Student Profiles

Kate Foster

Graduated 2011

After completing an undergraduate degree in European Studies, I decided I wanted to specialise further in EU politics and this course was a natural choice.

The modules I followed in the first term built on what I had studied before, introducing EU policy and law in greater detail as well as analysing the integration process and policy from a theoretical viewpoint. But like many other students who take the course, the main attraction for me was the six-month placement in Brussels. It enables students to apply their theoretical knowledge and see first-hand the legislative processes of the EU in action, as well as providing them with the opportunity to develop professionally.

During my placement I had the opportunity to attend meetings and conferences on behalf of my organisation and to assist with a number of projects – it was sometimes challenging and demanding, but always interesting! Overall I really enjoyed the course and I would thoroughly recommend it to future students.

Jonathan Hewitt

Graduated 2007

I chose the MA in European Institutions and Policy Making because I was interested in doing a course involving European Law and Politics and the placement module of this course made it stand out, as well as this, having studied a language at undergraduate level I was keen to more time aboard and learn another language.

The taught modules of the course have given me a comprehensive understanding of the history, structures and workings of the EU and the assessment essays allowed me to research further those areas of most interest to me. The multidisciplinary nature of the course is of great benefit and has allowed me to look at the Union 's activities from a number of angles, leading to a better understanding of it and its procedures.

The placement element of the course has given me insight into the workings of the institutions, but also the complexities and reality of processes which academic study cannot easily provide as well as firsthand experience of regional representation, participation and lobbying in the EU. And of course it has given me the opportunity to work and live abroad enjoying the elements of other cultures and languages.

The programme provides a broad understanding of the EU while also allowing for in depth study of elements of interest. The work placement allows the student to fully understand and get involved in the realities the EU as well as a foot in the door of the world of lobbying in Brussels.

Paul Hutchison

Graduated 2009

As a keen linguist with an interest in Europe and European politics, I was instantly attracted to this specialised course. This was mainly due to the opportunity to spend 6 months on a practical, full-time EU-related placement in Brussels . The MA provides both an academic and a practical grounding in the workings of the European Union. I therefore learnt a great deal about the real ins and outs of EU politics and policy-making during the three stages of the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the course - especially the hands-on experience in Brussels . Moreover, I am confident that the MA will serve me well in my future career.

Bella Koury

Graduated 2010

This was a very interesting course, which has learned me a lot about the workings of the European Union. The added value of the course is the placement in Brussels, which makes you experience the European system.

After three months of theoretically studying the EU, the six months placements makes you put that knowledge into practise. The course provides the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, and if you play it right, you may even find your way to meeting very 'important' people as well.

Ross Rattray

Graduated 2007

The MA in European Institutions and Policy-Making provided me with the academic knowledge and professional experience which have both proved instrumental in helping me secure subsequent employment. I had already completed a BA in French and Geography at Lancaster so was sure that Lancaster University and the Department for European Languages and Cultures could provide me with all the facilities and student requirements that I expect from a highly regarded university.

The academic modules I opted to take in the first term were EU Law, EU Politics and Foreign Policy and The Politics of International Organisations. The inter-disciplinary nature of the studied modules and the availability of and interaction with relevant staff made studying and researching during the whole Masters programme a particularly rewarding process.

Then, for six months, my placement at the Lancashire County Council Brussels Office as the Assistant European Liaison Officer exposed me to the political processes at the heart of the European Union. It also gave me the opportunity to appreciate the impact that the EU can have on local authorities as well as the broader aspects of how local authorities operate, particularly in relation to European policies and initiatives. Professionally, I also contributed to the outputs of the office and had real positions of responsibility given to me. Throughout the placement I was also well-placed to perform research for my dissertation, while at the same time being supported by approachable staff back in Lancaster .

Following the Masters, I was successful in completing a traineeship at the European Commission and have now secured a permanent project management role in a multinational organisation. I am confident that my participation in this unique Masters programme has greatly improved my career prospects and would be a truly invaluable experience for anyone interested in European politics.

Grete Smith

Graduated 2010

Choosing the MA degree course in European Institutions and Policy Making at Lancaster University was the natural continuation after an undergraduate degree in Politics and Education. This MA course delivered everything it promised: a diverse mix of subjects in the taught segment of the course which covered European institutions and policy making, sociological perspectives on the EU and the EU legislative process. The variety of subjects covered throughout the first term at Lancaster formed an excellent basis for the following step of the MA course, the 6 months placement with an organisation in Brussels.

I believe that the practical segment of the MA course in European Institutions and Policy Making, namely, the 6 months placement within a Brussels based organisation, sets it apart from many other similar courses. Indeed, having the opportunity to witness the European policy making process and to work under the guidance of experienced and impeccable professionals at the Lancashire Brussels Office was an invaluable experience for me. The practical experience of the work placement at the Lancashire Brussels Office added a further dimension to the knowledge acquired throughout the taught segment of the course. Alongside the rich professional experience provided by the Brussels placement component of this course, the experience of being immersed in a different European culture for 6 months was of equal importance and value for me.

While attending this course, students were encouraged to attend different academic events such as conferences, seminars and workshops in the UK and abroad which further contributed to a well-rounded Masters level degree, by exposing students to a different set of challenges and opportunities.

Adina Timofei

Graduated 2008

The reason I chose to study the MA in European Institutions and Policy-Making at Lancaster was the extraordinary opportunity it offered to spend 6 months working as an intern in Brussels. After a bachelor degree that provided me with general theoretical knowledge, a work placement in my field of study was a chance I could not possibly miss. I am currently in Brussels and I can say that this is indeed how any programme in EU studies should be like. The working environment here is great and after only one month I feel that I have gained invaluable skills and experience for my future career. The thing that I appreciate the most is that I am constantly being treated like a full time employee, working on my own project and assuming full responsibility for the actions I'm taking or the solutions I'm suggesting.

This master, however, is not only about the placement and the internship is definitely not its only strong point. The courses offered me a valuable insight in all the main aspects of current EU policy-making. This was achieved through intense group discussions instead of monotonous lectures, in a way that I could literally feel the progress I was making. The student-teacher relationship is amazing at Lancaster, the student is always in the centre and the study atmosphere is extremely friendly. Studying at Lancaster was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made and I strongly recommend this MA to any student in search of a complete and valuable formation in the field of EU policy-making.