Academic Year 2025-2026
Why follow the Politics and Governance study track?
Students can diversify their studies of transatlantic affairs with a course programme offering indepth study of the EU’s institutions, governance structure, and policy areas, both internal and external. This provides advantages to students desiring to work in EU and transatlantic affairs in the future by providing a comprehensive knowledge of the EU’s policy priorities and complex institutional operations.
“The MATA degree, with its academics, professional experience and even the experience on both sides of the Atlantic, provided me with some of the keys to pursue and actively engage in a successful career in transatlantic trade and economic affairs. I can hardly wait.”
Cecilia Perez Weigel, MATA-POL student, class of 2023
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 1 in Bruges |
MATA-POL students take 4 courses (15 ECTS)
Students can also select from voluntary workshops in professional development (no ECTS)
Additional milestones:
|
MATA compulsory course:
US-EU Relations in the 21st Century: Multidisciplinary Analysis of Transatlantic Affairs (D. SKIADAS & I. LESSER, 5 ECTS, 27h)
POL compulsory courses
The Political Economy of European Integration: Single Currency, Single Market (M. CHANG, 4 ECTS, 20h)
Governance, Politics and Policy-Making of the EU (M. KAEDING, 5 ECTS, 25h)
Public Integrity and Ethics in the EU (A. ALEMANNO, 1 ECTS, 8h)
or
Rise of Populism, Political Polarization and Fragmentation Across Europe (C. DE VRIES, 1 ECTS, 8h)
SELECT 1 POL optional courses, EU Institutions, Bodies and Administration (4 ECTS, 25h)
The Role of EU Agencies as Policy Entrepreneurs in Decentralizing EU Governance (M. KAEDING)
The European Parliament in the EU's Political System (W. LLEHMANN & A. RIPOLL SERVENT)
The Council of the EU - Inside the EU's Negotiation Machine (U. PUETTER)
The Court of Justice of the European Union as a Policy Actor (F. TERPAN)
La Commission européenne en pers/pros-pective : Métiers, Mutations, Réformes (M. SZAPIRO)
The European Council: A Real World Analysis of the Leaders' Institution through Practical Exercises and Insider Insights (W. WESSELS & L. SCHRAMM)
Workshops in professional development (no ECTS, 6h)
Working with and within Think Tanks (C. ALCIDI)
How to Brief a European Decision-Maker: Strategic Political Communication in the EU Institutions (H. BANNER & D. SCHÄFER)
Rule of law in the EU: tools and challenges (R. COMAN)
Mieux légiférer et l'avenir de la législation et de la politique réglementaires de l'UE (D. HERBERT)
From EU budget to Action: A Practical Approach to EU Project Management (S. HOREL)
Deciphering delegated and implementing acts: practical insights and tools (V. MARISSEN)
Public Writing on EU Policy (M. MULLER)
NATO’s Future and NATO-EU Relations: Building Bridges across Brussels (A. PAPAIOANNOU)
EU Lobbying: Demystifying the Reality – Demonstrating the Democratic Necessity (R. PATTEN)
Assistants parlementaires et collaborateurs d’élus (F. SAINT MARTIN)
Understanding the Impact of Political Risks and Megatrends on the Future of Europe (I. TOYGUR)
Online Communications in EU Policy-Making (J. WORTH)
Some workshops may take place during the second semester.
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 2 in Bruges |
During their second semester, MATA-POL students take 7 courses (27 ECTS):
Students can also select from voluntary workshops in professional development (no ECTS)
Additional milestones:
|
MATA compulsory courses
US-EU Relations in the 21st Century: Transatlantic Project (B. BERTI & M. KOPLOVSKY, 5 ECTS, 20h)
Southern Atlanticism: Rethinking Mental Maps of Transatlantic Relations (I. LESSER, no ECTS, 8h)
POL compulsory courses
The Political Economy of European Integration: Trade (M. CHANG, 2 ECTS, 10h)
Negotiation and Decision-Making in the EU: A Simulation Game (C. HERMANIN, A. RIBO LABASTIDA & P. SETTEMBRI, 8 ECTS, 50h)
Select 3: Optional courses (4 ECTS, 25h)
EU internal policies
Managing Migration in Europe: Taking Stock of the Legal Tools, Best Practices and Practical Challenges in the Field of Migration and Asylum (H. BEIRENS)
Le marché intérieur face aux défis du 21éme siècle : libre échange, compétitivité et protection face à la montée des replis nationaux (R. MUNOZ & E. BERDNARD)
The Green Deal – Unpacking the EU´s Energy and Climate Policies (D. BUSCHLE)
Financing the EU’s Geopolitical Ambitions and Economic Transformations: EU Fiscal, Financial, and Monetary Policies (M. CHANG & G. GLÖCKLER)
The EU and the fight against social inequality (A. CRESPY)
Governing the green transition: EU environment and climate policy’ (T. DELREUX)
Foresight, Industrial Strategy, and Digital Policies: A New ‘Consistent Trio’ in the EU (D. LORENZANI)
Les politiques numériques dans l’Union européenne (E. PETERS & T. KLEINER)
European Governance
Interest Representation in the EU (D. COEN & A. KATSAITIS)
Politics, People and Power: Personalities and European Integration (D. HODSON & M. WESTLAKE)
EU Governance and Small States: Strategies, Challenges, Opportunities (A. HÖGENAUER & M. MIšIK)
A Union of Equality: Theory versus Practice (Z. LEFKOFRIDI)
