ecological, economic and social systems as the slow dynamics
of many ecosystems, the daily need to generate income, and
the long-term aspirations of societies tend to conflict with
each other. Good governance plays an important role in this
process. To be effective, international agreements need to be
implemented in national and local policies, actions and mind-
sets. This course provides a governance perspective on sus-
tainable development. Governance practices are examined
on an international, national, and local level with emphasis
on the issues of power, process and enforcement. Students
learn that there are large differences between international,
national and local governance arenas in terms of stakeholder
involvement and relevant trade-offs.
Sustainability in a Globalising World
One of the results of globalisation is a range of unsustainable
trends in the natural and social environment. Climate change,
loss of biodiversity, global health problems, and food insecu-
rity are just a few examples of today’s worldwide concerns.
Based on these trends we must ask ourselves the question:
How sustainable is the current trend in globalisation? To be
able to answer this question, a good understanding of the
underlying dynamics of globalisation is needed. This course
provides that knowledge, by deepening the understanding
of the nature, the processes and the potential impacts of
globalisation. Special attention is given to the implications
of globalisation for sustainable development.
Integrated Assessment
Sustainable development problems are so complex that they
can no longer be solved by answers offered by a single scien-
tific discipline. Integrated solutions are needed to answer the
current challenges. The discipline of integrated assessment
provides students with a number of tools. These tools can
help to structure elements from various scientific disciplines
in such a manner that all relevant aspects of a complex prob-
lem are considered in the decision-making process. The tools
taught in this course include participatory methods, model-
ling, scenario analysis and indicator analysis. This course
introduces students to the new scientific discipline of inte-
grated assessment, acquaints them with integrated assess-
ment methodologies and demonstrates how these can help
in finding policy responses to the challenges originating from
the need for sustainable development.
Specialisation Migration Studies
Migration is a growing phenomenon that has gained impor-
tance in the public debate on development, welfare and immi-
gration policy. According to the International Organisation for
Migration, there are an estimated 191 million international
migrants worldwide, constituting 3% of the world population
(2005). Remittance transfers (the money that migrants send
back to their home countries) currently amount to approxi-
mately $300 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment and
official development aid in many countries around the world.
Migration is a controversial topic in the international and

International migration of rising importance

“I was delighted to spend a week at the School of
Governance earlier this year to kick off a master’s module
on Migration Studies, in which I emphasised how inte-
grated international migration is in the global economy,
as well as its rising importance on national security
agendas, and in forging new societies. Public policy
analysis on international migration is critical - too often
policies are made in response to public pressure rather
than on the basis of sound empirical evidence, and they
often have unintended consequences to the detriment
of society and migrants themselves. I welcome the
decision by the School of Governance to focus teaching
and research on public policy in international migration,
and I was very impressed by the level of engagement by
the master’s students at the School.”
Dr. Khalid Koser (USA)
Centre for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland
and Foreign Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution

15
 national policy arena and the effects of migration on
migrants, their families and communities in the host and
origin country need to be studied carefully. While the mass
media often focus on a few spectacularly problematic inte-
gration cases, the courses in this specialisation study the key
issues in depth and with scientific rigour. This specialisation
comprises four courses that introduce students to the essen-
tial components of migration studies including trends, theo-
ries, causes and effects, and also migration policy. Students
will have the opportunity to explore the area of migration
studies by taking courses with a broad perspective on the
prevailing theory and practice. Particular emphasis is put on
practical field work. The specialisation Migration Studies
trains students for the international labour market as policy
advisors, practitioners, researchers, etc. working for govern-
ments, international organisations or academic institutions.
Programme overview
February Introduction to Migration Studies
Thesis
March Migration and Remittance Effects
Writing
April-May Applied Migration Studies and
Research
May-June Comparative Migration Policy
Skills
July-August Thesis Writing
Introduction to Migration Studies
What really motivates people to migrate? This course gives
an introduction into the field of migration studies. Preparing
students for the more focused courses that will follow; the
introduction covers such topics as the actual flows and trends
in migration and remittances; demography and historical
developments; theories of migration from different disci-
plines such as economics and sociology; different types of
migrants and generational issues; and an introduction to
comparative migration studies.
Migration and Remittance Effects
Is migration good or bad for the migrant receiving country
and what effects does it have on the sending country? What
about the money sent by migrants back to their home coun-
tries? Does this have only positive effects? These are some of
the issues that are touched on in this course. Special atten-
tion is paid to labour market issues in the receiving country
and development issues in the sending country.
Applied Migration Studies
This course aims to give a practical taste of what it is like to
16 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
work in the area of migration studies, collecting and analys-
ing data. The course comprises a series of workshops focusing
on different methods of both quantitative and qualitative
data collection and analysis. Methodologies covered include:
surveys, in-depth interviews, ethnography, focus groups,
participant observation and GIS modelling.
Comparative Migration Policy
The final course in this specialisation deals with migration
and integration policy. Migration policy has been all over the
news in most developed countries recently. It is the talk of
political parties and a subject in new elections. We explore
migration entry policy for different types of migrants across
different receiving countries. A special comparative focus is
made between Europe and the United States and other major
migrant receiving regions regarding integration policy and
ethnic relations. The sending policies of origin countries are
also studied: do they encourage or discourage migrations,
and from which groups?
Specialisation Food, Health and Development
The objective of this specialisation is to acquaint students
with the global aspects of public health and food policy, and
to offer students insight into the various related disciplines
such as biomedical sciences, behavioural sciences, law, policy
sciences and economics. By combining these disciplines in
four themes or modules, students are provided with academic
skills and conceptual knowledge necessary to analyse issues
on public health and to study how health and food policies
impact development. The specialisation recognises that
nutrition is a key factor to enhance human development
and views universal access to an adequate intake of the basic
food groups as a key objective of health and food policies.
Graduates are able to effectively apply relevant theoretical
models and concepts to public health and food policy issues
and, vice versa, to reflect upon theoretical developments on
the basis of practical experience in the field.
Programme overview
February Economic Analysis of Healthcare Systems
March Food Policy Analysis
Thesis
April-May Assessing Needs and Understanding Writing
Environmental Risk Factors and
Research
May-June Quantitative Techniques in Healthcare
Skills
Financing
July-August Thesis Writing
Economic Analysis of Healthcare Systems*
This course introduces two basic issues in the economic ana-
lysis of health and healthcare. It covers demand and supply
issues in healthcare, including principles of health insurance
and issues in provider behaviour. It deals with the two most
relevant aspects of economic analysis, efficiency and equity
and discusses the principles of economic evaluation. Further
attention is paid to the organisation of the pharmaceutical
industry, competition in healthcare supply and healthcare
contracting. *(This course is offered by the Faculty of Health,
Medicine and Life Sciences)
Food Policy Analysis
The course is organised into two parts (i) attaining food secu-
rity for one and all; and (ii) causes and appropriate policy res-
ponses to the global food crisis in a rapidly globalising world.
The first section emphasises (a) the concept of food security,
its dual dimensions, related issues concerned with definition
and measurement from an ex ante and ex post perspectives at
the macro and micro levels; (b) infrastructure (institutional as
well as physical), producer integration in the market, market
form and its integration into the global system; and (c) appro-
priate policies to deal with issues on the dual dimensions at
their different phases/stages and illustrations from different
country experiences. The second part of the programme covers
the current food price crisis, its causes and consequences,
institutional constraints, policy responses and their inadequa-
cies. Both sections also focus on evaluating issues and policies
from the perspective of process, outcome and impact.
Assessing Needs and Understanding Behavioural
and Environmental Risk Factors*
This course starts with a one-week workshop in which the
concepts of health education and health promotion are
revisited and explained using Green and Kreuter’s PRECEDE-
PROCEED planning model. A case study approach is used to
facilitate a social ecological approach to needs assessment
and problem analysis. In this approach, health is viewed as a
function of the behaviour and characteristics of individuals
and the environment in which they live. It is also clearly
recognised that a careful analysis of (health) problems and
(health) behaviour is the first step in making informed
decisions about designing measurable interventions directed
at the individual, e.g. through education or persuasion, and
the social or the physical environment, e.g., community
building, policymaking and facilities. *(This course is offered
by the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences)
Quantitative Techniques in Healthcare Financing
This course is also part of the specialisation Social Policy
Financing, see page 12 for the course description.

