Assessment of Master’s thesis – Academic Consultant
Study programme:International Economic Relations Field of study:International and Diplomatic Studies Academic year:2021/2022
Master’s thesis Topic:European public health policy – an agent to strengthen the social pillar of the EU Author’s name:Julia Hammermeister
Ac. Consultant’s Name:Ing. Ondřej Sankot, Ph.D.
Opponent:Mgr. Jarolím Antal, Ph.D.
Criterion Mark
(1–4)
1. Overall objective achievement 3
2. Logical structure 3
3. Using of literature, citations 3
4. Adequacy of methods used 3
5. Depth of analysis 4
6. Self-reliance of author 4
7. Formal requirements: text, graphs, tables 4
8. Language and stylistics 3
Comments and Questions:
Submitted master deals with the topic of the EU health policy. The aim of the thesis is poorly defined. The initial subchapter on the history of the EU integration is only contextual, without any relevant discussion on the evolution of social policy, which makes it only to a limited extent relevant for the thesis. The following subchapters already deal with the social and health policy; essential terms are defined and clarified. The part on the European Social and Health policies and the second chapter are already highly relevant for the topic.
In the second chapter, an adequate literature summary is presented, followed by a set of cases that demonstrate the EU involvement in the health policies. While the case study approach is generally acceptable, without more precise methodology and discussion on the selection of the cases, which seems somewhat arbitrary, the findings remain superficial.
The master thesis was compiled in a rush and submitted last minute. It does not fulfil the requirements on the extent- the body of the thesis has 36 pages (42 normalized pages) instead of the 60 pages required.
The thesis has no conclusion part, nor appendices, even though the titles are included. Formal requirements are not complied with.
Depending on the thesis defence performance, I suggest grade 3 or 4.
Questions for the defence:
1. Discuss and justify, where do you see room for more centralized EU health policies.
2. What are the current limits to cross-border health care in the EU?
Conclusion: The Master’s thesis is recommended for the defence.
Suggested Grade: 3
Date: 06/01/2022 Ing. Ondřej Sankot, Ph.D.
Academic Consultant
