Master of Arts in European and East Asian Governance

This programme helps students develop a deep understanding of contemporary governance challenges by focusing on two pivotal world regions: the European Union and East Asia. You will study how each region responds to disruptive economic and political change, exploring European integration, EU decision-making and policy, alongside institutions of regional cooperation and policy approaches in East and South‑East Asia—with particular attention to China. The curriculum also examines roles played by the EU and China within broader global governance debates.

Training combines political science theory with applied analytical practice: students learn multiple theoretical perspectives and sharpen quantitative and qualitative skills through decision‑making simulations and policy‑focused case studies. The programme includes an introduction to European law and places strong emphasis on comparative and international political economy as well as security policy.

Practical learning is built into the programme through field trips to European institutions and the option to complete an internship, giving first‑hand exposure to policymaking environments. Graduates are prepared for careers in national or regional governments (in Europe or East Asia), EU institutions and related organisations, interest groups, private-sector firms, or non‑profits working on European and East Asian governance issues.

Key facts and features

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts
• Academic field: Political Science
• Language of instruction: English
• Regional focus: European Union and East Asia (including East and South‑East Asia, with emphasis on China)
• Core topics: European integration, EU decision‑making and policies; regional cooperation in East Asia; economic and security policy; global governance
• Methods and skills: political science theories, analytical skills, decision‑making simulations, policy case studies; basic training in European law
• Practical components: field trips to European institutions; option to undertake an internship
• Typical career pathways: roles in regional/national governments, EU institutions, interest groups, private companies, and non‑profit organisations dealing with EU–East Asia governance and policy

Curriculum overview

This full-time, two-year Master's programme is built around 10 modules designed to give a focused, comparative understanding of governance in Europe and East Asia. Seven core modules form the backbone of the degree, while the remaining three credits are completed through elective choices that allow you to tailor the programme toward policy, law, economy, technology, or practical experience. The programme culminates in a Master's thesis that integrates research and substantive knowledge acquired during the course.

Key modules and learning outcomes

Core modules include European Politics and Governance; East Asian Politics and Governance; European Law; Global Governance; Europe and East Asia in Global Governance; Research Techniques and Methods; and the Master's thesis. Together these provide:

• comparative knowledge of political systems and governance processes in Europe and East Asia;
• applied research skills and methodological competence for designing and conducting empirical projects;
• familiarity with legal and institutional frameworks shaping European governance;
• conceptual and analytical tools for understanding transregional interactions and global governance challenges;
• experience in producing an independent, research-based Master's thesis.

Electives let you deepen specific interests. Choices include European and East Asian Political Economy, Digital China, European Public Policy, EU Decision‑Making: EuroSim (a module focused on EU decision-making processes, often taught through simulations), or an internship option for hands-on professional experience. A recommended study plan sequences these modules across the two years to balance core training, electives, and time for thesis research.

Requirements (at-a-glance)

• Mode: full-time
• Duration: 2 years
• Total modules: 10
• Compulsory modules (7):
  • European Politics and Governance
  • Research Techniques and Methods
  • East Asian Politics and Governance
  • European Law
  • Europe and East Asia in Global Governance
  • Global Governance
  • Master's thesis
• Electives (choose 3 from 5):
  • European and East Asian Political Economy
  • Digital China
  • European Public Policy
  • EU Decision‑Making: EuroSim
  • Internship
• Note: A recommended study plan is provided to help sequence core modules, electives, and thesis work across the two-year programme.

Graduates are prepared for policy-oriented careers in national or regional governments in Europe and East Asia, EU institutions and EU-related organisations, interest groups, think tanks, NGOs, and private sector firms working on European–East Asian relations or international governance. The programme’s emphasis on comparative analysis, research methods, legal basics and practical simulations equips students with analytical and decision-making skills valued in policy analysis, consultancy, diplomacy and international organisations.

Alumni may also pursue further academic research (e.g. PhD) in political science, international relations or related fields, building on the programme’s methodological training and thesis work.