This program is offered at ELGS Athens and ELGS Rome campuses.
In your application, you will be asked to select the campus of your preference. All ELGS academic programs will be conducted ON PREMISE unless there is a strong limitation for in situ presence. Online attendance is allowed under specific conditions.
The Program
This one-year taught degree program offers students an in-depth look at key issues of Governance and enables students to choose from a variety of elective courses addressing the most pressing themes being discussed throughout Europe.
The MA in Governance is a rigorous academic program combining a strong politics and governance core with a variety of choices including international relations, economics and public policy. Migration, terrorism, climate change, economic stability, and international crime – these are all examples of social challenges that local, national and international organizations in the public sector are facing and trying to manage. It is a curriculum aiming to prepare students for the more complex and interrelated world. No country or company is «an island» these days – they are all affected by political, societal, and economic trends, national and international policies, and governmental and non-governmental actors. The program equips students with a broad knowledge basis to prepare them for a future not just in the government or party politics, but also as knowledgeable and able actors in international organizations, the third sector or even the private sector. We offer a unique opportunity to study public policy and governance in the context of a political science and international relations program. This setting strengthens the link between policy problems and ongoing social and political developments and the courses will enable you to analyze social challenges from different perspectives and understand the different roles, perceptions and interests of relevant actors.
To whom it is addressed
It is ideal for students with first degrees in the political and/or legal sciences who desire or require in-depth knowledge in key themes related to governance, with a special focus on the EU, for their professional advancement.
Students should note that this program can be a first step toward a research degree in the field of governance studies, specifically the MPhil or PhD.
Program Benefits
The MA in Governance is supported by the expansive ELGS International Faculty network of over 100 legal and governance scholars and practitioners worldwide, the ELGS’ Partner Universities across Europe and the world, and the EPLO. Importantly, students of the program will be granted access to attend EPLO events on key themes in EU law and governance and to interact with renowned EU leaders and decision-makers. Students graduate with a clear understanding and awareness of the most up-to-date scholarly research and best industry practices, as well as a solid professional network to support them in their careers after the ELGS.
Program Content
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
1. Global Governance and Public Policies
2. International Institutions and Global Governance
3. European Integration Theories and EU Governance
4. Research Methods for Governance Studies: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
5. Public Administration and New Public Management
6. Comparative Politics and Governance
Indicative Elective Modules*
1. EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy
2. Anti-corruption and Ethics
3. 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, 5.5
- Duolingo, 95
- 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
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 Degree title in the deposit description. They can then proceed with their application which can only be conducted online and submit it along with the supporting documentation, listed below.
Students will be asked first to select the campus of preference.
All support documents must be in electronic format and uploaded to be sent with the application, except for the 2 reference letters, which should be emailed directly from Referees to MA admissions at ma@elgs.eu. Students may be invited to be interviewed. Link to the application process here.
At a glance, the application must include:
- Completed online Application Form in English
- Photograph and ID (scanned and uploaded)
- Most Recent Academic Record, Undergraduate Degree (scanned and uploaded)
- Certificate of Proficiency of English: TOEFL 90, Cambridge Proficiency grade B or equivalent (if non-native speaker, scanned and uploaded)
- Personal Statement with Scholarship request if applicable (400-600 words)
- Two Reference Letters: one compulsory and one optional (To be sent directly from Referee to ma@elgs.eu)
- Application fee of 50€ (non-refundable)
Deadline
Applications for Session 2024/2025 are closed. Classes started on October 2024.
Applications for Session 2025/2026 are open for submission until the end of May 2025.
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 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.