The school is a perfect learning environment

“The MPP programme was the perfect match for me shared, taken into consideration and respected by
considering my former studies at University College and everyone in the classroom.”
my broad interest in social sciences and international
relations. The pace of the programme, the diversity Niels Vrije (The Netherlands)
of my fellow students and their different perspectives MPP Graduate 2008
make the School a perfect learning environment. Trainee, Adviestalent van Twynstra Gudde
It’s pretty special how each other’s points of view are

17
 Application and admissions: master’s programme
Each application will be reviewed by the Board of Admission.
The tuition, admission requirements and application procedures are
the same for all master’s specialisations.
Admission requirements
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree from a relevant academic field such
as economics, international relations, political science, law, social
sciences, business administration, health sciences or public health
• Basic knowledge of statistics and mathematics. This is judged by
reviewing the content and grades of previous studies and/ or the
content and level of working experience
• Basic knowledge of economics, social sciences, political
science and/or law; this is measured by reviewing the content and
grades of previous studies and/ or the content and level of working
experience.
• Proficiency in English; the minimum level accepted is 600 PBT,
100 IBT or 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS)
Documents needed for application
If you meet the admission requirements, you should complete a
registration request for the selective master’s programme via
www.studielink.nl. You will receive confirmation of your request
as well as login details for www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > My UM.
In the My UM portal you should complete the application form and
upload all documents relating to the admission requirements.
If further information is needed to assess or complete your applica-
tion, additional documents may be requested. After the receipt of a
complete application has been acknowledged, your application will
be reviewed. Within two-four weeks you will hear whether you have
been admitted to the programme. Only complete files will be evalu-
ated and considered for admission. A file will be considered complete
if the following documents are included in the application:
• A letter of motivation (400-500 words) explaining the reason(s)
why the candidate chose the programme, what his/ her plans for
the future are, and in which the candidate convinces the Board of
Admission that he or she has the intellectual capacities and
personal skills to successfully complete the programme
• An essay of 400 words related to one of the specialisation topics,
that displays a basic knowledge of the subject matter, a sufficient
level of English and an appropriate academic writing style.
Please use references (in Word of PDF format)
• A certified copy of your bachelor’s and/or master’s degree
• A certified list of grades of bachelor’s and/or master’s degree
• Two letters of recommendation by current or former professors
or employers (original hard copies need to be sent directly to the
Student Affairs Office)
• Proof of proficiency in English. The minimum level accepted is
600 PBT, 100 IBT or 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS); Native speakers
and students who have received their bachelor’s or master’s
education in English are exempted
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of valid passport
• Passport size picture
18 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
Online Courses in Economics, Mathematics/Statistics,
Governance and Political Sciences for admitted students
Students with below average prior knowledge are offered the oppor-
tunity to follow the appropriate online courses*. Participating in these
courses significantly improves students’ performance in the master’s
programme. All online courses are flexible in the sense that students
can participate irrespective of time and place.
* The courses are only free of charge for admitted students. In return for
having free access to these courses, we expect the participants to be
motivated, able and willing to actively participate online on a regular
basis for 6 weeks (in total 80 hours for one entire course)
Coming to the Netherlands
Students who do not have a passport issued by an EU/EEA country will
generally need an entry visa and/or residence permit. An entry visa
(called MVV) is required for all non-EU/EEA students entering the
Netherlands, except for nationals from Australia, Canada, Japan,
Monaco, New Zealand, South-Korea, USA and Vatican City State.
It is not possible to apply for an entry visa yourself if you want to
travel to the Netherlands for study purposes. The application for
the entry visa will be submitted by the University Visa Office.
Tuition
For the academic year 2010-2011 the tuition fee for EU/EEA master’s
students under the age of 30 amounts to € 1,673. For 2011-2012 this
amount will probably be set at € 1,727 and for 2012-2013 at € 1,780.
These amounts are an indication only, because each year in January
the legal fees are determined by the Ministry of Education. For EU/EEA
master’s students over the age of 30, the amount will probably be set at
€ 2,058. For non-EU/EEA master’s students the tuition fees for the
2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 academic year amount to € 12,000.
Please consult www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ssc (> Information for
(prospective) students > About application and registration > Tuition
fees) for other fees and the latest information.
Scholarships
There are various scholarship opportunities for the master’s programmes,
e.g. Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship Programme, Nuffic,
World Bank, ALBAN etc. For more specific information on the application
process and eligibility criteria, please visit the scholarship section on our
website.
Application deadlines
The following deadlines apply for starting in September:
• for students requiring: a visa - 15 June | no visa - 1 August.
The following deadlines apply for starting in February:
• for students requiring: a visa - 15 November | no visa - 1 January.
Questions about the application process?
If you have any questions concerning the application process please
e-mail us at info-governance@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Programme details and tuition fees may change, please contact us or
check our website for the latest information!
PhD programmes

What to expect? MGSoG research community

• Advanced theoretical training in specific topics related to the
field of policy analysis, governance and other relevant
disciplines
• Advanced training in research methods and their applications
• Training in technical skills needed for future research
• Training in research project implementation and outcome-
dissemination by publications and presentations
• Participation in inspiring “writing camps”
• Integration into the versatile research community of the
Maastricht Graduate School of Governance
• Full access to library and other academic facilities
• Access to office space and related facilities
• Academic, intellectual and social guidance and counselling
• Co-ordinated supervision during all stages of the research
leading to a PhD
Combining PhD research with living abroad, a social and pro-
fessional life and possible family obligations is extremely
challenging. Therefore the School offers, in addition to the
professional support, a research community comprising full-
time PhD fellows, dual career PhD fellows, academic staff of
the School and visiting researchers. The research community
facilitates easy access to peer researchers active in the same
research area, and all members are involved in discussion
sessions, tutorials, seminars and other research activities
taking place at the School. Experience shows that fellows not
only benefit academically from the research community; the
community also plays an important role in the social life of all
those away from their homes.
Career perspectives

