Joint Master of Arts in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP)

The Master of Arts in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) is a two-year joint program offered by four top-ranking European universities:  

• Central European University (CEU) in Austria (the coordinating institution), 
• International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (ISS) in the Netherlands, 
• University of York (UoY) in the United Kingdom, and 
• Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) in Spain, an interuniversity institute that designs and delivers Mundus MAPP on behalf of three co-awarding degree institutions in the Barcelona area: the Universitat de Barcelona (UB), the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). 

The program was established in 2007 and operates as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Program, it has been co-funded by the European Union for most of its existence.  

Mundus MAPP blends theoretical studies in public policy with the practical training necessary to understand and address contemporary transnational policy problems. You will explore 21st-century challenges to policymaking and implementation, such as climate change, international terrorism, political risks and financial regulatory failure. The curriculum of the Mundus MAPP program will guide you through a detailed and systematic analysis of how political institutions, processes and public policies operate and interact from the global political economy context through to national and local levels with a direct focus on European engagements. 

You can choose one of the four specialization and mobility tracks, this way tailoring your academic and practical training to your professional aspirations.   

In addition to developing a solid understanding of theories and the methodology of public policy research, you will immerse yourself in the unique experiential learning style offered by the joint Master of Arts in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) degree. You will engage with practitioners in the fields of governance, public administration, economics, sociology and more and become acquainted with the real world of policymaking, collect empirical material for research projects and theses, and build up professional contacts and networks that will facilitate your integration into the international job market. 

With interdisciplinarity and the practical application of conceptual knowledge at the core of the program, you will be to analyze complex problems across diverse settings and to design and implement public policies that work. 

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Public Policy program provides scholarly education and practical training for future academics and policy leaders in the public, private and non-profit sectors. You will gain foundational knowledge of the theories surrounding the discipline or public policy, backed by experience in advanced academic research methods in an interdisciplinary setting. Thanks to the unique blend of conceptual and practical training offered by Mundus MAPP, students are able to situate and critically analyze challenges to contemporary public policy-making to arrive at effective policy recommendations.  

When applying, you have the choice between four specializations and mobility tracks, to gain relevant skills necessary to successfully fulfil different functions across public policymaking and implementation: 

• European Public Policy (EPP) prepares applicants to pursue a career in civil service, think tanks and regulated sectors in the EU or to use the European experience in other national and international contexts. 
• Global Public Policy (GPP) suits applicants seeking a career in international civil service, voluntary organizations or global industries. 
• Governance & Development (GD) is aimed at students planning to contribute to public policy in developing countries through an international organization. 
• Political Economy & Development (PED) is suitable for those looking to work for international organizations, think tanks and NGOs or applicants interested in a research career. 

In contrast to other master’s level programs in public policy, Mundus MAPP puts an emphasis on international and transnational policy issues. While most existing MA programs are empirically focused on the experience of one country, most commonly an OECD country, Mundus MAPP offers a comprehensive study of public policy practice worldwide. As a result, you will become an internationally mobile, globally oriented policy professional with practical experience in assessing complex problems through an interdisciplinary lens. 

The Mobility tracks involving CEU in the first year of Mundus MAPP are: Global Public Policy (GPP) and European Public Policy (EPP). 

The mandatory internship usually takes place at the end of the first year (typically in July and August), but students can complete their internship at any time over the two years of the program if it does not interfere with the coursework and assignments. 

Graduates of the two-year Master of Arts in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP)  are well-prepared for careers in public policy, government, international organizations, nonprofits and the private sector. Thanks to the strong emphasis on practical training and research in an interdisciplinary context, you will be ready to engage with multifaceted challenges to the contemporary practice of policymaking and implementation at regional, national and international levels.   

The program boasts a high student employability rate, with 94% of the Mundus MAPP students finding jobs within 6 months after graduation. 

1. Jointly delivered by four top-ranked European universities: Mundus MAPP gives you the opportunity to study in different countries and benefit from the expertise of internationally renowned faculty at four top-ranking universities. 
2. Explore transnational policy problems: Unlike other master’s level public policy programs, Mundus MAPP emphasizes international and transnational aspects of public policymaking to help you understand and address current policy challenges in a globalized world.  
3. Flexible curriculum to match your aspirations: Tailor your studies to your interests and career goals by choosing from one of four specialization tracks: European Public Policy, Global Public Policy, Governance & Development and Political Economy & Development.   
4. Develop practical skills: The program includes a mandatory internship, as well as opportunities to participate in a study visit, workshops and other hands-on activities to help you apply your knowledge to real-world case studies. 
5. Become part of an international network: Join the ranks of Mundus MAPP alumni from 80 countries and five continents who actively contribute to the field of public policy worldwide.