After successfully completing his/her studies the graduate is able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of relevant theories of governance and complex understanding of the multilevel governance concept, mainly in terms of a model describing the complex reality of contemporary EU political processes
• use comparative methods in social-sciences research; students will also study the most important works that use the comparative method
• demonstrate knowledge of the development of the EU with the focus on common currency, widening and deepening integration, the logic behind the European integration, and show ability to formulate opinions regarding the current issues of the EU
• understand the basic principles of the EU law and of the concept of “legal integration”, the main judgements of the European Court of Justice, and the functioning of the European Court for Human Rights and its judgements
• understand the position of Europe in the global economy and its perspectives, explain the impact of the EU economic policies, and formulate reasoned recommendations based on available data

The unique combination of expertise within the participating Universities offers an opportunity for a challenging international Master's degree programme. It provides students with a sound academic training that prepares them for professional positions in a range of organisations:

Local, regional and national governments, which increasingly work within a European context.

The EU institutions, such as the European Commission and EU agencies.

Other international organisations working in Europe.

Non-profit organisations that are confronted with issues of European governance.

Firms whose regulatory environment is largely shaped by processes of European governance.

Consultancy firms.

Programme graduates typically acquire academic-level jobs in private organisations or public organisations in positions such as policy adviser, consultant, or manager or researcher at research and consultancy firms.

The Master's degree programme in European Governance consists of four semesters. The coursework is divided among three semesters and is composed of required and elective courses. The last semester is devoted to internships and writing of the Master's thesis.

The students must complete all required courses (all worth 108 credits) and earn at least 12 credits for the completion of selective courses. The study programme is the double-degree programme designed for a limited number of students (maximum of 30 people).The language of instruction is English.

In the fourth semester, a whole-semester research internship takes place. The internship is realised in any organisation that deals with the European governance issues or works in the context of the EU. At the same time, the students work on their Master's theses which usually incorporate the knowledge obtained during the internships. The internship is selected according to the preferences of individual students who are assisted by Utrecht University and Masaryk University.

The programme is completed with the final state examination which consists of the defence of the Master's thesis (a presentation of the outcomes of research followed by discussion on the thesis) and an oral examination that covers all required courses of the Master's degree programme. The oral examination deals especially with two topics: multilevel governance in Europe and political, legal, and economic regulation. The examination committee is composed of both Utrecht University and Masaryk University teachers. The defence and the final oral examination will take place at the end of the fourth semester.

After completion of the Master's studies students can continue further studies in any post-graduate study programme in the field of Political Science or International Relations. At the Faculty of Social Studies of Masaryk University students can apply for admission to post-graduate programmes in European Studies, International Relations, and Political Science.