PhD fellow profile
The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance welcomes
fellows from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to
participate in the PhD programme. We are looking for fellows
with a master’s degree, a strong academic record, professional
or volunteer experience, affiliation with academic research
and a special interest in governance and social protection
policy. The current fellows come from all over the world. They
have a multidisciplinary background, with master’s degrees in
economic policy, social sciences or political science. The pro-
gramme is adjusted to complement the various backgrounds.
Degree
After successfully finishing the programme, fellows will have
and/or receive:
• A certificate confirming participation in and completion of
the course programme
• A number of articles submitted, accepted and/or published
in refereed scientific journals
• A PhD thesis in printed book format
• A PhD degree, upon successful submission and defence of
the dissertation
The PhD programmes’ multifaceted approach allows partici-
pants to obtain the necessary skills needed to function as a
professional in a challenging environment. We envisage our
PhD fellows becoming researchers in the academic world, or
as ministry staff, area specialists, policy and political analysts,
designers of public policy, politicians or employees working for
the EU or other international organisations or NGOs.
Academic guidance
A tailor-made training and supervision plan is developed
for each individual research fellow taking into account their
educational and professional background as well as their
research interests. After the basic PhD course programme
in the first year, fellows are supported and encouraged to
participate in topic specific courses, conferences or workshops,
and to present their work to fellow researchers.

Contribution to the welfare of others

“The idea of doing a PhD had never crossed my mind.
However, I have always had a clear career objective: to
work in an organisation where my efforts contribute to
the welfare of others. Having worked for the World Bank
in Bangkok for two years, and thoroughly enjoyed what
I was doing, I realised that in order to progress, a PhD
was the natural next step. What I am looking for is not
just another advanced degree, but knowledge, research
skills, and analytical tools that will help equip me to
better understand the increasingly complex world - and
ultimately achieve the aim of being able to improve the
welfare of others in my future career.”
Kwanpadh Suddhi Dhamakit (Thailand)
PhD fellow 2007-2010

19
 PhD Programme in Public Policy
& Policy Analysis (PPPA)
The PhD programme in Public Policy and Policy Analysis trains
researchers in governance, public and social policy, and social
protection policy. By pooling the resources of top global
research institutes, the fellows gain a multidisciplinary
perspective. The supporting institutes are organised in a
network that provides the PhD fellows with advanced
training modules, individual research advice, innovative
think-tank activities, academic counselling and supervision.
The programme trains experts who become a pivotal element
in national and international social governance focused on
making systems economically, financially and socially more
sustainable. The main objective of the programme is to create
a critical mass of researchers able to provide advice based on
sound research. The School of Governance believes that the
combination of knowledge and skills is essential for commu-
nicating research results. Therefore, we not only educate our
PhD fellows to become highly qualified researchers but also
teach them how to communicate their knowledge best.
The programme brings together scholars with various discipli-
nary backgrounds from leading institutes across the world and
practitioners from policy oriented organisations in order to
initiate new research, train young researchers and contribute
to policy relevant research outcomes. Leading scholars in the
field of governance and policy analysis from universities of,
amongst others, Barcelona, Bath, Liège, Maastricht, Toulouse,
Turin and Warsaw share their expertise and skills.
The programme is designed to provide advanced training in
the knowledge and skills that are most relevant to policy anal-
ysis including policy design, policy monitoring and policy eval-
uation. Fellows’ research fits into one of the seven research
themes the school focuses on. The fellows participate in
research communities with other fellows from different
years and academic scholars from the partners’ network.
The thematic research groups guarantee both the establish-
ment of critical mass and the necessary focus to stimulate
“complementarity” and “cumulativity” in results.
Year one is mainly used for coursework (basic course programme)
and individual research proposals. The basic courses are offered in
Maastricht, and are divided into two semesters. In semester one,
fellows all follow courses in advanced research methods and skills.
In semester two we offer a fixed set of specialisation courses in
policy analysis, as well as specialisation courses scheduled in line
with the needs of the fellows, that vary in content on yearly basis.
On average, the basic course programme includes 20 courses, set
up in a workshop setting with lectures over four days. This setup
allows the lecturers from the partner institutes to teach the topic
of their expertise. Three additional courses are spread over the first
semester, averaging one lecture a week. The workload for the first
nine months is roughly divided into 2/3 coursework and 1/3
research design. For a detailed course description, we refer to the
course book on our website. The compulsory coursework of the
PPPA programmes is mainly finished within year one and is the
equivalent of 44 ECTS credits. At the end of the first nine months,
the fellows present their research proposal and a detailed research
plan for the remaining part of their fellowship. In defining their
research topic, the fellows are guided by the support of the part-
ners and the associated partners of the research network. The
second and third year are dedicated to the necessary analyses for
the dissertation, and for writing the dissertation. The dissertation
should be ready for submission after 36 months. In addition to the
basic course programme, the following activities are organised:
• Research conferences
• Research seminars
• Research skills training
• Research tutorials
• Research dissemination and policy seminars
• Academic skills and research career workshops
• Writing camps
Programme overview
Year 1 September- Basic course programme with
Semester one December a focus on research methods;
Development of research
proposals, facilitated by an
advanced research methods class,
and bi-weekly research tutorials

January Skills: research and academic

Programme description
skills training

The PhD programme is a three-year programme that consists Year 1 February-April Basic course programme:
of four main elements: Semester two specialisation courses
• A basic (compulsory) training programme of nine months Research proposal writing
provided in Maastricht by leading scholars from the partner
May-August Research proposal presentation
institutes. The basic programme is compulsory for all fellows
and research time
• A personal training programme that guarantees flexibility
at an individual level in order to adapt to the skills and Year 2-3 Research tutorials, seminars and
qualifications of the fellow and the specific research topic skills. Yearly research conferences
• An international visiting research fellow position of 6-12 and workshops at the School
months, in collaboration with one of the partner institutes Individual course programme: to
• Personal supervision and monitoring during the entire be selected on an individual basis
project by staff members of the School and partner institutes Research progress meetings
Yearly writing camps

20 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010

 Extremely enriching experience

“I started my PhD in September 2006 with lots of
coursework, classes and exams; quite the antithesis
of how I had imagined a PhD programme would be.
However, what I soon realised is that the coursework
was structured to provide an exhaustive analysis of
the role of social policy in development, its design,
implementation and management. In this respect, my
experience of the PhD programme so far has increased
my knowledge and has been extremely enriching.”
Maha Ahmed (Pakistan)
PhD fellow 2006-2009

Special feature “writing camps”

Once a year, the School organises a so-called “writing camp”

bringing together 2nd and 3rd year research fellows of the
School to work on their research in a secluded and inspiring
location, allowing them to benefit from lively discussions
with their peers and with experienced visiting scholars.
The “camps” invite the fellows into a research oriented
environment providing academic and social support.

