Political Science

Power shapes politics, but what shapes power in the 21st Century? The Radboud Master's programme in Political Science offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to prepare for a rewarding career in leading positions in the public and private sector. Within our Political Science Master's programme, you can choose between seven specialisations. Moreover, our Master's programme offers Dual Degree programmes with the American University in Washington, DC and with the universities of Bamberg and Glasgow.

Specialisations

  • Applied Political Theory

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    Applied Political Theory is not just about interpreting or explaining the world, but also about changing it. From climate change to homelessness, great societal challenges require that we make decent and legitimate political choices. But how can we determine that? This specialisation provides you with the tools to evaluate whether and how the exercise of power by political actors and institutions can be justified.

  • Comparative Politics: Democracies and Autocracies

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    The Master’s specialisation Comparative Politics: Autocracies and Democracies addresses worldwide democratic decline and rising authoritarianism. Students acquire skills to understand and explain polarisation, populism, inequality and declining trust.

  • Conflict, Power and Politics

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    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?

  • Diversity and Inequality in Politics

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    Understanding how gender, race, ethnicity, class, religion, and other identities intersect with power structures is key to addressing pressing societal issues such as discrimination, unequal representation, economic disparities, and violent conflicts. This programme equips you to critically analyse these domestic and global dynamics and develop viable solutions to foster more inclusive political and social systems.

  • European Union Politics and Governance

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    How can the effectiveness of EU policy be ensured? How does the EU engage with societal actors, and what effect does this have on the EU's legitimacy? This multidisciplinary Master's equips you with cutting-edge insights from politics and governance to tackle questions like these.

  • Global Political Economy

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    In a world where new economic powers are reshaping global hierarchies, geopolitical tensions intensify by the day. Master the analytical tools to decode how shifting economic power balances influence everything, from global supply chains to trade wars, from climate diplomacy to green investments, and more. Understand not just what happens in the global economy but go beyond the surface and understand why and who benefits.

  • International Relations

    Master's specialisation of Political Science | Joint programme optional EN

    Tackling contemporary global problems in the 21st century, such as war and violent conflict, geopolitical and economic competition, rising inequalities, pandemics, climate change, or artificial intelligence requires a deeper understanding of the essential dynamics, actors, and factors that shape global politics.

  • Pre-Master's Political Science

    Pre-Master's EN

    The pre-Master's programme Political Science is designed to bridge the gap between your prior education and our Master's specialisations in Political Science.