Internationalisation is a core characteristic of the programme. It draws its roots from the extensive experience in international collaborations in education specific to our programme (e.g., manifested through the joint degree specialization on “Public Governance across Borders” with the University of Münster[2.2.1]), as well as from the strength of the location of the programme in the oldest Cross-border collaboration region in Europe, EUREGIO.
The choice of English as the language of instruction in the MS&T programme was driven by a number of careful considerations.
- University of Twente is located in an international, cross-border region and regionally serves both Dutch and German students. Our joint- and double-degree programmes with University of Münster have institutionalized its cross-border basis. English, then, is the most obvious language of instruction for students in our region.
- The multilevel PA-perspective on grand societal and technological challenges (including the role of international organizations, EU governance and global governance) implies an international orientation. Such challenges emerge and must be addressed on multiple governance levels (global, EU, national, regional, local). Our graduates hold a labour market position in which close collaboration with professionals from different (cultural, national) backgrounds is essential. Internationalization is, therefore, key to the successful academic development of our students.
- The MS&T programme is scientifically set in the interdisciplinary cores of public policy, public management, and public governance of the PA-field, which is a highly internationalized research field.
The embedding in a highly internationalized research field, the extended tradition of international institutionalised educational cooperation, and the diverse career paths pursued by our students justify the choice of English as the language of instruction for our programme. It is important to note that students who pursue a career in local and regional government or public organizations experience the internationalization of the programme as an advantage, also given the ever-expanding role that the European institutions play at local and regional levels.
The teaching staff is highly international, with a strong international experience, and is embedded in international academic and professional networks. The staff is highly proficient in teaching in English language. The teaching staff in the MS&T programme are required by university policy to demonstrate a C1 or C2 level of proficiency, as defined by the proficiency descriptors in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). All teaching staff have, where necessary, successfully passed the UT English Proficiency Assessment undertaken by specialised staff from the UT Language Centre. Teaching staff compliance with the language requirements as described above is a condition for the appointment as Examiner.
[2.2.1] The cooperation with the University of Münster in the area of education has been developed and institutionalised since 2001.