Key lecturers

• Prof. dr. Chris de Neubourg, Maastricht Graduate School of

Governance, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
• Prof. dr. Pierre Dubois, University of Toulouse, France
• Prof. dr. Gøsta Esping-Andersen, University Pompeu Fabra,
Barcelona, Spain
• Prof. dr. Alain Jousten, University of Liège, Belgium
• Prof. dr. Jon Kvist, Centre for Welfare State Research,
University of Southern Denmark
• Prof. dr. Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc Rural Economy
Research Centre, Carlow, Ireland
• Prof. dr. Theo Papadopoulos, University of Bath, United
Kingdom
• Dr. Boris Blumberg, School of Business and Economics,
Maastricht University, the Netherlands
• Dr. Boris Lokshin, Maastricht Economic and social Research
and training centre on Innovation and Technology (UNU-
MERIT), the Netherlands
• Dr. Pawel Kaczmarczyk, Centre of Migration Research,
Warsaw University, Poland
• Dr. Katrin Kriz, J.F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard
University, USA
• Drs. Denis de Crombrugghe, School of Business and
Economics, Maastricht University, the Netherlands

21
More than a dreary desk job
“If somebody had told me that in my first job after graduating I would spend
hours after hours, and evenings after evenings and weekends after weekends
in the office, I would not have looked forward to following a PhD programme
very much. If that somebody had added that I would do it because I wanted to,
I would probably have doubted his or her state of mind. If they had then elabo-
rated on what I would be doing, things would, however, have become clear.
This is simply true because what I was (and most of my fellows are) doing, was
a product of my own ideas and imagination - as well as effort and motivation.
My initial idea was to work on microfinance; and specifically, by collaborating
with an Indian microfinance institution, to address issues such as supply and
demand of integrated livelihood services and the effect on risk-coping abilities. I
spent several months in India - laying the groundwork and carrying out my own
survey of about 1000 clients and non-clients of the organisation I am collabo-
rating with. Groundwork - getting acquainted with the organisation, its work,
employees and its clients and preliminary (primary and secondary) data collec-
tion - should not be underestimated and was vitally important for the successful
implementation of my survey. Data collection included a number of memorable
field-trips to small villages in remote areas and also to microfinance providers,
Dual Career PhD Programme in
Governance and Policy Analysis
(GPAC2)
Combining a PhD degree with a fulltime job? The Dual Career
PhD programme in Governance and Policy Analysis (GPAC2)
offers courses, seminars and workshops that support the
ambitions and intensify the research and analytical skills of
the fellows. The programme invites them to the stimulating
and challenging research community of the School of
Governance. The programme meets the needs and possibili-
ties of researchers with a daily job and optimises the condi-
tions allowing the participants to combine their careers with
obtaining a PhD. The GPAC2 programme is designed to provide
advanced training in theory and skills that are crucial to policy
analysis and design. The research fits into one of the seven
research themes the school focuses on. The key lecturers of
the programme are leading scholars in the field of policy
analysis and the related areas like governance, risk manage-
ment, sustainable development and social protection.
PhD fellow profile
The participants in this programme - policy analysts, profes-
sionals and consultants from the public and private sector -
are involved in a job that allows them to spend a minimum
amount of time on research activities that eventually lead
22 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
research institutes, and statistical offices. All of which differ substantially from
what one would imagine such trips to be like. This starts with transport, rituals,
long waiting times with many teas and amazing hospitality and does not end
with the peculiar (ranging from funny to frustrating) administrative procedures.
Doing such kind of work is - for me - the perfect combination and balance to the
“typical” deskwork of a researcher - which, nicely enough, can be done at any
desk. For me this desk was often not located at School, but in the institute of
my supervisor in London. The PhD programme is a relatively short and intense
time, which implies, as mentioned in the beginning, that it is often simply a lot
of hard work. But not only because it is one’s own work, but also since you are in
the same boat with many interesting people (actually I feel bad saying “people”
- given the fact that they became my friends), it is worth every minute of it. I
successfully finished and defended my dissertation in spring 2009 and started a
new job in the UK. But the School remains a home away from home and I have
great memories of my PhD time here.”
Britta Augsburg (Germany)
PhD fellow 2005-2009
Research Economist, Institute for Fiscal Studies, United Kingdom
to a PhD degree. Ideally, the employer of the participant
supports the researcher actively by allocating time and by
facilitating research work (providing data, support, related
assignments and the like). The School of Governance
welcomes fellows from a variety of backgrounds. The pro-
gramme is open to fellows with a master’s degree, strong
academic records, professional or volunteer experience, affili-
ation with academic research and a special interest in policy
analysis. The fellows come from both within the EU as well
as from other continents and have a multidisciplinary back-
ground. The research interests of the fellows vary extensively.
Programme description
The core of the programme consists of advanced training mod-
ules, research supporting activities, individual research advice,
assistance and supervision. The objective of the programme is
to support fellows in setting up, carrying out and finishing a
research project leading to a PhD, alongside a regular job. We
expect the fellows to finish their PhD project after three to five
years, depending on the time they can spend on their research
and on their progress in research activities prior to joining the
programme. The first year course programme requires about
16 weeks fulltime presence in Maastricht. In the following years
fellows are required to attend two periods of one week each
including progress discussions, skills training and courses. The
workload depends on the availability and capacity of the indi-
vidual fellow. The programme consists of five main elements:
• A basic training programme in year one of the programme,
 provided in Maastricht. The basic training programme • Prof. dr. Adam Szirmai, Maastricht Graduate School of
consists of 3 visiting periods of two weeks each. Course Governance, Maastricht University and United Nations
components are compulsory for all fellows and will be University, the Netherlands
examined (in total 12 ECTS) • Prof. dr. Peter Heller, Johns Hopkins University, USA
• A personal training programme that guarantees flexibility at • Dr. Boris Blumberg, School of Business and Economics,
an individual level according to the skills and qualifications of Maastricht University, the Netherlands
the fellow and the specific research topic. Attendance of two • Drs. Denis de Crombrugghe, School of Business and
modules of one week per year with advanced GPAC2 cohorts Economics, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
at the School • Drs. Jessica Slijkhuis, Jessica Slijkhuis Consultancy,
• Online course modules in governance and political science, the Netherlands
statistics, mathematics, economics (1 ECTS per module) • Drs. Kwanpadh Suddhi-Dhamakit, Maastricht Graduate
• Yearly workshops and research conferences to assist and School of Governance, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
monitor the research progress of the fellows and to integrate
the fellows in the research community of the School
• Personal supervision and monitoring during the entire pro- Programme overview
gramme by staff members of the School and the partner
institutes Year 1 March Basic course 1:
Module Basic Research Methods
In addition to the compulsory modules specifically designed (2 weeks) Basic course 2:
for the programme, the fellows are welcome to participate in Analysis of Policy Processes;
the regular MGSoG events, including: Introduction and discussion of
• PhD courses in the fulltime PPPA PhD programme research proposals;
• School of Governance Seminar Series (SGSS) Research skills, including STATA,
• Advanced Academic Updates (AAU) EndNote, data search and literature
• Research conferences review;
• Summer schools Introduction to the MGSoG
research community
In total, the research fellows have to attend three 2-week
Year 1 June Basic course 3:
course modules during the first nine months of the pro-
Module Quantitative Research Methods
gramme, which will be examined and are compulsory.
(2 weeks) Basic course 4:
In addition to the coursework during the visiting periods, the
Public Economics and Policy;
fellows are expected to prepare a detailed research proposal.
Discussion of the research proposals;
This proposal will be presented to and discussed with their
Research skills, including writing
other GPAC2 fellows and research staff of the School at each
skills and personal coaching in
visit in Maastricht. The content of the course modules will be
prioritising the PhD
communicated to the fellows at the start of the programme.
The courses are offered in a workshop format. Year 1 November Basic course 5:
Module Qualitative Research Methods
In addition to traditional educational methods, the School offers (2 weeks) Basic course 6:
an e-learning environment and online learning programmes. Measurement and Explanation
of Economic Development;
The Examination Board and the Academic Director of the Discussion of the research proposals;
programme can allow alterations and adjustments in the Research skills: Editing a PhD
programme for individual participants in order to accommo-
Years 1 January- Submission of final research proposal;
date the coursework with their professional life or with their
March Written comments and admission
research ambitions and needs. Adjustments may include
decision to GPAC2 year 2
rearrangement or substitution of elements of the pro-
gramme. The programme allows for maximal flexibility, Years 2-5 Attendance of two modules of one
without jeopardising academic rigour and standards. week per year with advanced GPAC2
cohorts at the School;
Yearly research conference at at the
Key lecturers School;
Individual course programme: to be
• Prof. dr. Chris de Neubourg, Maastricht Graduate School selected on an individual basis;
of Governance, Maastricht University, the Netherlands Research progress meetings
• Dr. Mindel van de Laar, Maastricht Graduate School of
Governance, Maastricht University, the Netherlands

