Master's Degrees erasmus+

MA in Governance

Study the structures, processes, and policies that drive governance at national and international levels.

Online applications for this program are now closed. For help, please contact info@elgs.eu.

MA in Governance
Program Master's Degrees
Language English
Duration 12 months
Credits 90 ECTS
Starts October
Mode On-Premise or Online
Location(s) Rome, Athens, Online

Offered at the ELGU campuses in Athens and Rome.

The MA in Governance examines how governments, institutions and other public actors respond to the complex challenges shaping societies today.

Combining a strong foundation in politics and governance with perspectives from public policy, international relations and economics, the programme gives students the tools to understand how decisions are made, how institutions operate, and how policy responses are developed at national, European and international level.

From migration and climate change to economic stability, security and international crime, many of today's most pressing challenges extend beyond national borders and require cooperation between governments, international organisations, civil society and the private sector. The MA in Governance equips students to examine these challenges from different perspectives, understand the interests and roles of the actors involved, and critically assess the policies designed to address them.

A broad range of elective courses allows students to shape the programme around their own interests, with particular opportunities to explore contemporary issues in European governance and public policy.

Students select their preferred campus, Athens or Rome, when applying. Teaching takes place primarily in person, with online attendance available in specific circumstances.

What You Will Gain

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

  • understand key theories and approaches in governance, politics and public policy;
  • analyse complex policy challenges from political, economic and institutional perspectives;
  • understand policymaking and governance at national, European and international level;
  • critically assess the roles of governments, international organisations, civil society and other actors;
  • apply interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary governance challenges; and
  • develop the analytical and research skills required for careers in public policy, governance and international affairs.
Who Is It For?

The MA in Governance is designed for graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of governance, public policy and political decision-making, with a particular emphasis on Europe and the European Union.

It is particularly suited to:

  • graduates in political science, law, international relations, public administration and related disciplines;
  • students seeking careers in government and public administration;
  • those interested in working with European or international institutions;
  • professionals and aspiring professionals in NGOs, civil society and the wider public-policy environment; and
  • students considering further academic research in governance or related fields.

The programme can also provide a strong foundation for progression to an MPhil or PhD in Governance.

Why Study Governance at ELGU?

A European Perspective

Study governance in the context of contemporary European politics and policymaking, while examining how national, European and international levels of government increasingly interact.

Study in Athens or Rome

Choose between two European capitals and experience governance, politics and public institutions within the wider context in which you are studying them.

Learn From an International Faculty

The programme draws on ELGU's international faculty of scholars and practitioners, its network of partner universities and the wider expertise of the EPLO.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Students have opportunities to attend EPLO events on major issues in law and governance and engage with leading academics, practitioners, public officials and decision-makers.

Prepare for Your Next Step

Graduates leave with a strong interdisciplinary understanding of governance and public policy, together with the analytical skills and international perspective relevant to careers in government, European and international organisations, civil society, public affairs and the private sector.

The MA in Governance is a one-year taught degree program with a thesis requirement, earning a total of 90 ECTS credits. Courses are led by key theorists and practitioners in their fields, and delivered through classic lectures and interactive tutorials. Some courses will also integrate other teaching methodologies where appropriate, such as site visits to various public and private offices, as well as group presentations. Students must successfully complete 6 compulsory modules and 2 – 4 optional modules, followed by a 15,000 word thesis.

The list of available courses is as follows:

Courses

Compulsory Modules

  • Global Governance and Public Policies
  • International Institutions and Global Governance
  • European Integration Theories and EU Governance
  • Research Methods for Governance Studies: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
  • Public Administration and New Public Management
  • Comparative Politics and Governance

Indicative Elective Modules*

  • EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy
  • Anti-corruption and Ethics
  • Europeanization: Theory and Practice

*Course availability is subject to adequate enrolment.

Please also note that any module from the curriculum of the LLM in EU Law can be also offered as an elective option to the MA in Governance and versa.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures

Academic Requirements

Students from all over the world are admitted following a rigorous application process. Prospective students for the MA in Governance should have a first or second class undergraduate degree in political sciences, law or a relevant field of studies, or another Master’s degree in a relevant field. High caliber students with a background in a different field of studies or a particularly competitive profile with evidence of relevant professional experience and long-term dedication to the field will also be considered. Due to the international nature of the program, degree equivalencies will be determined by the Faculty Board.

Language Requirements

All courses of the program will be taught in the English language. As a result, students originating from non-English speaking countries must evidence their level of English language skills in accordance with the following:

  • TOEFL Internet based, 90
  • IELTS, 6.5
  • Duolingo, 120
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency, B
  • Any other internationally recognized test with equivalent marks

Students intending to study at a partner institution for their second semester must clearly demonstrate their ability to attend courses in the relevant language of instruction at the host university they are interested in attending.

Application

Students from all over the world are admitted following a rigorous application process which consists of two-phases. Students must first submit their application form and once they have done so, candidates considered for admissions will be invited to an interview.

To apply for a program, students must first review the application form and its requirements to ensure the collection of appropriate material. By the time they have gathered all documentation they should proceed with payment of the one-time application fee either at the relevant online portal or via a bank transfer. Students should always add their surname, initial letter of their first name and course/degree title in the deposit description.

Students can then proceed with their application, which can only be conducted online and submit it along with the supporting documentation, listed below. All support documents must be in electronic format and uploaded to be sent with the application.

The 2 reference letters, which should be emailed directly from Referees to admissions at ma@elgs.eu.

A successful application must include:

  • A completed online Application Form in English (please refer to the degree Admission tab for full details)
  • Uploaded scanned Passport or ID with photo
  • Uploaded scanned most recent Undergraduate degree 
  • Uploaded Certificate of Proficiency in English
    (if a non-native speaker, scanned and uploaded TOEFL 83, Cambridge Proficiency grade C, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 90 or equivalent)
  • Personal Statement (400 words) -  with Scholarship request if applicable
  • Two (2) Reference Letters contacts: one compulsory and one optional (to be sent directly from Referee to relevant program email)
  • Registration fee proof of payment (non-refundable)

Deadlines

Online applications for this program are now closed. For help, please contact info@elgs.eu.

Tuition and Aid

Tuition for both EU and International students for the MA in Governance program is 13,000 euros .

Please be advised that there are other direct and indirect costs related to attendance, in addition to tuition fees, such as books, supplies, accommodation and living expenses which must be taken into consideration by students when applying.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for a select number of students and take into consideration merit. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, the appropriate box should be selected on the application form and a 400-600 word personal statement must be submitted, outlining the ways in which you satisfy the criteria. For more information on Scholarships please visit the relevant page under Admissions tab.

AN AGENCY OF THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC LAW ORGANIZATION

A University backed by an international organization.

The ELGU is a university founded and operated by an international organization. Learn from practitioners, scholars, and experts who shape public life.

14 Member States
81 Universities

Permanent Observer at the UN General Assembly