Daphné Charotte, alumna MSc European Studies (Research)

When we asked Daphné more about what makes this programme unique, she replied:" Many things! First, the small student cohort (approximately 15 students). Second, the combination of substantive and methods courses, with the opportunity to specialise in a specific subject area – such as the History of Europe, Democracy in Europe, or International Relations – and to choose either a qualitative or quantitative research approach. Third, the workload – and it’s one of the few two-year Master’s programmes at FASoS.

From what I remember, it was a very demanding programme where I had to study a lot. There were many readings, and learning new research skills also takes time. I recall that Period 2 and Period 4 during the first year were the most challenging. However, it’s all worth it, as you eventually get to choose the topics you want to focus on for your assignments and research papers."

Daphne’s favourite course was not a course itself, but writing the master thesis during the second year of the programme: “It was very motivating to conduct my own research and work creatively with quantitative data – I for example created my own dataset for my research. I was also blessed to have a great supervisor (Dr. Yf Reykers) who provided very helpful feedback on my work and also supported me in my professional development.”

In addition to the rewarding experience of writing her thesis, she also encountered some challenges. She explained: "My biggest challenge was studying during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was enrolled in the Master’s programme from 2020 to 2022, a period when many lectures and tutorials had to be held online. For a time, I couldn’t (or could only rarely) go to the Faculty, and it was also more difficult to meet up with fellow students." 

After graduating, Daphné began her PhD, meaning she doesn’t have to say goodbye to Maastricht just yet. Reflecting on her time as a student at FASoS, she shared: “My time at FASoS during the programme was amazing because I learned so much while being supported by the teaching staff in my work. This experience is also what inspired me to continue pursuing research. It was a major step in my academic development.”

When Daphné was asked to share more about her current job, she replied: “Im a PhD candidate at FASoS, focusing my research on contemporary policymaking for the protection of civilians in conflict, with a particular emphasis on how military administrations and NGOs collaborate on this issue. Specifically, I am examining the work carried out by NATO, the US, and the UN regarding civilian protection in conflict zones.

I have conducted extensive qualitative research interviews for my study, and I even had the opportunity to travel to the US last year to further my research. My work allows me to learn a great deal, and I truly enjoy developing both my research skills and my understanding of why and how civilians can be better safeguarded during conflicts. This issue feels more urgent than ever, as civilians are bearing an increasingly heavy burden in modern conflicts. I sincerely hope to use my knowledge and experience after completing my PhD to help reverse this troubling trend.

In addition to my research, I also occasionally teach in the BA European Studies programme. During 2024/2025, I will also be serving as a Junior Associate Fellow at the NATO Defense College.”

Lastly, we asked Daphné if she still keeps in touch with her fellow students or lecturers. She replied: “The FASoS staff are now my colleagues, and I’m happy to stay in touch with them!”

January 2025