Why study this programme?

Master's specialisation in International Relations

• Our students are challenged to look beyond the daily news and to disentangle deeper global structures of power that underlie the causes and outcomes of global conflicts. The programme provides students with an overview of characteristic patterns, mechanisms and normative assessments of post-Cold War conflicts. Students acquire the tools to describe the nature of war and conflict in the 21st century by investigating who the relevant actors are, which strategies these actors predominantly use, and the extent to which the dynamics of violent conflicts differ from wars in the previous centuries.
• Our programme trains you to understand vital decision-making processes in a variety of themes, such as security crises, international conflict and cooperation, comparative regionalism, global trade and finance, and global justice, human rights and development. We study how political choices are legitimised, discussing the power of persuasion, the role of norms and the impact of identity.
• The Master’s programme in Political Science is accredited by the NVAO (the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation). The panel, consisting of international experts, concludes that the programme is rightly proud of its community spirit, which continues to benefit the programme’s achievement level and its graduates’ careers alike (source: Academion, 2023).
• Political Science has an active study association, ismus, which organises various formal and informal activities. Furthermore, students of Political Science can join the International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS).
• The study programme of Political Science has received excellent evaluations (Keuzegids Master's 2022).
• The Political Science Master’s has dual degree programmes with American University (Washington, DC) and the Universities of Bamberg and Glasgow.

Why choose Radboud University

• Our classes are small and interactive, and our professors are easily approachable. There is an open environment where you can easily meet other students.
• Our compact campus in Nijmegen is the greenest and most beautiful in the Netherlands where everything is within walking distance.
• We encourage our students to take a multidisciplinary approach to their studies, and in many cases, you are free to customise your own programme, so you can learn about and research topics that you are passionate about.
• You earn a valuable diploma in an outstanding university system. Furthermore, we stimulate and support the development of your critical skills in order to improve your chances in the job market within your field.

Do you want to know more about what Radboud University has to offer?

Why Radboud University