Voor de beste ervaring schakelt u JavaScript in en gebruikt u een moderne browser!
Je gebruikt een niet-ondersteunde browser. Deze site kan er anders uitzien dan je verwacht.
Political Science: International Relations is a one year programme of full-time study. The programme is composed of two semesters, each covering 20 weeks of courses and worth 60 ECTS.
  • First semester

    In the first semester students have to take one core course in the field of Political Theory and the course State of the Art of Political Science.  Both courses combine a broad engagement with core questions of politics with in-depth study of a particular contemporary theme from a sub-disciplinary perspective. Students study in groups of four to five students. Subsequently students also choose two relevant electives from a list of approximately 20 electives (topics change every academic year).

  • Second semester

    The second semester ends at the end of June. In this second semester students select a research project (30 ECTS credits) on a topic relevant to the field of International Relations.

    • In Part I (Thesis Seminars) students focus on core theory and common substantive literature and on research design within a programme that exposes them to a range of research methods.
    • In Part II students concentrate on writing their thesis.
  • Thesis

    The final Master's thesis is a report on primary or secondary research carried out by the student as part of the research project. The thesis should be between 10,000 and 16,000 words long.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Free-choice electives: Non-compulsory methodological training
    Period 4
  • Specialisation Course International Relations
    Period 1
    9

    The core module in International Relations aims to equip students with a deep understanding of relevant literature, theories, and research in the field. It emphasises the ability to critically analyse, rapidly familiarise with new subjects, and bridge gaps between disciplines and analytical concepts. Students will gain knowledge of diverse theories and approaches, develop analytical tools for research, and enhance their skills in interpreting and reporting on current societal and political developments.

  • State of the Art Political Science
    Period 1
    3

    Improve your ability to engage with advanced political theories and debates, analyse political science questions critically, and quickly learn new topics. You will learn to design research proposals that address empirical gaps, report findings clearly, and work effectively in teams to develop academic and policy solutions.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Master Electives International Relations
    Period 2
    Period 3
    18
  • Restricted-choice electives: Thesis
    Period 4
    Period 5
    Period 6
    30
Compulsory course
Elective
Find more information in the online course catalogue
  • Workload

    The study load is approximately 40 hours per week.

  • Language

    The entire programme will be taught in English, although Dutch students have the right to do their exams in Dutch since this programme has a Dutch accreditation.

Experience the programme