Covering Letter >Resons for Studying<

Hello there!

I am just writing a covering letter for a university application and it would be great, if one (native speaker?) could have a look at it, as I am not very practiced in wirting?!

Thanks a lot!!!
Nadine

>Reasons for study<

Dear ladies and gentlemen

After graduating from University it was quite plain to me that I want to undertake a postgraduate study. Students have various "wants" and "needs" as their reasons for studying. My "want" is a solid grounding in subjects with which I have an affinity, and my "need" stems from the realisation that if I want to have a career in journalism, academic research or public sector, a master degree is a necessity.

As for me European Comparative Public Policy is one of the most actual and interesting subjects to study: Globalization and European integration are creating a highly increasing interdependence and complexity of political, economic, social and cultural processes. This has its impact on all democratic societies. I would like to gain expertise in specific policy fields and specialized techniques. I am interested studying the variation in national policy patterns within Europe and the wider OECD area and to analyse how the nation’s political leaders, government officials and business executives handle the upcoming challenges. As I graduated in communication science with a strong focus on political communication and international relations I am especially interested in the field of information policy.

Political problems are always complex. Therefore they have to be tackled with the help of analytical and methodological techniques in order to contribute to their rational and justifiable solution. As the University of Essex has a strong tradition of research, I expect to improve my research skills - besides a solid grounding in the subject. So I would also like to focus on analysis and empirical methods modules.

I am highly motivated to study and want to pursue a career either in the public sector or private businesses on an international level. I think the program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical experience they will need to advance the public interest by making policy decisions on a rational basis and by implementing policy programs effectively or even to estimate policy decisions that have been made.

The Globalization of Politics requires an international approach. Therefore, I would like to study at the University of Essex in an international environment. I want to learn and work together with students and teachers form all over the world.
During the summer months 2004 I lived in England and seized the chance to speak with Prof. Dr. XY and I also met XY, a postgraduate student of European Comparative Public Policy, who could answer my questions from a student’s point of view.

I honestly feel confident that the master in European Comparative Public Policy would be a good choice for me. Furthermore the MSc degrees in the policy area at the University of Essex are recognized by the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK as amongst the leading providers of Masters level education in this field. Therefore I would be glad (be glad to receive?) of receiving the opportunity to study at the University of Essex.