Would you like to know more about the rapidly changing world of global politics? The International Relations programme provides you with an insight into global politics and fundamental questions about war and peace, but also about justice, efficiency and identity throughout the world. It will enhance your knowledge about the rise and fall, conflict and cooperation of sovereign nation-states, as well as those of non-governmental actors and international and regional organisations.

International Relations examines global politics through a comprehensive curriculum to provide you with not only a broad foundation of knowledge, but also a deeper and more specialised expertise. You will learn to criticise and develop theoretical insights based on a range of scholarly traditions within political science and other social sciences. You will also learn to analyse those insights through original empirical research using a variety of methodologies. The curriculum covers a very wide palette of courses, allowing you to choose your particular focus and expertise, from war and security studies to the study of international political economy in all corners of the world.

Student profile

The programme is intensive and rigorous. You are expected to develop the capacity to work independently and in group settings.

Competencies

International Relations exposes you to a broad and diverse range of theoretical and empirical skills. The curriculum is designed to train you to develop your own original, useful and empirically sophisticated research relevant to academic scholarship and practical policy. The resulting combination of expertise and skills provides excellent preparation for careers in international-oriented government service, international policy-making organisations, non-governmental organisations, and international business and consulting. The programme also provides you with a strong foundation for further PhD work in any of the social sciences.

Focus on research

Lecturers in the International Relations programme not only have extensive teaching experience, but also active research and practical expertise as scholars and practitioners of global politics. Many of the lecturers are research scholars affiliated with the Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research (AISSR), one of the most highly ranked and vibrant research institutions in Europe. Lecturers also have extensive experience in the practice of international politics outside of academia, as current or former diplomats, mediators, and analysts in a range of governmental and non-governmental institutions throughout the world.

Ambition in research?

For students interested in this field of study, we also offer a two-year Research Master’s programme in Social Sciences.

Degree certificate

International Relations is a track of the accredited degree programme Political Science. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited Master’s degree in Political Science and the title Master of Science (MSc).