Program Overview

Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development

The Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development is a rigorous, fast-paced one-year program that equips students with the skills to design, monitor, and evaluate policy. The program is a unique partnership between the United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University (UM), resulting in two diplomas, one from UM and the other from UNU.

Program Details

• Programme Level: Master's
• Programme Location: Maastricht
• Programme Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Duration of Programme: 1 year
• Intensity: Full-time (10-14 contact hours and 30-40 hours independent study per week)
• Tuition Fees for 2026/27:
  • Statutory fee: €2,695
  • Institutional fee: €21,500

Application Deadlines

• Non-EU/EEA Applicants: 1 May 2026
• EU Applicants: 1 June 2026

Scholarship

• One MPP Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding non-EU applicant, covering the full institutional tuition fee (€21,500).

Student Profile

• The program attracts students with various academic backgrounds and ages, ranging from recently graduated bachelor's students to mid-career professionals.

Learning Method

• The program utilizes Problem-Based Learning, an innovative and active way of learning that improves knowledge retention and encourages critical thinking.

Specialisation Options

• Social Protection Policy: An interdisciplinary and in-depth examination of social protection policies, frameworks, systems, and interventions.
• Migration Studies: Introduction to the essential components of migration studies.
• Governance of Innovation: Understanding the impact and governance of new technologies.
• Global Governance for Development: Analytical knowledge and skills to participate in the global governance of developmental policies.

Employability Track

The program includes a year-long Employability Track that helps students develop their personal, academic, and professional plans through workshops and mentoring sessions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have found positions at public and private institutions, including international, regional, national, and local governments, ministries, pension funds, market authorities, NGOs, international organisations, academia, and consultancies.

Admission Requirements

For more information about program details, admission requirements, and how to apply, please note the following:

• Students with a UM Bachelor's programme in Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, or Global Studies meet the admission requirements.
• Except for a copy of a valid passport, no other documents need to be uploaded via the application portal.