About MERNI
The Master of European Regulation of Network Industries (MERNI) is a postgraduate degree programme 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 programme covering economic, legal and policy aspects pertaining to the regulation of network industries and providing 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 programme, 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 liberalisation 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 EC, and show how these objectives can be achieved by means of regulatory mechanisms.
Introduction to the Regulation of Network Industries
Liberalisation of Network Industries in the EU
Introduction to the Economics of Network Industries
Business Concepts for Network Industry Analysis
Introduction to EC Antitrust Law and Merger Control
State Aid and Services of General Economic Interest
International Framework for the Regulation of Network Industries
Regulatory Rational and Remedies: A Synoptic Overview
SPECIALISED MODULES are devoted to a thorough examination of the respective core network industries.
Network industries covered by the individual modules:
Electronic Communications
Energy (Electricity & Gas)
Postal Services
Transport (Air & Rail)
Water
Subject matter of the courses within each specialised module:
General description of the sector
Technology particularities
Economics of the sector
Sector-specific regulation
Business aspects
Implementation of the sector-specific regulation in the member states
Application of competition law to the sector
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 programme.
MERNI FACULTY
The MERNI faculty, comprised of outstanding academics and practitioners with a long-standing professional commitment to the regulation of network industries, assembles a body of regulatory experts able to bring the highest standards of teaching to the programme and thus create a unique learning environment for its participants.
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 inter-national atmosphere for research and education. Besides, the University has built strong relations with the numerous national and international organisations, 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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