Overview
Dealing with current issues of governance and government requires a deeper understanding of contemporary policy and governance challenges in different parts of the world. This Master's program covers two major world regions, the European Union and East Asia. Students will learn to analyze how these regions adapt to often disruptive and transformative economic and political changes. The European integration experience, EU decision-making, and key EU policies are analyzed and compared with institutions of regional cooperation in East and Southeast Asia as well as with East Asian approaches to key policy fields such as economic and security issues. Furthermore, contemporary issues of global governance and the roles of both the European Union and China in global governance will be analyzed by students.
This Master's program introduces students to a variety of theoretical perspectives, mainly from political science, and equips them with strong analytical skills. These will be applied to deal with real-life problems through decision-making simulations and policy-oriented case studies. In addition to political science approaches, students will gain a basic understanding of European law.
Our Master's program has a strong focus on practical policy issues. Students will go on field trips to European institutions and complete an internship. All of these features will prepare students for careers in the following areas: regional or national governments in Europe or East Asia, EU institutions or EU-related organizations, interest groups, and private companies or non-profit organizations dealing with topics of European and East Asian governance and policies.
This program's main foci are on European politics, governance, and law. These are then compared to East Asian - in particular Chinese - institutions, governance frameworks, and policies. A special emphasis is laid on comparative and international political economy, security, and environmental issues and policies.
Course organization
The Master's program "European and East Asian Governance" is a two-year, full-time program consisting of 10 modules.
In their first semester, students attend the following three modules: "European Politics and Governance", "East Asian Politics and Governance", and "Research Techniques and Methods".
In the second and third semesters, students attend the following modules: "European / East Asian Political Economy", "Global Governance", "Europe and East Asia in Global Governance", "European Law", "European Decision-Making: Eurosim", and "European Public Policies".
An optional internship module can replace one of the modules in the third semester.
In the fourth semester, students complete the program with their Master's theses.
Types of assessment
Written and oral exams, seminar presentations, written assignments
Students who have successfully participated in the modules receive 10 ECTS per module.
For the Master's thesis, students earn 30 ECTS.
The Master's degree is awarded based on the credit points acquired in the modules and the result of the Master's thesis.
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
- International guest lecturers
- Study Trips
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
- Content-related regional focus
- Training in intercultural skills
Integrated internships
Students can decide to do an internship during the program. The optional internship module can replace one of the modules in the third semester.
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution
Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a social fee ("Semesterbeitrag") of approx. 270 EUR for the first semester and 255 EUR from the second to the fourth semester. This includes a semester ticket covering public transport in Trier and the region of Trier. This fee acts as a contribution that benefits Trier Student Services (Studierendenwerk Trier) and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.
Costs of living
Students should expect expenses of approx. 750-850 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs vary between approx. 240-280 EUR (basic dorm room) and 350-500 EUR (single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3-5 EUR
Academic Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in political science or in the social sciences (with at least 60 credits in political science) with a grade of at least 2.7 (German grading system)
Language requirements
Applicants must prove their language proficiency in English by meeting one of the following criteria (Tests should have been taken within the last three years.):
- TOEFL (TOEFL-code: 9208): Internet-based: at least 80 points, computer-based: at least 215 points, paper-based: at least 550 points
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
- IELTS with at least 6.0 points
- Certificate of a degree from an English-speaking BA program (or equivalent) in an English- or German-speaking country
Proof of the following is considered equivalent to one of the aforementioned tests:
- Native speaker coming from Great Britain, North-Ireland, Ireland, Malta, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand
- Two years of full time study in an English taught program, in an English speaking country like Great Britain, North-Ireland, Ireland, USA, Malta, Australia, New Zealand and undertaken within the past two years
- At least 5 school years of English in secondary education and at least 5 points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)
Application deadline
International applicants (non-EU citizens):
31 May 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21
EU citizens:
15 July 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21
German citizens and applicants holding a German Abitur (Bildungsinländer):
15 September 2020 for the winter semester 2020/21