COURSE CURRICULUM

The one-year Master of Public Administration with a specialisation in International and European Governance (IEG) at Leiden University equips students with in-depth knowledge of the structures, processes, and challenges of multi-level governance. The program focuses on how international, European, and national governance systems interact, exploring issues such as decision-making in multi-level systems, the transfer of sovereignty and policies to international organisations, and the effects of supranational policies on the capacity of national governments to address domestic problems.The curriculum builds on two core courses taken by all MPA students—Public Institutions and Public Policy & Values—which provide a solid foundation in cutting-edge research in public administration. These are followed by four specialisation-specific courses: Architectures of International and European Governance, Global Challenges and Public Policies, Management in International Administrations, and Decision-Making in Multi-Level Governance Systems. Students also select one elective course and complete practical Research Design and Research Methods courses in preparation for their master’s thesis in the final study block. Courses are offered across two semesters, September to January and February to June, providing a structured yet flexible learning pathway.Teaching methods combine lectures with interactive, small-scale working groups, encouraging active participation, discussion, and practical application of knowledge. Students engage with real-world governance challenges, analyse case studies, and develop skills in policy evaluation, strategic management, and decision-making in complex governance contexts.Graduates of the IEG specialisation are well-prepared for careers in international organisations, European institutions, national or regional governments, consultancy, research, and policy analysis. They acquire the ability to navigate multi-level governance structures, assess the impact of global and EU policies on domestic decision-making, and contribute to designing effective solutions to cross-border societal challenges.