Executive Master in European Public Affairs and Communication

Become an expert in european public affairs and communication

This Executive Master equips professionals with the skills to navigate the European landscape, communicate strategically, and engage stakeholders with impact. Through hands-on learning, real-world case studies and expert insights, participants build the expertise to design and deliver powerful messages in the heart of Europe.

Compétences : Europe Journalisme Lobbying Soft skills Stratégie de communication
Executive Master
Registration open

Objectifs

  • Critically analyse the European institutional framework and identify key entry points for influence and policy shaping.

  • Design and implement effective lobbying strategies tailored to the European context, drawing on strategic communication tools and stakeholder mapping.

  • Develop and execute integrated communication campaigns for advocacy purposes, combining traditional, digital, and media relations techniques.

  • Engage and mobilise diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors through evidence-based messaging and coalition-building tactics.

  • Produce high-quality professional deliverables (strategic notes, policy briefs, presentations) demonstrating advanced writing, analytical and public speaking skills in English.

  • Understand and respond to the requirements of EU public procurement in communication, including project design, bidding, and project management.

Public cible

TARGET GROUP

There is no requirement for applicants to have done any specific ‘field of study’ in order to take this course, which includes ‘European public affairs’ and ‘communication techniques’. You can enrol on the Executive Master in European Public Affairs and Communication via a master’s degree, for example, in law or political science, or via a master’s in journalism, public relations, communication science, humanities and social sciences, and so on.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

Our pedagogical approach favors training in small groups. The number of places will be limited to 25 participants.

PROGRAMME

The program is structured into three clusters:

First cluster: Lays the foundations for understanding the European institutional system, providing the keys to influencing it effectively. Participants will master strategic techniques essential not only for lobbying but also for impactful communication.

  • Mastering EU Negotiations
  • EU Advocacy
  • Masterclasses : Role of Think Tanks in EU Policy, Lobbying Transparency and Shaping policy: civil society’s impact on EU decision-making

Second cluster: Covers European communication strategy and stakeholder mobilization in institutional and private-sector campaigns.

  • Communication Strategy
  • Digital Communication for Advocacy
  • Working with the Media

Third cluster (Jean Monnet module): Officially recognized and funded by the European Union, dedicated to mastering the context and competencies required for European tenders in communication.

Extra training modules:

Distilled within the clusters, these extra modules provide concrete, market-relevant skills for the EU job market, including the ability to engage and convince strategic stakeholders, strong writing and presentation skills, graphic design competencies, and practical experience in EU event management.

This programme may be modified.

EVALUATION

At the end of your course, you will submit a Position Paper.

Writing a position paper gives the opportunity to practice building a clear, well-argued, and politically anchored stance on a specific EU-related issue.
It’s a strategic exercise that mirrors real-life public affairs work: defining a strong angle, using credible sources, and crafting a persuasive message tailored to decision-makers or key stakeholders.

This exercise will allow you to strenghen your professional skills by:

  • building your critical and analytical skills
  • building your research and source finding skills

This Position Paper may be featured on Protagoras website. Protagoras is IHECS’ think tank on Political and Public Communication.

10 KEY ADVANTAGES

  • One year of specialised studies, in Brussels, in the heart of the ‘EU’s machinery
  • Activities in English (classes, workshops, group work…)
  • An adapted timetable
  • An optional professional traineeship (three months minimum)
  • Teaching in small groups
  • Active learning, combining theory and practice
  • Top quality faculty from the EU Institutions and Communications agencies
  • Partnerships with the European institutions and European civil society
  • A stepping stone to employment, in an exciting market

Applications will be accepted until the 2nd of November 2026.

COST

3,250€ for the entire course. We offer the possibility to pay in several instalments.

To know more about our program you can watch the full presentation here.

You can also contact us by email or by phone (+32 2 274 28 10)

SCHEDULE

Classes take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 18:15 to 20:15 or 21:15, as well as on some Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00 and a limited number of Fridays from 9:00 to 5:00 (maximum three during the programme).

Sessions alternate between fully in-person and fully online formats, depending on the type of class. They are not delivered in a hybrid format.

Friday and Saturday sessions are always held in person only.

Some parts of the programme will also be delivered through e-learning modules.

A detailed schedule will be sent at the beginning of the programme, although minor adjustments may occur.

DURATION

From 6th of November 2026 to June 2027

Final evaluations in September/October 2027

This programme give you access to the ‘Congés éducation payés’, please check if you meet the conditions on the linked website.

PLACE

Campus Reyers
Boulevard Auguste Reyers 80
1030 Bruxelles

TYPE OF CERTIFICATION

An Executive Master is a continuing education related to a 3rd cycle training (post-Bachelor/Master) but organized by a private organism, it is not awarded by the Wallonia-Brussels Community.

This program cannot serve as a master equivalence; on the other hand, it is fully recognized in the private sector.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to the Executive Master’s program is based on the files submitted. Please note: Once the maximum number of spots (25) has been reached, registration will close.

There is no specific academic background required to apply for this programme. Candidates holding a master’s degree in fields such as law, political science, journalism, communication, public relations, humanities or social sciences are welcome to apply.

Applicants without a master’s degree may also be considered if they hold at least a bachelor’s degree and can demonstrate relevant professional experience in European affairs or communication. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on a detailed application file and supporting documents proving equivalent skills and experience.

Level of English

The entire Executive Master course is delivered in English.

On their application form, applicants are invited to demonstrate they are sufficiently proficient in the English language. Knowledge of other languages than English is an additional advantage.

A ‘good command’ means a sufficient level of understanding in reading and listening, as well as a sufficient skill level in writing and speaking. To test your level of English, you can do a free test here.

Acceptance into the program

After IHECS Academy confirms the acceptance, you will receive the first invoice for the deposit. Once the deposit of 1.000 € is paid the enrolment will be confirmed and considered definitive. Under no circumstances will this deposit be reimbursed.

DOCUMENTS TO BE PROVIDED

In order to be complete, the application forms must include these documents:

  • The Charter signed.
  • A detailed covering letter.
  • A detailed curriculum vitae.
  • Photocopy of the identity card and/or passport.
  • Copy of the diploma(s) with an indication of the grade achieved.
  • If the student can prove they have a Bachelor’s degree as well as professional experience linked to Europe and/or the communication professions, please send a detailed note about this experience together with any documents proving this experience.
  • An identity photo in high quality (jpeg format).

VISA

This course is open to students from the European Union or third countries (outside the European Union). We do accept applications from individuals applying for a visa.

However this program does not guarantee an access to a student visa. We strongly recommend that you check with the Immigration Office and your embassy before registering.

You will be responsible for handling the entire visa application process; we cannot assist with this application, but we can provide you with all the necessary documents.

Processing an applicant’s file for our programs can take up to 5 months, and approval is not guaranteed.

All the information you need for your procedure is available on the Immigration Office website.