About MERNI
The Master of European Regulation of Network Industries (MERNI) is a postgraduate degree program offered by the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) at the University of Bonn.
The demand for expertise in network industries (telecommunications, energy, transport, water and postal services) stems from private and public sectors alike, be it from network and network-related companies, consultancies, financial institutions, regulatory authorities or industry and consumer associations. The study process comprises a rigorous interdisciplinary program covering economic, legal and policy aspects of the regulation of network industries and provides the participants with the know-how, legal and management skills that are indispensable for a successful carrier.
The University of Bonn, after successful completion of the program, bestows upon all graduates the degree of Master of European Regulation of Network Industries and awards the title
MASTER OF LAWS (LL.M.).
Eligible to apply are all university graduates, and particularly those holding a degree in LAW, ECONOMICS, ENGINEERING, IT or POLITICAL SCIENCE.
WHY EUROPEAN REGULATION
With a policy framework that is moving towards greater liberalization of the network industries,
an understanding of the regulatory policy decisions emanating from the European level is increasingly important for those working in these industries across Europe. The same applies to the regulators and policy makers who need to know the limits prescribed by Community law if they are to make optimal use of their regulatory competencies.
Understanding the core issues pertinent to the European regulation of network industries is also of considerable relevance for other countries and regions of the world looking at liberalisation and restructuring of these key economic sectors.
MERNI CURRICULUM
MERNI provides participants with knowledge and insights on a per-module basis. Modules denote highly compact and self-contained teaching units dealing with either a general subject matter of analytical importance or with a particular network industry.
BASIC MODULES describe the origins, rationale and intended goals of the liberalisation process affecting the network industries in the EU, and show how these objectives can be achieved by means of regulatory mechanisms.
SPECIALISED MODULES are devoted to a thorough examination of the respective core network industries.
For more information visit the MERNI website.
MERNI INDUSTRY PARTNERS
MERNI’s innovative approach has gained the support from a number of leading industry actors.
Companies such as Vodafone, PricewaterhouseCoopers, E.ON, Deutsche Telekom, EnBW have all
acknowledged the value of the MERNI concept and have become partners of the program.
VOICES ON MERNI
"MERNI gave me the opportunity to obtain a Master of Laws degree and to deepen my knowledge in the areas of electronic communications and energy. I opted for this program, because my ultimate aim was to find an interesting and challenging job in one of these industries. During my time as a MERNI student I mostly appreciated two things: on the one hand the high number of practitioners, which gave us unique insights into their businesses, and on the other hand the international character of our group. Finalizing the program with an internship at Deutsche Telekom gave me first-hand insights into the business of a regulated company, which was a very valuable experience. When graduating after twelve months of intensive studying, I was indeed able to meet my initial aim - by now I work for the German energy company E.ON, where I can successfully put my academic knowledge into use." - Jaletzke, Lea (Alumna)
"Currently, I am working for a prominent law firm in Athens, Tsibanoulis & Partners, with an exceptional reputation in the areas of financial services, banking, capital markets, securities, EU law and corporate law. It represents big multinational companies in Greece, among them BAYER AG, BOSCH-BUDERUS AG, and it has undertaken several projects for several others, like SIEMENS AG and DEUTSCHE BANK.
MERNI program helped me a lot to make my path in European competition law and sector-specific regulation in the area of network industries. What made me very enthusiastic about it was the interdisciplinary approach of the program, as we had the opportunity to take classes in economics, competition law and business administration, even examine the technological aspects of network industries."- Iliopolous, Georgius (Alumnus)
CENTER FOR EUROPEAN INTEGRATION STUDIES (ZEI)
The Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) was founded in 1995 as an independent research
institute at the University of Bonn. Through future-oriented and interdisciplinary research and
political consultancy, events and symposia that link theory with its practical application as well
as innovative concepts for postgraduate studies and advanced education, ZEI contributes to finding
solutions to some of the most intractable issues for European integration and the shaping of Europe's
international role. Amongst its many specialities, ZEI has become one of the leading academic
institutions in Germany for the study of the legal issues surrounding the regulation of network
industries. With standing research groups addressing the European regulation of telecommunications,
energy and rail transport, ZEI maintains a high profile in scholarly debate and regularly lends its
expertise to government and regulatory agencies as well as the private sector. Other research areas
include European competition law, State aid law, public procurement law and the laws concerning
infrastructure funding.
UNIVERSITY OF BONN
The Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University of Bonn, founded in 1818, ranks among the top universities in Germany and is considered to be one of Europe's most important higher education institutions. With students from more than 100 countries across the globe, numerous visiting professors, the University enjoys a truly international atmosphere for research and education. Besides, the University has built strong relations with the numerous national and international organizations, both private and public, to be found in Bonn, thus ensuring a perfect blend of academic theory and real-life practice.
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