A new dual career PhD programme at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance

Fifteen participants from fourteen different countries will follow a PhD programme in the field of public policy and good governance for four to five years next to their fulltime job. As far as is known, the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG) of Maastricht University is the first institute within the Netherlands to offer such a unique dual career PhD programme in this specific field. It’s worldwide appeal is evident looking at the list of participants: a colonel of the Swedish Army, BBC correspondent from Poland, a snow expedition leader from Canada, a World Bank employee from Cameroon. The start of the programme will be celebrated on March 22 with a festive drink.

This new PhD programme of the MGSoG is officially called Dual career PhD programme in Governance and Policy Analysis (GPAC²). Within the academic field of Economics and Business Administration it is not common, as it is for example for doctors in the medical world, to specialize in a PhD programme. The first participants of GPAC² come from various backgrounds and vary in age between 25 till 58 years.

Participants will work on their research independently while following advanced training modules and intensive research supporting activities in the field of policy analysis, social protection, risk management and sustainable development. The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance offers an inspiring international and committed learning environment consisting of international knowledge networks, academics and professionals.

Special feature “Writing Camps”At least once a year, a so-called “writing camps” will be organized which brings together junior and senior researchers to work on their research in a secluded and inspiring location. During these camps, fellows of all PhD programmes of the Maastricht School of Governance work on their research in a social setting allowing them to profit from lively discussions with their peers and with experienced visiting scholars.

About the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance
The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, part of Maastricht University, offers students and both national and international organisations the opportunity to develop the specific capacities needed for professionals within the governance theme. Tailor-made programmes prepare specialists to interact with decision making processes in a continuously transforming society. The programmes concentrate on governance viewed from interdisciplinary perspectives, such as public policy, social protection and sustainable development.
Keywords for the School and its programmes are: multidisciplinary, international expertise and a personal approach. With students from approximately 25 nationalities and teaching in English, the School offers students a worldwide setting in which training is provided in small classes with emphasis on teamwork and active participation.

Source: University of Maastricht press release, 19 March 2007