23
 Application and admission: PhD programmes
If you meet the admission requirements for the PhD programmes,
you need to submit an application form, which is available online.
Each application will be reviewed by the Board of Admission. The
application forms for the PhD programmes are available online
(www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance > Prospective students >
PhD programmes > Application and admission).
We prefer to receive the documents in the following ways:
• Research proposal, motivation letter and CV - by email (MS Word
format preferred)
• Passport, proof of English proficiency and picture - by email as
scanned pictures
• Recommendation letters, GPAC2 support letter, diplomas and tran-
scripts - by postal mail

Tuition fees
Admission requirements
Year 1 PPPA: € 7,000
• A master’s degree from a relevant academic field such as Year 1 GPAC2 : € 8,000
economics, international relations, political science, law, social Subsequent years PPPA: € 2,500
sciences, business administration, health sciences or public health Subsequent years GPAC2 : € 6,000
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics - measured by The tuition fees include all programme related costs except books,
reviewing the content and grades of previous studies and/or the specific research costs, travel costs and accommodation.
content and level of working experience
• Basic knowledge of economics, social sciences, political science and/
or law -measured by reviewing the content and grades of previous Application deadlines
studies and/or the content and level of working experience
• Proficiency in English; the minimum level accepted is 600 PBT, For the PPPA programme, starting 1 September: 1 February every year
100 ICT or 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS) For the GPAC2 programme, starting in 1 March: 1 December every year
• Approval and support from current employer to participate in
GPAC2 programme (for GPAC2 applicants only)
Questions about the application process?

Documents needed for application If you have any questions concerning the application process please
e-mail us at info-governance@maastrichtuniversity.nl
The following documents have to be included in your application. All
documents need to be provided digitally, official documents need to
be scanned*:
• Certified copies of bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and grades
• Proof of proficiency in English - the minimum level accepted is 600
PBT, 100 ICT or 240 CBT (TOEFL) or 7.0 (IELTS). Native speakers and
students who have received their bachelor’s or master’s education
in English are exempted
• Motivation letter (400-500 words)
• Two letters of recommendation by current or former professors or
employers.
• Letter from current employer, including a statement of support of
the GPAC2 fellow and an indication of ways to support the fellow
(for GPAC2 applicants only)
• One-page PhD research proposal
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of passport
• Passport size picture

