In one year and taught entirely in English, the Advanced Master POLLEN trains specialists capable of understanding and analysing how the European Union designs and develops its environmental policies.
The programme is aimed at those who wish to grasp the EU’s current challenges and develop strong expertise in EU environmental governance, through close interaction with academics and practitioners from the European institutions, the public sector, and the non-profit sector.
The Advanced Master is entirely organised on an adjusted timetable, making it possible to combine the programme with employment or an internship.
Classes take place two evenings per week starting at 5:15 p.m. over the two semesters (1 semester = 13 weeks). In the first semester, two Saturday mornings are exceptionally added.
This organisation limits travel to campus to two days per week only.
Access to the Advanced Master requires a university Master degree. Applications may be submitted prior to completion of the degree (conditional admission).
✔ Direct admission is available for holders of certain Master’s degrees obtained in Belgium in law and political science. The list of eligible degrees is available here.
✔ For other degrees, admission is subject to the decision of a select panel. Applications are reviewed from February onwards.
The select panel assesses the candidate’s academic background, motivation, and professional project, as well as the overall profile, including language skills and relevant experience.
A minimum C1 level in English is required to enroll in the Master in EU Studies.
Recognised tests (less than 5 years old):
✔ TOEFL iBT ≥ 95
✔ IELTS ≥ 7.0
✔ Cambridge C1
Other possible proxies:
✔ at least 3 successfully completed university courses taught in English (excluding language courses)
✔ at least 3 months of professional experience involving written tasks in English to be added to the admission file
✔ relevant extracurricular activities in English (e.g., European Parliament simulations)
The Advanced Master POLLEN is a programme focused on European environmental policies. It is structured around major thematic areas that combine theoretical foundations, analysis of EU policies, and practical training.
It brings together core courses in environmental law and environmental political science, in-depth teaching on the European Union’s main areas of action, as well as practical courses designed to provide concrete preparation for working within or around the European institutions.
The programme follows a single study track with no optional courses. French language courses may be taken outside the formal curriculum and do not carry ECTS credits.
Semester | Course title |
|---|---|
Q1 | Introduction to EU Environmental Policy |
Q1 | Introduction to EU Environmental Law |
Q1 | Ecosystems and Human Health Policies |
Q1 | Climate and Energy Transition Policies |
Q1–Q2 | How to Write a Policy Brief |
Q2 | Environmental Data |
Q2 | Environmental Security |
Q2 | Environmental Governance beyond the EU |
Q2 | Final dissertation |
The final dissertation is a key component of the Advanced Master POLLEN. It consists of a written paper of approximately twenty pages, drafted in English, and meeting the standards of academic writing.
The dissertation must focus on a clearly defined research question directly related to the programme. It is based both on the knowledge acquired through the courses and on independent readings and sources gathered by the student.
The Advanced Master POLLEN provides access to a wide range of careers related to European environmental policies, within EU institutions, public administrations, NGOs, and the private sector. Graduates may work, in particular, as:
✔ EU environmental project officers
✔ Environmental public policy analysts
✔ Consultants in European affairs and sustainability
✔ Policy officers or programme officers within European institutions, public administrations, or NGOs
✔ Communication or public affairs officers specialising in environmental issues
✔ Interest representatives / lobbyists specialising in environmental policy
Under certain conditions, the university may issue an internship agreement for a student enrolled in the Master programme. This internship is outside the formal curriculum and therefore does not carry ECTS credits.
The agreement is not granted automatically: each internship proposal must be discussed in advance with the faculty administration, which assesses its relevance and feasibility.
If you are employed in the private sector, you may be eligible for paid educational leave, which allows you to take time off work while continuing to receive your salary.
This scheme is administered at regional level, with each region determining which programmes qualify for paid educational leave.
Before submitting an application, it is important to check the applicable conditions with the competent authority in your region (Wallonia, Brussels, or Flanders).
The Institute for European Studies (IEEB) Saint‑Louis Bruxelles is not only a place of teaching but also a research center. IEEB students can actively take part in the seminars organised by the Institute, including those held within its Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence EUMERGENCIES, giving them direct access to the expertise of European researchers, practitioners, and decision‑makers.
Have you been accepted into the Advanced Master POLLEN?
All practical information for the start of the academic year is available here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!