Master [120] of arts in Economic and Social Policy - OPES2M

• ability to understand the essential elements of the different perspectives involved in the main economic and social issues in contemporary society (political economy, sociology, social psychology and philosophy);
• ability to fully grasp the different contexts of economic and social policies ;
• ability to put the players and the issues in a historical, institutional and cultural context ;
• ability to make proposals relating to these policies or special measures.   

The programme comprises core subjects worth 65 credits and two focuses of 30 credits each.  
The professional focus in economic and social policy is designed for students in Belgium or neighbouring countries who are involved, either professionally or on a voluntary basis, in the economic and social field.
Students selecting this focus are put in groups of 20 – 30.
The optional subjects available (25 credits) are chosen in stages : during year 1, each group selects their first five choices together with alternatives for year 2. With the help of advisers, the  academic coordinator organizes the year 2 subjects. Groups may choose their subjects from various subject groupings.

There will be no special exemption for previous  courses or experience since the group work enables students to help each other build on their existing knowledge.

The research focus in development and project management is designed for adults who already have some experience of development issues in Central or West Africa. The optional subjects (25 credits) may be selected from University programmes according to students’ previous experience, their projects and prerequisite subjects. Advisers help students with their choice which is then subject to the agreement of the programme director.

In addition, a series of theme- and methodology-based seminars  are held in the first and second years. A special seminar (2 credits) is devoted to an issue related to religious sciences.

Whatever focuses and options are chosen, the programme for this Master must total a minimum of 120 credits, spread over two years of study. This corresponds to 60 credits per year.

Doctoral programmes : the Open Faculty of Economic and Social Policy (Faculté ouverte de politique économique et sociale – FOPES) is not a doctoral school as such, but students have gone on to doctoral programmes depending on their chosen dissertation subject. This means that candidates must not only be able to fund their research but also have the necessary time to devote to it. This amounts to a minimum of 180 credits (or the equivalent of three years’ full time  education).