Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optionalConflict, Power and Politics
In this specialisation you will become familiar with the nature of violent conflict in the 21st Century. How can we explain the origins and development of violent conflicts? What are the effects of international interventions in war? What are the conditions for an enduring peace?
Something for you?
- This specialisation combines insights from international relations, comparative politics, peace & conflict studies and international ethics
- We offer small, interactive classes. Students are taken seriously as young academics and reflective practitioners.
- Our programme is analytical as well as practice-oriented.
- This programme has an above-average score compared to the national average on three of the five core subjects (Source: Keuzegids 2025).
Admission requirements
Do you want to know if you can be admitted? Read more about the admission requirements of this programme.
Admission and applicationFactsheet
- Main language
- English
- Study duration
- 1 year (60 EC)
- Start
- September
- Contact hours
- 5-10
- Number of students
- 43
- Programme format
- Full time
- Degree
- Master of Science, specialisation of Political Science
- Faculty
- Nijmegen School of Management
- CROHO code
- 60203
- Accreditation
- NVAO
What will you learn
This specialisation offers insights into the causes, development and politics of large-scale violent conflict and conflict-related interventions. Contemporary violent conflicts cannot be understood without considering both domestic and international politics. The programme therefore draws on comparative politics, international relations and conflict studies. Students will critically explore themes such as the causes of political violence and warfare; the impact of political systems on how political demands are articulated; the links between so called 'ethnic violence', nationalism and war; the roles of non-state actors in war and peace; the impacts of international interventions and regulations; the ethical dilemmas arising in such interventions.
Study programme
Future career opportunities
Our graduates have all the necessary skills for job positions such as:
- (Inter)national policy maker
- Journalist
- Researcher at a think tank or university
- Consultants for profit or non-profit organisations
- Employees at humanitarian or peace organisations
Research
To indicate the type of research in this specialisation, a few examples:
- What is the role of international organisations in humanitarian intervention and peacebuilding?
- How do changes in political representation contribute to the (de)escalation of (potential conflicts)?
- How do major global power transformations affect the likelihood of local conflict?
- What is the role of social and political movements in mobilising conflict?
- How do conflicts affect gender relations and how should conflict interventions take this into account?
Questions about this programme?
Do you have a question about this programme? We're happy to help. Please contact us, ask a student or check out our information activities.
ContactTuitions & grants
If you are going to follow this Master's programme, you will pay an annual tuition fee. There are different tuition rates. The amount depends on your personal situation.
Tuition