24 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010

Training
In addition to master’s and PhD programmes, the Maastricht
Graduate School of Governance offers national and inter-
national organisations, scholars and professionals the oppor-
tunity to update their knowledge on specific governance and
public policy related themes. In co-operation with our exten-
sive worldwide network of academics and practitioners in the
field, we create training programmes according to specific
needs, objectives and trends. Within these training pro-
grammes, recent insights from academic theory and research
with respect to policy problems are incorporated in seminar
settings; workshops and lectures are given by prominent
specialists from across the globe. The School’s staff is used to
working with a wide variety of groups representing different
regions, cultures, expertise and experience. We believe in a
multicultural classroom with a wide variety of experiences
and backgrounds that maximises the learning curve in an
open and creative atmosphere. The online calendar gives an
overview of the upcoming training activities in 2009 and 2010.
Short courses
Our short courses bring together practitioners, a world-class
faculty and a dynamic curriculum to address the spectrum of
policy challenges. We offer you the opportunity to get up to
date and in-depth knowledge on one or more specific areas
within the broad area of public policy and governance.
Advanced Academic Updates (AAU)
The Advanced Academic Updates provide professionals and
academics the opportunity to update their knowledge of a spe-
cific field during intensive two or three day seminars. AAU topics
frequently relate to current policy debates within the broad areas
of governance and public policy. Recent insights are viewed using
an academic and research-based approach within a seminar
setting. We invite prominent experts in the field to guide
workshops, provide lectures and participate in the debates.
School of Governance Seminar Series (SGSS)
The seminar series encourage the exchange of ideas within
the area of governance and public and social policy analysis
in a global and multidisciplinary perspective. Seminars take
UNICEF is delighted with the success and impact of this partnership
“The “Maastricht course” has become widely known and appreciated within
UNICEF and we are delighted with the success and impact of this partner-
ship. It has certainly strengthened UNICEF’s capacity to advocate for and
support the investment case for children in policy arenas across the world,
place every two weeks. Distinguished professionals ranging
from academics to policymakers are invited to give presenta-
tions on current hot topics.
Training programmes
Semi-private, private and non-governmental organisations
are becoming increasingly important in all levels of policy
processes. In an increasingly global world with fast changing
demands, it is vital that both experts involved in policymaking
and governmental policymaking organisations keep up-to-date
with the latest developments in their respective fields. For this,
the School offers tailor-made programmes that are designed to
the specific needs of your organisation. We provide in-depth
knowledge from a multi-level perspective from leading
experts complemented by integrated skills training sessions.
Our programmes combine e-learning and face-to-face sessions
engaging participants in a dynamic exchange with experts,
policymakers, economists and development practitioners.
Examples of programmes:
• Learning programme for senior staff of UNICEF
At the request of the United Nations Children’s Fund the School of
Governance has developed a training programme for senior staff
members. This tailor-made blended learning programme focuses on
key concepts in public policy analysis, evidence-based advocacy and
partnerships for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
• Designing and Implementing Social Transfer Programmes
In co-operation with the Economic Policy Research Institute and the
University of Cape Town, the School offers a two-week course aimed
at providing participants with an in-depth understanding of concep-
tual and practical issues involved in social transfer programmes.
• Training for local policymakers, ATANA Zuid-Limburg
On behalf of the province of Limburg, the School offers a short train-
ing programme for prospective board members of local non-profit
organisations in the areas of housing, education, youth and health-
care. The target group consists young community members from a
diverse cultural background.
• Capacity building of South-East Asian Management of Social
Insurance institutions in co-operation with InWent, Germany. This is a
yearly training programme for employees of social insurance institu-
tions from South-East Asia on the current developments in social
protection, including courses and practical internships in Europe.
which is all the more important in this time of economic crisis”.
Richard Morgan (USA)
Director, Policy and Practice UNICEF New York
25
 Research
Since its establishment, the Maastricht Graduate School of
Governance’s research programme has grown enormously
and the School is now hosting more than 50 PhD projects.
The supervision of the junior researchers is guaranteed by a
network of scholars at Maastricht University and the partici-
pating partner universities abroad. The senior research staff
members at the School work in distinctive areas within the
Governance and Policy Analysis research programme. The
research fellows and the senior research staff are also
involved in a large number of short and medium-term
research projects across the globe.
Research at the School of Governance is organised into two major
programmes: Governance and Policy Analysis.
The Governance programme comprises three research themes:
• Co-ordination and Efficiency
• Corruption and Accountability
• Assessing Good Governance
The Policy Analysis programme focuses on four research themes:
• Poverty, Social Protection and Fiscal Management
• Child, Human Capital and Employment Policy
• Migration
• Health
26 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
Governance
Policy processes are often described as technocratic and for-
mal policy cycles. Policymakers are expected to identify prob-
lems, to develop policy options, to make a cost-benefit analysis
for each solution and choose the best alternative.
This framework is useful in understanding how policy is
designed and implemented technically. For understanding
empirical outcomes and the real world complexities, however,
a governance framework is needed. Within the governance
framework, the conceptualisation and implementation of
public policy is the result of a process involving both public and
private actors with their own interests and priorities. The
actors are organised in various hierarchies and across different
levels (international, national, regional or local). The multitude
of actors is involved in all stages of policy processes: from the
conceptualisation and the design of policy actions to their
implementation and evaluation. The governance process is
rarely linear; rather it is circular and cyclical due to the large
number and the diversity of the actors and the complexity of
their interactions. The policy process in (larger) private entities
hardly differs from public policy processes: the set of actors
(and their hierarchy) may be different, but the process is still
dynamically circular with many actors and layers.
The analysis of (public) policy within a governance framework
enables researchers to understand why the same policy instru-
ment or the same policy paradigm leads to very different results
across time and location. The governance framework abandons
the linear relationship between a policy on the one hand and its
outcome and impact on the other hand putting the relationship
between the effectiveness and the efficiency of a policy and the
processes that have led to the design and its specific imple-
mentation at the very heart of the research agenda.
Theme Co-ordination and Efficiency
The “Co-ordination and Efficiency” research theme presup-
poses that a policy’s chances of success cannot be judged
without considering the institutional, political and cultural
context in which it is applied. Whatever the policy area, it is
assumed that there is no single solution formula applicable to
all circumstances; a policy’s effectiveness and efficiency
depends on the manner in which it is discussed, approved and
implemented. While understanding that the substance and
orientation of particular policies do matter, their outcome
and impact however, cannot be interpreted meaningfully
without studying the critical processes that shape these
policies, carry them forward from idea to implementation
and sustain them over time. The processes of discussing,
approving and implementing policies are as important as the
specific content of the policies themselves. The messy world
of politics and multi-layer-multi-actor governance enters the
discussion and links the policymaking process and the politi-
cal process as inseparable. Our research programme takes a
detailed look at the institutional arrangements and political
systems at work as they shape the roles and incentives of a
variety of actors that participate in the policymaking.
Examples of research projects
• The making of policy agendas: the role of lobby groups
• Managing and coordinating the fight against climate change
• The role of NGOs in guaranteeing that policy is actually
implemented: the case of social pensions in India and Nepal
• Use and abuse of evidence in policy and advocacy
Theme Corruption and Accountability
While the research theme “Co-ordination and Efficiency”
addresses the relationship between products, processes and
actors, the research theme “Corruption and Accountability”
introduces a normative dimension. Corruption comes in many
forms and the definition of what is regarded as corruption is
historically, culturally and socially determined. Institutional
design and the complexity of both formal and informal gov-
erning mechanisms have a decisive influence on the exist-
ence, importance and forms of corruption. Most definitions
of corruption include only illegal forms of corruption, occur-
ring at the implementation and enforcement of laws
However, the lawmaking process can itself be corrupt,
serving the interests of a few at the expense of others or
even of the majority of the population. Corruption can
therefore occur both at the design and at the implementation
stage. The governance framework reformulates the issue of
corruption far beyond the simple mechanisms of buying
influence, promoting solutions or adapting implementations.
Incentives become the central issue for all the actors.
Accountability goes beyond the issue of corruption.
The variety of actors involved in the process of mapping policy
options, discussing the alternatives and deciding on the
options, puts the question of accountability on the agenda.
The concept refers to the role of the control mechanisms in
holding decision makers and administrators accountable for
their actions, through monitoring, evaluating and considering
alternatives to their policy actions. Holding decision makers
accountable emphasises the transparency of the policymaking
processes itself. Decision makers include not only politicians,
but also those “behind the scenes” such as lobby groups,
NGOs and inter-national organisations often influencing
decision-making processes without any public scrutiny.
Examples of research projects
• Levels of accountability: development aid in search of ownership
• Measuring media capture
• State capture as corruption
• The watchdog role of the media
Theme Assessing Good Governance
A veritable explosion of interest in the quality of governance
in the developing world is driving the use of governance
indicators by international investors, bilateral and multilat-
eral development co-operation agencies, academic research-
ers and the media. Foreign direct investment (FDI) decisions,
for example, are often based on assessments of the “govern-
ance quality” of countries: international institutions, such as
the World Bank, and bilateral donors make their decisions on
the allocation of (development aid) funds dependent on
”Good Governance Indicators”. Over the last decade, quanti-
fying the degree of a country’s good governance has become
a more sophisticated exercise. However, measuring “good
governance” is far from uncontroversial: the most widely
used measurements are plagued with many more pitfalls
than users tend to realise. Research at the Maastricht
Graduate School of Governance in co-operation with the
OECD has significantly contributed to the debate on indica-
tors and indices of good governance.
Examples of research projects
• Measuring access to justice
• Use and abuse of governance indicators
• The politics of governance ratings
• Institutional incentives and corruption in social programmes
27
 Policy Analysis
The Policy Analysis research programme is an umbrella covering
four areas. The common element in the four areas is the study of
the policies themselves rather than the processes emphasised
under the Governance programme. In policy design, public
authorities set objectives, identify and choose policy instruments
and ultimately implement policy. Policy analysts review the
output, outcomes and impact of various policy elements, given
policy objectives (ex ante) and monitor en evaluate policy imple-
mentation (ex post). Effectiveness and adequacy are defined as
‘doing the right things’ (given the objectives) and efficiency is
regarded as ‘doing things the right way’ (as cost-effective as pos-
sible). An important part of the research is devoted to the unex-
pected and (un)desirable side-effects and externalities created
by the (public) policy interventions. The conditions under which
policies are developed and implemented are equally important
as the specific (national) economic, social and cultural contexts.
Theme Poverty, Social Protection and Fiscal
Management
Research in the area of poverty and social protection has a prom-
inent place within the School, with many staff members work-
ing in this field. Within this group three main areas can be fur-
ther identified: 1) methodological issues of measuring poverty,
2) the impact of social protection policies on living standards
and 3) welfare state analysis from a more general perspective.
Implementing social policy programmes requires resources.
Understanding the dynamics in the creation of fiscal space is an
essential component within this research theme. The research is
focused on the broader understanding of macroeconomic and
public finance implications of taxes, expenditures and other
forms of financing social policies such as private and public
insurances. Research methods employed are often empirical
using cross-section and panel data sets stemming from quanti-
tative and qualitative surveys as well as micro-simulations to
understand the impact of the changing demographic composi-
tion of the population and other factors on social protection
schemes. The variety of research questions currently studied is
also reflected in the geographic dispersion of the research, which
covers Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, the Middle East,
North and South America, Asia and Africa.
Examples of research projects
• Child poverty: a multidimensional approach for Vietnam
• Measuring household vulnerability in a post-conflict environment: the
case of Afghanistan
• Conditional cash transfers and the institutional settings of social
protection in Chile
• Lifetime intra-generational redistribution through the public pension
systems
• Social assistance in the post-socialist countries of Central and Eastern
Europe (CEE)
28 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | 2010
Theme Child, Human Capital and Employment Policy
Research in the area of child and family policies currently
focuses on education and childcare, and poverty and well-being
of children. With respect to childcare and education, the analy-
ses study the role of education and other child-related invest-
ments after nationwide shocks, institutional features of public
and private childcare arrangements, and the impact of early
childcare and education as determinants for educational oppor-
tunities later in life. Research in the fields of poverty and the
well-being of children and families include research on child
poverty indicators and the relevance of child and family policies
for poverty reduction. Researchers specialising in the field of
Labour Market and Human Capital work closely with the
Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) of
Maastricht University, whose senior staff members are also
actively involved in the teaching programme and research work
of the research fellows. Subjects currently researched are the
impact of institutions on the transition from education to work
in post-socialist countries, the reassessment of the link between
labour market deregulation and unemployment, with a focus
on the reliability of the existing labour market indicators, and
the effect of employment subsidies on wages and employabil-
ity of beneficiaries. Research methods employed range from
quantitative micro-simulation, panel data analysis, to country
case studies with the aim to test and reassess theory, and
qualitative active labour market programme assessments by
interviewing individual participants of such programmes.
Examples of research projects
• Short-term effects of labour market reforms on unemployment in
28 OECD countries
• Pathways out of employment for individuals aged 50-65:
The effect of personal characteristics, preferences and legislation
on retirement decisions
• Childcare policy in Central and Eastern Europe
• Intra-household allocation with multi-period skill formation
• The lifetime effects of rural child poverty in China
Theme Migration Commissioned research

