PhD Programme in Economics and Governance

Our PhD programme is a multidisciplinary course offered by UNU-MERIT and its School of Governance.

The programme focuses on research skills and methods, training students to become both scholars and practitioners in the fields of governance and the economics of technology. It has two specializations accredited and awarded by Maastricht University:

• PhD with specialization in the Economics and Policy Studies of Technical Change (UNU-MERIT)
• PhD with specialization in Public Policy and Policy Analysis (School of Governance)

During their first year, students complete a basic, compulsory training programme conducted by leading scholars of the host and partner universities. These courses are taught in Maastricht and spread across two semesters.

Taught entirely in English, this is an annual Maastricht-based programme which starts on 1 September. At the end of the programme, the doctoral degree is awarded by Maastricht University upon successful defence of the thesis.

The Host Institute

UNU-MERIT and its School of Governance form a research and training centre of the United Nations University (UNU). UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in research, postgraduate training and the dissemination of knowledge aimed at resolving the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare. The centre is based in Maastricht in southeast Netherlands, and works in close collaboration with the University of Maastricht.

The institute’s research mission is to provide new insights into the economic, social and political aspects of growth and development in local and international contexts. Its research and training programmes address a broad range of questions including the economics of technology and innovation, national and international governance, intellectual property protection, social protection policy, knowledge creation and diffusion, and migration.

We actively participate in research projects for international organizations, governments, businesses, and foundations throughout the world. UNU-MERIT plays a particular role in the United Nations as a research unit concerned with the analysis of technological change. The institute has a long history of conducting applied research for organizations such as the European Commission, the International Development Research Centre and various national governments.

Researchers at UNU-MERIT are internationally recognized for their contributions to the understanding of the economic, political, social and philosophical foundations of the processes of technical change. The School of Governance has a history of project implementation for various international institutions including the World Bank, UNICEF, UNDP, ILO and national governments, focusing in particular on social policy and migration developments.

Admission requirements

• a Master’s degree from a relevant academic field, including:
  - economics, international relations, political science, law, social sciences, business administration, health sciences or public health
• basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics, which is measured by reviewing the content and level of previous studies and/or working experience
• basic knowledge of economics, social sciences, political science and/or law, which is measured by reviewing the content and level of previous studies and/or working experience
• proficiency in English, with a minimum level of 600 PBT / 240 CBT / 100 IBT for the TOEFL or 7.0 for the IELTS (native speakers of English and students who received their Bachelor’s or Master’s education in English are exempt). Maastricht University’s TOEFL code is 7102.

In addition to filling in the online application form, applicants must submit the following:

Application requirements

• certified copies of your certificates and grades and an explanation of the grading system
• proof of English proficiency
• motivation letter of 400 – 500 words
• three letters of recommendation (in English only) by current or former professors or employers
• one-page essay indicating the topic of research interest
• curriculum vitae
• copy of your passport
• passport size photo
• full information about your present study and/or job

We prefer to receive the documents as follows:

• Essay, motivation letter and CV: uploaded through the application form
• Passport and picture: uploaded through the application form (PDF or JPG)
• Recommendation letters, directly from the reviewers to the programme
• diplomas and transcripts: electronic copies initially and later on hard copies by postal mail

Extended application deadline: 28 February 2014 at midnight CET

online application form >>