Master
European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
Are you a socially conscious, critical thinker? Are you interested in politics and technology? And does the connection between innovation and society intrigue you? Then the master’s European Studies on Society, Sciences and Technology (ESST) might be what you are looking for. As an ESST student, you will investigate the relationship between science, technology, and society, from a cultural, political, economic, and historical point of view.
The programme will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and managing the complex issues of modern innovation. The programme approaches these problems from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, such as history, sociology, ethics, and political science.
This programme is offered together with 12 partner universities across Europe. You will spend your first semester taking courses at Maastricht University. During the second semester, you will select a specialisation and write your thesis either at Maastricht University or at one of the programme’s partner universities abroad.
Fast facts
- Joint master’s with 12 universities in 12 countries
- Multiple specialisation options
- Multidiciplinary approach: political & social sciences, cultural & innovation studies, science & technology studies
- 1-year, full-time master's, taught in English
- Starts in September
- Weekly: 12 contact hrs, 28 hrs group/individual study
- You will get an MA in European Studies, with a specialisation in European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
Explore FASoS
Get to know all about FASoS and life in Maastricht and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. We offer vlogs, columns and interesting background articles. Interested in a specific master’s programme? Just follow the ambassador of your choice on Facebook or Instagram to get all the inside information you are looking for. And don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Juliana Novaes Bueno de Camargo, Student Ambassador European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
“During my bachelor’s programme, I specialised in Law and Technology. I believe science and technology offer great potential to address some of the social problems we have today, but to do that, we need to think critically about them and understand how they are shaped by different values. My main objective in doing this master’s programme is to have an interdisciplinary view of technology and science and to learn how they interact with different sectors of society.
The ESST programme offers its students the opportunity to go deeper into an academic field. After graduating, I will have a few options. One is to pursue a career in academia, the other is to use the knowledge and the skills of the programme to work for different institutions, like governments, corporations, and NGOs.
I think the Netherlands has a great educational system, with universities that offer a dynamic approach to education. I chose Maastricht University mainly because of my programme, but also because of its Problem-Based Learning system and the diverse international environment we have here.”
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“This master’s programme will give me an interdisciplinary view on technology and science and how they interact with different sectors of society.”
Before starting her master’s programme in European Studies on Society, Science and Technology (ESST), Juliana completed a bachelor’s programme in Law at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil.
UM Campus Tour
Are you about to start a Master's programme at Maastricht University? Our UM Campus Tour offers prospective students the opportunity to explore the city, our faculty buildings and facilities for students. Discover and learn what it is like to live and study in our vibrant city.
Kickstart your career at our Master's Open Day
Experience Maastricht University: find out more about one of the most international universities in Europe, immerse yourself in your programme of choice, and explore our beautiful city. The next Master’s Open Day is on Saturday 12 November 2022.
For other events we offer, take a look at our Online Master events page.
Pre-master's programme
If you do not satisfy the admission requirements of this Master's programme you may be able to enrol in a Pre-master's course year. Check out the Pre-master information and learn more about the programme, the courses and the requirements.
69% of the European Studies on Society, Science and Technology students would recommend this programme: Elsevier 2019
Elsevier Best Studies 2019UM is the ninth best Young University in the world
Times Higher Education 2022 Young Universities RankingStudent testimonials
What I especially like about the ESST program, is the interdisciplinary approach to study topics related to science and technology.
Studying European Studies on Society, Science and Technology has exposed me to even more than I expected.
What I really like is the fact that we have the possibility to go abroad to specialise in one of the 13 partner universities of this programme.
As a generalist, specialised in public governance, it is my goal to contribute to mitigating climate change on a European level.
I’m fascinated by how society is influenced by technological developments and science – and vice versa. I want to decipher recurring patterns.
In this programme you find yourself at the crossroads of society & culture and science & technology. With everything that is going on in today’s world, I cannot think of a more interesting place to be!
I would like to raise awareness about the growing influence of technology and science on people’s lives and the possible downsides of that development.
News
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First place rankings and medals for FASoS programmes in Elsevier Best Studies 2019
Tuesday, November 12, 2019Read moreIn the Elsevier ranking 2019 several FASoS bachelor's and master's programmes were ranked first in their category.
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Thesis award for Master student Carla Greubel
Tuesday, February 5, 2019Read moreCarla Greubel, Master's student ESST won the 2018 Thesis Award.
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Keuzegids Masters 2018: three designated ‘top study programmes’ at FASoS
Thursday, March 8, 2018Read moreFASoS master's programme ESST and research master's programmes European Studies and Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology Top rated programmes in the Keuzegids Masters 2018.
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