The interdisciplinary Migration research theme focuses on the
relation between the receiving countries (immigration) and the
sending countries (emigration) and its dynamics. While most
research in other institutes is directed towards the determinants
of emigration and the problems of integrating the immigrants
in the receiving countries, research at the School emphasises
that effects go both ways not only in financial streams (remit-
tances) but also by transferring and transforming citizens
across borders. Modern communication and travel technology
play a pivotal role in keeping migrants and the indigenous
population at both sides of the migration flow in touch with
each other (both directly and through the media). These finan-
cial-, human (and information) flows have a decisive impact on
the labour market behaviour, the cultural exchange, the
integration behaviour and the potential further migration
behaviour (circular migration) of migrants. The research theme
distinguishes three major research areas in migration:
1) Migration flows and their effects
2) Migration and integration
3) Migration and development
Examples of research projects
• Residential segregation and performance implications for ethnic
entrepreneurship in the Netherlands
• The motivations of remittances: a comparison between Albania
and Moldova
• The impact of immigration policies on the choice of destination
country of skilled migrants
• Is there such a thing as the migration of poverty?
The School is also involved in commissioned research such as
Child Poverty in Vietnam, Congo and China for UNICEF, Social
Policy Reviews in Central and Eastern Europe for the World Bank;
and Governance Indicators for the OECD.
Examples of commisioned research projects
• Government of the Russian Federation: Analysis of pension reform
effects on the supply side of labour market and on incomes & poverty
• World Bank: Migration in the Netherlands
• UNICEF Vietnam: Development of a multi-dimensional child poverty
index
• UNICEF Congo: Multidimensional poverty profile and policy options to
reduce the poverty risk
• UNICEF Moldova: Development of a Child Well-being Index
• Agence France de Développement: Governance, institutions and
economic growth
• EUROMOD: Microsimulation tool for modelling the impact of policy
measures”
• Ford Foundation: “Carry out research in Africa in the area of HIV/AIDS
and social protection policy
• ICCO: The role of civil society organisations in public accountability

Theme Health

The Health research group is involved in institutional analyses,

empirical analyses and development of theoretical models. The
subjects currently studied are the determinants of well-being
of people of which health is considered to be one of the main
determinants besides economic and social factors, the impact
of foreign and national aid modalities on health sector financ-
ing in developing countries, and the extent of equality in
access to healthcare from an economic and institutional per-
spective. The access to healthcare services throughout the life
cycle is an important area of research under this theme.

Examples of research projects

• Equality in Solidarity: the patterns of solidarity and the concept of
equity (the sibling’s example)
• Family solidarity: understanding the family ties and the patterns of
exchange in health-related assistance
• Contract theory, healthcare financing and development aid
• Healthcare access of children in Mexico and its life time effect

