The Master’s programme in International Relations  provides a thorough academic education for students seeking a professional career in the field of international relations as well as for those who wish to continue their studies to obtain a PhD degree. The philosophy of the programme is based on a broad and interdisciplinary view of international relations. It explores the political, economic and social dynamics of global and regional integration as well as disintegration, from a historical and transnational perspective. The programme promotes a critical understanding of contemporary developments by offering different theoretical perspectives and methodologies. These include: realist approaches, pluralism, constructivism, world systems theory and transnational historical materialism.

The programme stresses interactive learning between students and lecturers as well as collaborative work between students. During their studies all students take part in the core courses and seminars. Academic Advisors will be available to council students individually and to review the student’s progress periodically.

Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired thorough knowledge of the major themes and issues as well as insight into the various ways to analyse them. Themes and issues include: patterns of inclusion/exclusion and their historical backgrounds, equality/inequality, integration/disintegration; the intersection of market integration and state formation at the national, regional, and global level; the relationship between socio-economic and legal processes of change in the international system; the duality of structure and agency in international relations; the internal and external determination of the conduct of states; and the increasing relevance of transnational relations in the international system. In addition to this, the student will have acquired the necessary skills to design research projects, employ various research methods, as well as conduct empirical research and policy analysis. Preparation for presenting these analyses and policy plans, orally and in writing, will also be part of the curriculum.

Career Outlook

The Master's programme in International Relations is designed for those who require a basis for a doctoral studies programme in international relations, those who are considering a career which requires independent research, or those who wish to work for an international policy-making organisation.

Student Profile

The Master’s programme in International Relations seeks students with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in International Relations, or a field relevant to the programme including Political Science, Social Sciences and History. It depends on the actual subjects taken. It is up to the Admissions Committee to decide if your previous education is relevant to the International Relations programme.

Students who have prior training in disciplines other than International Relations and who lack sufficient knowledge of International Relations or a field relevant to the programme (including Political Science, Social Sciences and History), may gain entry to the Master's programme on the condition that they first complete a Preparatory Programme International Relations. Selection is highly competitive and based on the student’s overall academic standing, job experience and motivation.

Degree

Students of the Master's programme in International Relations receive a Master's degree in Political Science (Politicologie). The quality of this master's programme has been positively assessed by the Accreditation Organisation of The Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that upon successful completion of the programme students will receive a legally accredited master's degree and the title Master of Science (MSc).

More Information

For more information on the Master's programme, courses, lecturers and registration please check our website: http://www.graduateschoolsocialsciences.nl .