Labour market

Graduates are awarded the degree of Master of Science in Public Administration of the University of Twente. There are promising career opportunities for graduates in Public Administration. The Masters programme provides a strong base for careers in different domains (see specialisations) in general and in policy and management more specifically.

There is a growing need for leaders, managers, policy analysts and consultants trained to contribute to realising the key role of higher education, research and innovation in the knowledge society. International organisations such as the European Commission, OECD and UNESCO; national Ministries, agencies and foundations; and regional and local governments are increasingly seeking expertise in the fields of higher education, research and innovation. Universities, other higher education providers and research organisations look for professional staff who can contribute to the innovative capacities of their organisations.

Labour market (Environment and Sustainability)

The labour market for specialists in environmental and sustainability management is in general good. Currently there is a shortage of such experts in the Netherlands. This is caused by a combination of a low amount of environmental management graduates and an ongoing attempt by the government to improve environmental safety (to avoid disasters such as the explosion of the fireworks factory in Enschede in 2000) and stimulation of sustainable development in general. Furthermore, opportunities for employment abroad are increasing.
As you will be awarded a Master of Science in Public Administration, your job opportunities are not necessarily limited to the area of sustainability.

Labour Market (Higher Education)

The career perspectives for graduates from the specialisation Higher Education look very promising. The degree offers a solid foundation for a career in public administration in general and particularly in the (higher) education management.

There is clearly an increasing need for executives, managers, policy analysts and consultants in education. This does not only include job opportunities in educational administration, but also at national and local organisations such as ministries (Education, Culture and Science, Economic Affairs and Finance), national advisory boards and local governments (provincial and municipal) as well as international organisations which put emphasis on higher education, such as the European Commission, OECD, World Bank and UNESCO. Additionally, private consultancies move increasingly to the ‘market of higher education’ and need skilled consultants in this area. Furthermore, the study programme also gives you the opportunity to start an academic career.

Labour Market (Policy and Governance)

This specialisation focuses on developing academic skills and providing career opportunities in governmental organisations (EU, national, provincial and municipal), but also in social institutions (healthcare, housing associations) and the industry (research and consultancy institutions).

Through your choice of subject in combination with your master’s thesis, you can put a strong emphasis on higher education or environment and sustainable development issues. By choosing the subject Social Problems of Management, you keep your perspectives on Policy and Governance wide open.

Labour Market (Public Safety)

The career opportunities for graduates in Public Safety are also promising. The majority of graduates is employed in the development of public safety policies for municipalities, ministries and provincial governments. Public safety was previously the exclusive domain of larger cities, but increasingly more smaller cities also become the focus of public safety. Also the police is a major employer. Some graduates work for a regional force. They conduct research and develop policies, while others choose a career as police officer.
Graduates also work for research and consultancy organisations, also in the field of education, for example at ‘hogescholen’ (university of applied sciences). A small amount of graduates pursue an academic career.

Labour Market (Legal Governance)

After completing your Master of Science in Public Administration, you have various career options. You can be employed in strategic, advisory and managerial positions in organisations in both the profit and non-profit sector but you are specialised in the optimal functioning of organisations with a strong legal focus. This varies from regulators, interest groups to companies in the new, liberalised markets. The understanding of the legal context in public and private organisations is hereby your strength.

Career perspectives (Public Management)

The Public Management specialisation provides academic training for a broad range of managerial and supporting positions in public and private organizations involved in design, implementation or evaluation of public policy. Typical sectors include central government, provinces, municipalities and water boards as well as education, health care, social security, police, courts and other publicly controlled or financed organisations. Private sector consultancies also provide employment opportunities.