29
 Practical information
About Maastricht
Maastricht is a charming town which has preserved its unique
character over the centuries. It has been shaped through the ages
by arts and culture. Because of this, Maastricht has a rich cultural
heritage and wealth of historic buildings which make it a city
with plenty to offer. It is a city with a charming atmosphere with
a varied cycle of annual festivals and other events. The lovely
local countryside and proximity to neighbouring European coun-
tries are an invitation to go out and explore. Brussels, Antwerp
and Cologne lie within a 100 km radius, while Amsterdam and
Luxembourg are a mere 200 km from Maastricht; London and
Paris can be reached in only a few hours with a high-speed train
connection. In addition, convenient railway and airline connec-
tions to many other major European cities are available. All in all,
it provides a relaxed environment for learning and living.
Student affairs office
The Student Affairs Office of the School advises students on
specific questions or problems concerning the application proce-
dure, admission, registration, visa application. Furthermore, they
can help with educational matters and all kinds of programme-
related administrative issues.
Living expenses
The cost of living in Maastricht is comparable to most smaller
European cities. On average you need about 800-900 euros
per month for accommodation, groceries, copying, printing,
going out on occasion, etc. If you need a visa (mvv) to enter the
Netherlands, the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) requires that
you have a minimum amount of money at your disposal each
month. At the moment, this amount is 800 euros per month.
Accommodation
Students are expected to arrange housing themselves. Admitted
students will receive an information package which lists a number
of agencies that can help you in finding accommodation. We recom-
mend that students book accommodation through the University
Guesthouse. Although not the cheapest option, they offer furnished
rooms (bed, table, chair, etc.) and in many cases Internet facilities.
Health insurance
Having health insurance is compulsory in the Netherlands.
Always check with your insurance company whether you are cov-
ered during your stay in Maastricht. The Students Affairs Office
can arrange insurance which covers the entire study period. The
insurance costs 465 euros for one year and has to be paid by the
student. Please check https://www.students-insurance.eu/ for
more information about the terms and conditions. This informa-
tion does not apply to Dutch citizens, who are required by law to
take out the compulsory basic health insurance.
30 Maastricht Graduate School of Governance
Student clubs and organisations
There are a number of student clubs and organisations. Many
of them are internationally oriented and help both Dutch and
foreign students to integrate. Our own student organisation
‘DEMOS’ was established by a group of enthusiastic students
in order to combine social and academic activities between the
students and researchers at the School.
MGSoG Movie Series
In collaboration with the Lumière art house movie theatre, every
year, the School organises the so-called ‘movie series’ between
September and February, to create a link between art and science.
The selection of movies and documentaries chosen are all centred on
the specialisation themes of the School. Prior to every screening, an
expert of the respective field introduces the movie or documentary.
Career days
The School organises regular career days during which you can learn
about studying here and, most importantly, about a career after
graduation. During the career days the School invites current stu-
dents, alumni and speakers from international organisations, consul-
tancies, NGOs etc., to inform students about careers in the (public)
policy sector. For the latest information on the upcoming career
events, please check the website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
governance. Also, the School encourages its students to participate
in the workshops organised by the Maastricht University Career
Services by sponsoring participation in one workshop.
University Library
In order to make the most of your studies, extensive library facili-
ties are vital. All important books and articles are accessible for
students, in print or as e-books and e-journals. Moreover, the
library offers up-to-date and comfortable study facilities, for
individual learning as well as for co-operative learning.
Pre-Academic Training
As all our programmes are taught in English, we realise that some
participants might feel insecure about their level of English.
Maastricht University offers plenty of possibilities to enhance or
develop English language skills. If you do not meet the language
requirements mentioned in the admission requirements, you can
join the Pre-Academic Training (PAT) at Maastricht University via
the Center for European Studies (CES). The Pre-Academic Training
enables you to improve your English proficiency as well as other
related communication and study skills and still obtain the required
score before the start of your programme. Please contact the Center
for European Studies via ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more
information.
Master’s programmes
overview 2010

Arts & Culture Health & Life Sciences

• Artistic Research (MA) **** 1 • Arts-Klinisch Onderzoeker / Physician-Clinical Investigator
• Arts and Heritage: Policy, Management and Education / (MSc, MD) 4
Cultuur: Beleid, Behoud en Beheer (MA) 3 • European Public Health (MSc) 1
• Arts and Sciences / Cultuur- en Wetenschapsstudies (MA) 3 • Geneeskunde / Medicine (MSc, MD) 4
• Gender and Diversity Studies (MA) **** 1 • Global Health (MSc) **** 1
• European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (MA) 1 • Health Food Innovation Management (MSc) 1
• Media Culture (MA) 1 • Mental Health (MSc) 1
• Research Master in Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology • Molecular Life Sciences, 5 specialisations (MSc) 1
(MSc) 1 (within transnational University Limburg, tUL)
• Physical Activity and Health, 3 specialisations (MSc) 1
Behavioural & Political Sciences • Public Health, 5 specialisations (MSc) 1
• Analysing Europe (MA) 1 • Research Master in Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine (MSc) 1
• European Public Affairs (MA) 1 • Research Master in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience,
• European Studies, 3 specialisations (MA) 1 4 specialisations (MSc) 1
• Globalisation and Development (MA) **** 1 • Research Master in Health Sciences (MSc) 1
• Psychology, 6 specialisations (MSc) 1 • Research Master in Nutrition and Metabolism:
• Public Policy and Human Development, 1 specialisation in fundamental and clinical aspects (MSc) 1
the Behavioural & Political Sciences (MSc) 1
• Research Master in European Studies (MSc) 1 Graduate programmes for professionals
• Sustainable Development (MSc) **** 1 • Affective Neuroscience (MSc) * 1
• Health Professions Education (MSc) * 1
Business & Economics • Public Health for Professionals (MSc) * 1
(All programmes Triple Crown accredited:
AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA) Law
• Econometrics and Operations Research, 4 specialisations • European Law School (LLM) 1
(MSc) 1 • Fiscaal Recht / Tax Law, 3 specialisations (LLM) 3
• Financial Economics, 3 specialisations (MSc) 1 • Forensica, Criminologie en Rechtspleging / Forensics,
• Fiscale Economie / Fiscal Economics, 2 specialisations (MSc) 2 Criminology and Administration of Justice (LLM) 4
• Global Supply Chain Management and Change (MSc) 1 • Globalisation and Law (LLM) 1
• Infonomics (MSc) 1 • International and European Economic Law * 1
• International Business, 11 full-time and 6 part-time • Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management
specialisations (one of which is in Dutch) (MSc) 1 (LLM, MSc) * 1
• International Economic Studies, 5 specialisations (MSc) 1 • International Laws (LLM) 1
• Management of Learning (MSc) 1 • Law Honours Programme (Master Research Track) 1
• Public Policy and Human Development, 5 specialisations • Nederlands Recht / Dutch Law, 6 specialisations (LLM) 4
in Business & Economics (MSc) 1 • Recht en Arbeid / Law and Labour, 2 specialisations (LLM) 4
• Research Master in Business Research, 2 specialisations (MSc) 1
• Research Master in Economic and Financial Research, Sciences
2 specialisations (MSc) 1 (within transnational University Limburg, tUL)
• Artificial Intelligence (MSc) 1
Graduate programmes for professionals • Operations Research (MSc) 1
• Executive Master of Finance and Control (EMFC/MSc/RC)* 4
• International Executive Master of Finance and Control
(part-time EMFC/MSc/RC)* 1
• MBA (International Executive Modular, Dutch Executive
Modular and Euro) 3

NVAO accreditations Language of instruction

* Graduate programme for professionals, NVAO accredited 1 Only in English

** Graduate programme for professionals, in process of NVAO accreditation 2 Part Dutch, part English

*** Graduate programme for professionals, NVAO accreditation process will be initiated 3 Available in both English and Dutch

**** Master’s programme in process of NVAO accreditation and approval by Ministry of Education 4 Only in Dutch

For more information on NVAO, please visit www.nvao.nl

 attained from it.
Hoog-Keppel | Layout and production: Vormgevingsburo Emilio Perez, Geleen. Although this brochure was made with the utmost care, no rights can be
Text: Maastricht Graduate School of Governance | Photography: Jonathan Vos, Joey Roberts | Concept and design template: Vormgeversassociatie BV,
© 2009 Maastricht University Office, Marketing & Communications, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands
Based in Europe, focused on the world. Maastricht University is

BSR0081
a stimulating environment. Where research and teaching are
www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance complementary. Where innovation is our focus. Where talent
can flourish. A truly student oriented research university.

Contact information Master’s Meetings (Open Days)

PR Office Saturday 10 October 2009
Maastricht Graduate School of Governance Saturday 13 March 2010
Maastricht University
P.O. Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht Student for a day
The Netherlands If you are interested in experiencing the master’s
programme, we invite you for a day at our School,
Phone: +31 43 388 4650 attend a lecture, a tutorial or simply meet current
E-mail: info-governance@maastrichtuniversity.nl students or the course co-ordinator, just send an email
Internet: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/governance to info-governance@maastrichtuniversity.nl