Testimonials
I have learned that in many organisations, people with specific EU knowledge are needed – even at the regional level.
- Previous education
- Political Science - Radboud University
- Programme
- European Union Politics and Governance
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the programme/specialisation and why? How has the programme/specialisation challenged you (in relation to your previous education)?
What I like about this Master’s programme is that it covers many different facets of European Union politics: from the executive order to lobbying and EU foreign affairs. As this is a new specialisation, the courses are built upon the most recent academic literature. Compared to the Bachelor's degree in Political Science, most of the subjects in this Master's programme are more tangible and less abstract. Additionally, guest speakers and a trip to Brussels provide more practical experience and understanding.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class (for example the relationship between students and with the teachers/researchers)?
The specialisation is very small-scale – this year we were with 10 students (EUGP and EUPG together). I have experienced this as very positive, because you get to know your peers and teachers better and the classes become more personal. We have organised some informal get-togethers with fellow students last year, which was very nice. Additionally, the teachers are very enthusiastic and motivated in teaching the courses - which they have created themselves. The downside of the fact that the courses are new, is that sometimes the teachers themselves are still looking for the best way to structure the lectures and examination. However, they do their best to evaluate and adapt the courses when necessary.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s (specialisation)? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I think the most challenging about the programme is the workload to begin with, but also the fact that you are expected to really critically evaluate academic literature and be able to discuss this during the lectures. But I also think that this is inherent to following a Master’s specialisation.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Unfortunately, my specialisation doesn’t allow for an internship in the curriculum. However, the other specialisation (EUGP) does offer the opportunity to combine writing your thesis with an internship. So, if you are interested in doing an internship, it is advisable to choose the other EU-specialisation.
I am writing my thesis on the EU’s objective to decrease dependencies in global politics, and the implications thereof. Specifically, on the geopolitical tensions in the semiconductor industry, and how the EU regulations resulting out of these tensions influence private actors in the industry, like ASML.
Why do you think is it important that there are people out there with this degree? What are your plans once have received your Master's degree?
After I receive my degree, I will first be travelling for a couple months. Where I am going to apply when I'm back, I don’t know yet. However, I have learned that in many organisations, people with specific EU knowledge are needed – even at the regional level.
With this Master's degree, we become specialised in a system that is extremely important, but that very few people really understand.
- Previous education
- BSc Political Science (Radboud University)
- Programme
- European Union Politics and Governance
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the specialisation and why?
I really like the fact that the EU specialisation creates a very broad idea of what the EU looks like in all its complexity. As a Master's student with this programme, you become very specialised in the topic of the EU in a short time. I also like the way the courses are set up in a different way than in the Bachelor's. The group of students is much smaller and everybody is better prepared which creates more room for good discussions in the classroom.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
I really like the atmosphere of the Master's track. Because of the open environment, there is space for quality conversations and discussions between the students and the teacher. This is a very nice way to study and it also teaches students to think more critically than if they would just listen.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s?
The time I need for preparing classes is more than I expected. Often teachers take participation into account for some part of the grade, which means it is important to always come to class prepared. Additionally, most professors don't really use presentations anymore during the Master's, the class discussions are all you get. That means it is very important to pay attention and participate. I was struggling a bit with the workload in the beginning, but you definitely get used to it!
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
I am planning to extend my Master's with one semester to do an internship. I hope to do this with an embassy or a political organisation. I am writing my thesis about the effects of authoritarian values on attitudes towards the EU.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree?
I think, whether you like it or not, the EU is a part of the future of the Netherlands. With this Master's degree, we become specialised in a system that is extremely important, but that very few people really understand. We can (help) make informed decisions about the future of the Netherlands and the EU.
I really enjoy seeing my students grow as academics, knowing that they will be shaping the lives of all of us as they become capable (policy) professionals.
- Nationality
- Dutch
- Programme
- European Union Politics and Governance
Can you introduce yourself?
Reinout is an assistant professor of International Relations in the department of Political Science.
Reinout's research agenda focuses on the functioning and legitimacy of international organisations. His work covers a variety of themes, including the politicisation and responsiveness of EU and UN administrations with executive mandates, the role of expertise in decision-making, and public opinion towards international organisations. Reinout currently works on an NWO Veni project that centers on how the experts and policy elites that work in European and international organisations work to facilitate transnational governance that is both responsible and responsive.
Reinout currently teaches in and coordinates the European Union Politics and Governance specialisation in the Master's programme Political Science .
Reinout obtained his PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His dissertation won the Van Poelje Prize 2020 for the best dissertation in Public Administration written at a Dutch or Flemish university. Prior to starting his position in Nijmegen, Reinout worked as a senior researcher at the Netherlands Court of Audit in The Hague, and held a position as visiting researcher at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
Why did you choose to work in this field? And what makes this field so interesting?
European politics and governance is a super-fascinating field of research as it brings together so many interesting issues, from tensions between the need for supranational policy and member states' hesitancy to relinquish national sovereignty, the clash between 'technocratic' EU institutions and the populist backlash against them, and how 'Europe' has redefined the political landscape at the national level.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I study decision-making in European and international bureaucracies. We have just fielded a large-scale survey in international bureaucracies, including the European Commission, by which we seek to understand how experts and policy officials within these organisations think about the responsiveness of their organisation to society at large.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
80% of our national laws and directly or indirectly based on EU legislation. Our national and subnational governments operate in European networks. Political parties increasingly organise at the European level and coordinate with European allies, including the far right. The extent to which European issues (including migration, climate change or Ukraine) shape the behavior of voters grows every election. If you want to understand politics and government in general, this is the specialisation to choose.
What is the best part of working with students?
The best part of working with students is that I constantly come across new and ideas that are put forth by highly motivated students that really seek to make an impact on the world in a positive sense. This is challenging, motivating and frankly the best bulwark against cynicism. I also really enjoy seeing my students grow as academics and individuals, knowing that they in a couple of years will be shaping the lives of all of us as they become capable (policy) professionals.