Differentiated European Integration: Patterns, Causes, and Institutional Design (F. SCHIMMELFENNIG)
Les finances publiques de l’Union européenne (A. VITREY de GARDEBOSC)
EU and the Member States
Beyond Borders: EU Enlargement and Europe’s Geopolitical Turn (V. ANGHEL & E. JONES)
Mettre en œuvre les priorités nationales et européennes sur le terrain : perspectives comparées sur les administrations publiques nationales, régionales, méso-locales et locales au sein de l’UE (J. EYMERI-DOUZANS)
Member states and the EU: politics, policy and administration in a multi-level system (H. KASSIM)
Les opinions et attitudes des citoyens et citoyennes et de la société civile dans l'UE : une approche comparative (V. VAN INGELGOM)
L’Europe et le monde / Europe and the World
EU Foreign Policy: Context and Priorities (G. GREVI)
Shifting Global Order: The EU’s Foreign Policy, Security and Defence Responses (S. GÜRKAN & A. WESTON)
L'Europe géopolitique : Gouverner la sécurité et les marchés (C. HOEFFLER)
L’UE et son voisinage vers une « association politique plus étroite » et une « intégration économique plus approfondie » ? (E. LANNON)
Workshops in professional development (no ECTS, 6h)
Working with and within Think Tanks (C. ALCIDI)
How to Brief a European Decision-Maker: Strategic Political Communication in the EU Institutions (H. BANNER & D. SCHÄFER)
Rule of law in the EU: tools and challenges (R. COMAN)
Mieux légiférer et l'avenir de la législation et de la politique réglementaires de l'UE (D. HERBERT)
From EU budget to Action: A Practical Approach to EU Project Management (S. HOREL)
Deciphering delegated and implementing acts: practical insights and tools (V. MARISSEN)
Public Writing on EU Policy (M. MULLER)
NATO’s Future and NATO-EU Relations: Building Bridges across Brussels (A. PAPAIOANNOU)
EU Lobbying: Demystifying the Reality – Demonstrating the Democratic Necessity (R. PATTEN)
Assistants parlementaires et collaborateurs d’élus (F. SAINT MARTIN)
Understanding the Impact of Political Risks and Megatrends on the Future of Europe (I. TOYGUR)
Online Communications in EU Policy-Making (J. WORTH)
Some workshops may take place during the first semester.
MATA-POL students have 3 options:
Additional milestones:
|
Option 1: POL Study Track Year 2
Semester 3: High-level internship (25 ECTS)
Semester 4: 4 courses (24 ECTS) at The Fletcher School with the possibility of cross-registration and the substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University
At least one course from each of the three divisions (‘breadth requirement’):
International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
Economics and International Business (EIB)
Thesis submission (25 ECTS) in late March and defence in April.
Option 2: POL Study Track Year 2
Semester 3: 4 courses (24 ECTS) at The Fletcher School with the possibility of cross-registration and the substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University
At least one course from each of the three divisions (‘breadth requirement’):
International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
Economics and International Business (EIB)
Semester 4: High-level internship (25 ECTS)
Thesis submission (25 ECTS) in late March and defence in April.
Option 3: POL Study Track Year 2
Semester 3: 4 courses (24 ECTS) at The Fletcher School with the possibility of cross-registration and the substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University plus 1 module (1.5 ECTS)
At least one course from each of the three divisions (‘breadth requirement’):
International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
Economics and International Business (EIB)
Semester 4: 4 courses (24 ECTS) at The Fletcher School with the possibility of cross-registration and the substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University
Thesis submission (25 ECTS) in late March and defence in April.
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 1 at the Fletcher School |
MATA-POL students take 4 courses (23 ECTS)
Additional milestones:
|
MATA compulsory course:
US-EU Relations in the 21st Century: Multidisciplinary Analysis of Transatlantic Affairs (D. SKIADAS & I. LESSER, 5 ECTS, 27h)
3 Fletcher courses, with at least one course from each of the three divisions (‘breadth requirement’):
International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
Economics and International Business (EIB)
Cross-registration and substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University possible.
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 2 at the Fletcher School |
MATA-POL students take 5 courses (29 ECTS):
Additional milestones:
|
MATA compulsory courses
US-EU Relations in the 21st Century: Transatlantic Project (B. BERTI & M. KOPLOVSKY, 5 ECTS, 20h)
4 Fletcher courses (24 ECTS), with at least one course from each of the three divisions (‘breadth requirement’):
International Law and Organizations (ILO)
Diplomacy, History and Politics (DHP)
Economics and International Business (EIB)
Cross-registration and substitution of 1 course from Tufts University or Harvard University possible.
