Applications for 2025/2026 are now OPEN.
Application are accepted until 24th of October 2025.
One-year programme, 210 hours
This Executive Master program is designed for professionals who want to master lobbying and communication strategies in the European context. Led by experienced field practitioners, it offers a hands-on, step-by-step learning approach through different clusters, combining theory with real-world application. Participants work on concrete case studies and practical exercises tailored to the realities of the field.
Through direct insights from industry experts, interactive workshops, and applied exercises, participants will develop the expertise needed to craft and implement effective influence strategies at the European level, bridging institutional lobbying with impactful communication.
The program is structured into three clusters:
First cluster: European Public Affairs and Policy
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.
Second cluster: European Communications Strategy
Covers European communication strategy and stakeholder mobilization in institutional and private-sector campaigns.
Third cluster : Jean Monnet module on EU Tender for Communcation
Officially recognized and funded by the European Union, it is 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.
Evaluation: Individual Project
You have the choice to submit as individual project, one of the three options below:
- A Supervised Thesis or,
- A Detailed and Analytical Professional Report (in the frame of an Internship performed during EPAC Programme) or,
- A Detailed and Analytical Professional Report (analysing your own job/mission evolution thanks to the programme if you already have a job)
Should you have any question or want to know more about the program, participate in our online information session on June 2025 date TBC register here
5 CLUSTERS.210H
Kick off and in-house EU visit – 5hrs
Laure Wagener
Paul Shotton and Marta Ibero
Three Masterclasses: Role of Think Tanks in EU Policy (3h) Lobbying Transparency (3h) and Shaping policy: civil society’s impact on EU decision-making (3h)
Communication Strategy 40h
Elena Linczenyiova, Geert Stox and Nuno Bacharel
Working With the Media 17h
Marc Rogerson and Quentin Aries
Two Masterclasses 6h TBC
Engage and Convince Strategic Stakeholder 14h
Frederic Donck
Graphic Design Skills 6h
Writing and Presentation Skills 5h
Marc Rogerson
Several challenges hinder SMEs from effectively participating in and succeding at calls for tender. We believe that by training experts in European procurement processes, we can enhance SME participation in public tenders, particularly in the communication sector.
To that end, IHECS Academy is launching a co-funded and EU-recognized training program through the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet program, in partnership with VO Europe.
This specialized course combines theoretical classes with hands-on workshops and case studies to master the tender application process.
PROGRAM
- Theoritical classes comprising of:
- Event Seminar : How the EU buys communications services ? (2h)
- Classes on internal market with Joan Pere Plaza Font (6h)
- Practical « Hands-on EU Tenders in Communication » sessions with Gaelle Pellon from Vo Europe (12h)
- Simulation exercise with Gaelle Pellon, Gokçe Laylaci and Louis Ratomahenina (10h)
- Skills and coaching sessions comprising of:
- « Qualitative writing for EU Tenders » with Gokce Kaylaçi from Tipik (4h)
- Coaching with Louis Ratomahenina from GiZ (6h)
Expected deliverable at the end of the course:
Participants will write, under supervision, a working paper on the challenges and perspectives of EU tender and will be published in IHECS’s official publication journal through our collaboration with Protagoras (IHECS’s Political Communication Think Tank).
PEDAGOGICAL METHODS
This module is a perfect combination of theory and practice, it combines both the transfer of important knowledge and information needed to understand the practice and frame of EU tender, along with multiple workshops where participants will practice every step of tender application.
TRAINERS
Joan Pere Plaza Font : Phd, Coordinator for the project Knowledge and Innovation for the European Trade Challenges (Jean Monnet Module). Specialist in EU-related topics, in particular interregionalism, European institutions and EU trade policy.
Gaelle Pellon : PhD, Boost – Head of EU Strategy and Business Development at VO Europe.
Gokçe Kaylaçi : Managing Director at Tipik Communications.
Louis Ratomahenina : Project Manager for the Tender Unit at GIZ International Services.
The objective of this group work is to organise an open and public EU communication Event
At the end of your course, you have the choice to submit as individual project, one of the three options bellow:
- A Supervised Thesis or,
- An Detailed and Analytical Internship Report (In the frame of an Internship performed during EPAC Programme) or,
- A Detailed and Analytical Professional Report (Analyze a subject related to your profession using the knowledge acquired in class)
Cost
3,250€ for the whole course.
A payment plan is available upon request.
Duration
Academic year 2025-2026 from 8th November until June 2026.
Program kick off will be on the 7th-8th of November 2025.
Study programme
Classes are each Tuesdays and Thursday evenings from 18.15 to 20.15 or 21.15 (either online or in-person)
As well as some Saturdays (10h to 16h, in person classes only) and 2 Fridays (7th of november and 19th of june).
Some of the teachings will be taught via e-learning.
A detailed planning will be send at the begining of the program but changes in that planning might occur.
Visa
If you are a VISA applicant, you can apply for our Executive Master.
However, we strongly recommend starting your administrative procedures 4 months before the start of classes (beginning of November); to this end, we ask for proof of visa application before the end of June.
Processing an applicant’s file can take up to 90 days. All the information you need for your procedure is available on the Immigration Office website.
Please note that we cannot intervene with your visa application, but we can provide you with all the necessary documents.
Location
IHECS ACADEMY
Rue des Grands Carmes, N°27
1000 Brussels