Two weeks ago, we welcomed a new cohort of students, who have come from across the globe to join our Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP) programme.
Before diving into their studies, 90 students from 27 countries stepped into student life at UNU-MERIT through two interaction-filled days of getting to know the institute, its staff and one another, while exploring their new home in the city of Maastricht. Cleo Heyen, Education Coordinator of the programme, describes what happened at the MPP Intro Days this year:
“We organised a two-day introduction in which - besides the official opening ceremony of the academic year - students participated in different workshops, a city scavenger hunt to get to know each other, a lunch together with the UNU-MERIT staff, an introduction to the Problem-Based Learning educational system through a mock tutorial and a special tour of the historical Sphinx area around the UNU building. Our new students were also introduced to DEMOS, the MPP student association, and UNSA, the United Nations Students Association, through different activities.”
Dr. Elaine Lebon-McGregor, Academic Programme Director of the MPP, said in her opening remarks: "It really is a pleasure to welcome you, the MPP Cohort of 2024/25, to UNU-MERIT and Maastricht University. Over the next year, I look forward to watching you channel your ambition and positive energy into solving real-world policy problems. May this year bring you wisdom, laughter, and the skills you need to realise your goals."
The MPP programme is an unquestionable challenge, as it equips students to address policy challenges through advanced quantitative and qualitative skillsets in just one year. In this short time, they learn how to design, monitor and evaluate policy and become prepared for an international career in the field. Many of the students who join the MPP programme are not only seeking academic success but are also committed to being agents of change who make a positive impact on the world.
We asked some of our new students to share with us what they're most looking forward to this year:
During the programme, I'm looking forward to developing leadership capabilities and learning how to collaborate in a group in this international setting and learning more about different cultures and perspectives.
Jayraj Chavan, India
I'm keen to learn how to assess better policies to create more equality and exchange knowledge with people from different cultures.
Joana Gonçalves, Portugal
I'm excited about applying what I learn, and making the most of my time here in order to be prepared for the future.
Thibodhi Sujarirat, Thailand
We’re proud to have our new 2024-2025 cohort here with us at UNU-MERIT!
Media credits for all photos:
H. Pijpers / UNU-MERIT & Maastricht University
