International Relations
The Political Science department offers the minor International Relations to students who want to develop their knowledge of international relations. The minor is particularly appropriate for students interested in an international career and for students who opt for a Master's in international relations.
International Relations studies the relations between, beyond and across states. As such it is engaged with world affairs and tries to theorise the complex phenomenon of global politics. Moreover the study of global politics goes beyond the exclusive domain of nation states and includes non-state actors such as (social) movements, corporations, and advocacy groups. The study of International Relations increasingly tries to include the challenges of today’s world such as human development, terrorism, (gender) inequality, and climate change.
This minor is for students who are interested in:
- world affairs
- Political, economic and social conflicts
- An international career
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Introduction to International RelationsPeriod 2Period 312
The Introduction to International Relations course covers the historical development, main theories, central actors, and present-day discussions in the field. Divided into three parts, it explores historical context, theoretical perspectives, and contemporary themes such as humanitarian intervention, civil wars, trade, development, and climate change. The course concludes with a scientific essay on a relevant IR topic.
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Core module - International RelationsPeriod 4Period 512
The course delves into international relations (IR), examining how states and non-state actors impact peace, freedom, justice, and welfare. It explores diverse theoretical approaches in IR and highlights the evolving multi-level nature of global politics. Topics include post-WWII security provision changes, development trends in the global South, and transnational issues like the environment and human rights regimes, with lectures emphasising empirical illustrations.
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Restricted-choice electivesPeriod 1Period 2Period 3Period 4Period 5Period 66
Get a taste of the atmosphere
Continue your studies with a Master's programme
This minor may serve as a good preparation for academic Bachelor’s students who want to apply for admission to the Master's programme in International Relations (Political Science). Always check the entry requirements of the Master’s programme you are interested in.
Entry Requirements
- You can apply for this minor if you are a Bachelor’s student and have obtained at least 60 ECTS from university-level courses at the time of application.
- Please note that this minor is not open for Political Science Bachelor's students.
- A completed first year of applied sciences (HBO) does not grant access to the minor.
Application and Admission
The registration period for a minor in the academic year 2026-2027 is 1 April - 6 May 2026.
This minor has a limited number of places available. If there are more applications than available places, a lottery will be held. The timing of your application within the specified period will not affect your chances of being placed.
Non-UvA-students: This minor is part of the degree programme Political Science. For your registration as an elective student, select the ‘Politicologie/Political Science- elective degree programme in Studielink.
NB: Only Non-UvA students need to upload a transcript of grades.
Contact
For questions about the Minor's programme, you can contact the Education Desk Social Sciences.
- Email: edss@uva.nl
- REC B7.00 (Mondays to Fridays 9:00-17:00 CEST)
- Phone +31 205253777 (Mondays to Fridays 10:00-16:00 CEST).
- Credits
- 30 ECTS,
- Language of instruction
- English
- Starts in
- September
- Location
- Roeterseiland campus