MSc in European Politics and Governance (Distance Learning)

The Program is accredited by the The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA)

The aim of the MSc in European Politics and Governance Programme is to provide a course of advanced study to those who aspire to become effective leaders in European affairs in both the private and public sectors. The programme’s curriculum is designed to explore the essential elements of EU policies and to prepare students for increasingly complex responsibilities in diplomacy, international organizations and the public sector, local government, and research and non-profit organizations. The core curriculum emphasizes both the skills and knowledge required to effectively manage EU affairs and to understand the larger international, European and national settings in which policy is developed and tasks are defined and assessed.

The programme provides up-to-date knowledge in a number of diverse disciplines that make up the field of European Studies such as business/ economics, politics and law. In addition, the Programme equips students with analytical, accountability and leadership skills, enhances their decision-making ability and promotes organisational well-being within the context of a continually changing and competitive European environment.

A fundamental philosophy of the programme is its empirical approach to the study of governance, where the students’ newly acquired knowledge and skills are blended with their professional experience and are applied to real-life cases.

This approach broadens and deepens student understanding of cross-border issues and policy processes, fosters skills of research, analysis, synthesis and creativity and encourages innovation and awareness of the role of competing international actors; finally, it develops awareness of social, cultural, and global issues affecting policy decisions.

• Interdisciplinary and contemporary approach to European Politics

The program combines theory and practice emphasising on current developments in the EU (Brexit, migration, European defense and security, institutional reforms).

• Analysis of European policies and institutions with a focus on decision-making

Delves into the functioning of European institutions and the policy-making process, strengthening students’ analytical and interpretive skills.

• Case studies and applied learning

Uses real examples and corresponding case studies of political crises and European governance to connect the theoretical approach approach with the practice.

• Development of research and policy analysis skills

Students are trained in Political Science and social research methods essential for a professional or academic career.

• Teaching staff with international experience and active research presence

The program is supported by tutors with significant experience in European issues and active participation in research networks.

Additional Advantages:

• The international prestige and recognition of Neapolis University of Pafos.
• Excellent academic staff with strong expertise in the taught subjects.
• International collaborations with many Universities.
• The flexibility of distance learning.
• The use of advanced technology and resources.
• The dynamic choice between synchronous and asynchronous distance education.
• Competitive tuition fees.

During the academic year, for each of the courses, training sessions are held as follows: six (6) two-hour meetings with the lecturer for each course, who is responsible for informing, guiding, advising and evaluating students. These meetings are primarily aimed at the general support of students as well as in the elaboration, deepening and development of all what students are studying. Student’s presence at these meetings is not mandatory. However, the experience so far has shown that the student’s participation in them contributes to a fuller understanding of the subject matter, and in addition, increases the probability of a more positive student performance, both in the midterm assessments, and in the final examinations.

Each course is evaluated through the completion of one midterm assessment which is explicitly mentioned in the study curriculum and the study guides (essays, literature critiques, article manuscript for the university’s student journal etc.) during the semester, and final examinations at the end of the semester in appropriate locations identified in time, according to the geographic distribution of the students. Should a student not attend the examination, or has failed to take a winter or spring semester examination, he or she is entitled to re-sit the examination.

Midterm assessment can take various forms as described earlier like essays, research articles, presentations, literature critiques, book reviews etc, during the semester and corresponds corresponds to 40% of the final grade, while the final exam is 60%. For the student to succeed in a course, he / she must take both on the final grade and the midterm assessment a grade of at least 50%. The interactivity and formative assessment form part of the learning and teaching methodology.

In the third semester students complete their Dissertation which corresponds to 30 ECTS. The length of the thesis depends on the type. In the case of a bibliographic thesis, it cannot be less than 12,000 words and more than 15,000 words. The bibliography, the annexes and the abstract are not included. After submission, the supervisor submits a written and reasoned report, with the student’s consent, to the members of the committee. Support for the thesis is done publicly or via an electronic videoconference before a three-member committee.

The University itself, adheres to its policies based on the admission process and requirements to be accepted as students at the current Masters programme. The university policy on acceptance is clear. Judgment of each filed application takes place irrespective of nationality, race, religion, or gender, provided that they meet the predefined admission criteria of each Programme of study.  The general admission criteria are based on the type and quality of previous studies, the grade obtained in previous studies and the suitability of the candidate for this programme.

A candidate for the MSc in European Politics and Governance must provide:

• the completed relevant application
• officially certified certificates from previous studies
• certificate of knowledge of the English language
• two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from a person who knows the candidate’s academic work
• a report that expresses and justifies its interest in specific postgraduate studies. If the admission criteria are not met (e.g. due to low grades)
• the candidate is required to attend preparatory seminars before or during the course

The University reserves its right to define the electives offered on an academic year basis.

The programme structure may change without prior notice, as a result of quality assurance procedures or/and programme recertification.