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Master's specialisation | Joint programme optionalInternational Relations

Tackling global issues in the 21st century, such as war, human rights, and climate change, requires a deeper understanding of the essential players that shape global politics: states, intergovernmental organisations, media, multinationals, and NGOs.

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Something for you?

  • We focus on current global and regional issues, helping you comprehend both the complexity and diversity of today’s global political arenas.
  • We are motivated by the challenges raised by globalisation and try to explain why some distributional effects of globalisation lead to political conflict.
  • We study how political choices are legitimised, discussing the power of persuasion, the role of norms and the impact of identity in global politics.
Why study this programme?

Admission requirements

Do you want to know if you can be admitted? Read more about the admission requirements of this programme.

Admission and application
With this Master's degree, you can go various directions in your professional career.
Céline Hazeleger
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What will you learn

Our International Relations specialisation will provide you with an insight into these players and into fundamental questions of contemporary international relations: is the international community equipped to address violent conflict and (cyber) terrorism? Why do states intervene in some cases of human rights violations, but not in other? Will the competition for natural resources intensify domestic and international conflict? What are the political consequences of regional integration and of the emergence of powers such as the BRICs? What are the political ramifications of global trade and finance?

Study programme

Future career opportunities

Alumni have sound analytical skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and experience in working in teams and working independently. This makes them well suited for job positions such as:

  • Policy-maker in international organisations, governments, or political parties
  • Policy-maker at the European Parliament
  • Consultant for profit and non-profit organisations
  • Banks and other financial institutions

Career prospects

Research

To indicate the type of research in this specialisation, a few examples:

  • What is the legitimacy of regional governments in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America and what is the role of supranational courts?
  • What is the role of norms in international relations?
  • What explains the authoritarian nature of the austerity politics in the European Union?
  • How do property rights regulations work in the context of international negotiations and emerging economies?

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.

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Tuitions & 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