The Master of European Studies is a one year postgraduate program. It was founded in 1998 in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft, with the objective of meeting the increasing demand for competent junior staff with specialist knowledge in EU related issues.

Founded upon the highest methodological and teaching standards, the program is designed for students who plan to enter positions in EU institutions, other international organizations, national administration, non-governmental organizations or national/multinational companies. The English taught program is open to young graduates from all over the world. Every year ZEI welcomes students from up to 18 different nations.

The faculty includes experts from up to ten European countries with an excellent academic reputation and proven teaching experience. The program is focused on the individual – both intellectually and with regard to social skills. The small Class of up to 32 students per year allows for  comprehensive individual support, and also allows for a close student network .

Anchored in a twin-track framework, optimally combining theoretical and practical elements, the academic year of ZEI’s MES is built on the following three complementary units:

Basic and Specialized Modules, to acquire theoretical knowledge on EU matters
Europe Dialogues, to get an insight into job opportunities
Career Development Program, to develop presentational and management skills

European Court of Justice, Luxembourg

ZEI has developed this unique training concept in order to help students improve their expertise and management skills. These three training dimensions allow them to gain expertise in EU matters, develop their social skills, and start establishing a personal network. The mastery of these aptitudes undoubtedly raises the appeal of MES fellows to future employers.

After successful completion of all program elements the Philosophische Fakultät (Faculty of Arts) of Bonn University bestows upon the students the degree of “Master of European Studies”.

MES was re-accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) in November 2007. FIBAA rated the program with the highest scores, most notably in the following fields: very international, outstanding faculty, excellent combination of theoretical and practical elements in the curriculum, professional social and management skills training, strong practical approach.