Thomas Verra, MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
I am from the Netherlands and I have a bachelor’s degree in Media and Culture from the University of Utrecht. I decided to come to Maastricht for the master’s programme in European Studies on Society, Science and Technology.
During my bachelor’s studies, I became familiar with the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). I decided I wanted to pursue a master’s programme in that field, rather than new media, which was my bachelor’s specialisation. After my bachelor’s studies, I worked for a year and then travelled the world for nine months, mainly in Asia. During this gap year, I looked into possible programmes at several universities and I visited Open Days. This programme at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences seemed the best fit with my interests. It has been a conscious choice to go back to university after travelling. Right now, I am really enjoying it. The relationship and interaction between technology, science and society are fascinating. I am very happy with my choice because of the international setting. For our second semester, we can choose among a number of specialisations at selected partner universities abroad. I am not quite sure where I would like to work after I graduate. I’ll decide when the time comes!
Thomas Verra
October 2019
Thomas was Student Ambassador for the ESST programme during academic year 2019-2020.
Watch his ambassador video

I’m fascinated by how society is influenced by technological developments and science – and vice versa. I want to decipher recurring patterns.