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 3 |
MATA-POL students undertake a high-level internship (25 ECTS)
Additional milestones:
|
MATA-POL STUDY TRACK SEMESTER 4 in Bruges |
During their second semester, MATA-POL students take 5 courses (18 ECTS):
plus
Students can also select from workshops in professional development (no ECTS)
Additional milestones:
|
MATA compulsory courses
Southern Atlanticism: Rethinking Mental Maps of Transatlantic Relations (I. LESSER, no ECTS, 8h)
POL compulsory courses
The Political Economy of European Integration: Trade (M. CHANG, 2 ECTS, 10h)
Negotiation and Decision-Making in the EU: A Simulation Game (C. HERMANIN, A. RIBO LABASTIDA & P. SETTEMBRI, 8 ECTS, 50h)
Select 2: Optional courses (4 ECTS, 25h)
EU internal policies
Managing Migration in Europe: Taking Stock of the Legal Tools, Best Practices and Practical Challenges in the Field of Migration and Asylum (H. BEIRENS)
Le marché intérieur face aux défis du 21éme siècle : libre échange, compétitivité et protection face à la montée des replis nationaux (R. MUNOZ & E. BERNARD)
The Green Deal – Unpacking the EU´s Energy and Climate Policies (D. BUSCHLE)
Financing the EU’s Geopolitical Ambitions and Economic Transformations: EU Fiscal, Financial, and Monetary Policies (M. CHANG & G. GLÖCKLER)
The EU and the fight against social inequality (A. CRESPY)
Governing the green transition: EU environment and climate policy’ (T. DELREUX)
Foresight, Industrial Strategy, and Digital Policies: A New ‘Consistent Trio’ in the EU (D. LORENZANI)
Les politiques numériques dans l’Union européenne (E. PETERS & T. KLEINER)
European Governance
Interest Representation in the EU (D. COEN & A. KATSAITIS)
Politics, People and Power: Personalities and European Integration (D. HODSON & M. WESTLAKE)
EU Governance and Small States: Strategies, Challenges, Opportunities (A. HÖGENAUER & M. MIšIK)
A Union of Equality: Theory versus Practice (Z. LEFKOFRIDI)
Differentiated European Integration: Patterns, Causes, and Institutional Design (F. SCHIMMELFENNIG)
Les finances publiques de l’Union européenne (A. VITREY de GARDEBOSC)
EU and the Member States
Beyond Borders: EU Enlargement and Europe’s Geopolitical Turn (V. ANGHEL & E. JONES)
Mettre en œuvre les priorités nationales et européennes sur le terrain : perspectives comparées sur les administrations publiques nationales, régionales, méso-locales et locales au sein de l’UE (J. EYMERI-DOUZANS)
Member states and the EU: politics, policy and administration in a multi-level system (H. KASSIM)
Les opinions et attitudes des citoyens et citoyennes et de la société civile dans l'UE : une approche comparative (V. VAN INGELGOM)
L’Europe et le monde / Europe and the World
EU Foreign Policy: Context and Priorities (G. GREVI)
Shifting Global Order: The EU’s Foreign Policy, Security and Defence Responses (S. GÜRKAN & A. WESTON)
L'Europe géopolitique : Gouverner la sécurité et les marchés (C. HOEFFLER)
L’UE et son voisinage vers une « association politique plus étroite » et une « intégration économique plus approfondie » ? (E. LANNON)
Workshops in professional development (no ECTS, 6h)
Working with and within Think Tanks (C. ALCIDI)
How to Brief a European Decision-Maker: Strategic Political Communication in the EU Institutions (H. BANNER & D. SCHÄFER)
Rule of law in the EU: tools and challenges (R. COMAN)
Mieux légiférer et l'avenir de la législation et de la politique réglementaires de l'UE (D. HERBERT)
From EU budget to Action: A Practical Approach to EU Project Management (S. HOREL)
Deciphering delegated and implementing acts: practical insights and tools (V. MARISSEN)
Public Writing on EU Policy (M. MULLER)
NATO’s Future and NATO-EU Relations: Building Bridges across Brussels (A. PAPAIOANNOU)
EU Lobbying: Demystifying the Reality – Demonstrating the Democratic Necessity (R. PATTEN)
Assistants parlementaires et collaborateurs d’élus (F. SAINT MARTIN)
Understanding the Impact of Political Risks and Megatrends on the Future of Europe (I. TOYGUR)
Online Communications in EU Policy-Making (J. WORTH)
Some workshops may take place during the first semester.
Thesis submission (25 ECTS) in late March and defence in April
The Digital Transformation Nest of the College of Europe in Natolin was pleased to organise a discussion on " China's Digital Strategy and the EU" with Ms Paulina UZNANSKA.