Box: Master of Public Policy at the Central European University

The Central European University is launching a new master’s degree in public policy (MPP), subject to funding, starting in September 2004. The aim is to train a new generation of policymakers, whether from national governments, local authorities, international institutions, or the private sector. As one of the first English-language master’s programs in public policy in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the MPP is unique in its combination of academic excellence with policy relevance. It

• Is a graduate program that is developed within and for CEE countries and is tailored to the needs and concerns of transition and post-transition countries

• Capitalizes on and consolidates the rich scholarly tradition developed at the Central European University for the benefit of informed policy development

• Provides participants with the skills they need for a critical understanding of national, regional, and global policy issues

• Offers an invaluable opportunity for students and professionals to advance their careers in policymaking, whether in CEE countries or elsewhere.

The program will offer core and elective subjects based on different disciplinary traditions and insights, including political science, economics, legal studies, and sociology. Core courses will focus on policy analysis, public sector management, governance, and public service. A large number of elective courses will also be offered dealing with such subjects as communication and advocacy, social policy, education policy, economics and financial management, corporate governance, and policymaking in the EU.

The program will be taught by international faculty from the university and by visiting professors and leading practitioners from the region and beyond. The MPP will be based at the university’s Center for Policy Studies, an academic unit dedicated to making the links between research and policy better known and understood.

Duration: September 2004-September 2005, followed by a three-month internship with a suitable organization. In the case of relevant work experience, students may be exempted from the internship component of the course.

Requirements: BA or equivalent from a recognized university and proficiency in English. Candidates with an MA and relevant work experience are preferred.

Financial support: A number of scholarships will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Application deadline: January 5, 2004.

Further information: Central European University, Center for Policy Studies, 1051 Budapest, Nádor u. 11, Hungary; tel. 361-327-3118; email: cps@ceu.hu: URL: http://www.ceu.hu/prospective_students.html or http://www.ceu. hu/cps/tea/tea_open.htm.