MA International Relations and International Organization

Profile

Who are the leading theorists in international relations? What are the dominant issues in the history of international relations? How does the international market relate to a country's government? What is the effect of processes of globalisation on the autonomy of the state? How does a just world order look like?

In the MA International Relations and International Organisation (IR/IO) you acquire specialised knowledge and skills in the area of international relations. It concerns an interdisciplinary degree course, meaning that the international developments are studied from a political, historical, economical and juridical point a view. The MA IR/IO is a programme that apart from a solid academic training, also prepares for interesting positions on the job market. Part of the preparation is an (optional) career-oriented internship.

Programme

The programme has a total workload of 60 ECTS, which equals one year of full-time academic study (12 months). The programme includes the following courses:

 

• Theory of International Relations: Capita Selecta (10 ECTS) - This course aims at the acquisition of knowledge of and insight in the theory of international relations: the three paradigms, various theoretical views of international relations (for instance ideology, ethics, diplomacy, and political culture) and the role of the state;

• Research Seminar (10 ECTS) - The choice for the research seminar depends on the selected path of specialization (International Security and Theory of International Relations, International Political Economy, European Co-operation and Integration or International Order). In the first semester of the academic year 2007/2008, the following research seminars are offered in the English language: Leading Theorists on International Relations and the Theory of War, Power Configurations in World Politics, and the United Nations from the 20th to the 21st Century. In the second semester, it concerns the following topics: The Political Economy of Oil, and Ethics and International Relations. A research seminar deepens the knowledge gained during the BA-study and the MA lecture course Theory of International Relations. It is concluded by a written exam on a substantial portion of academic literature. The course also includes the training of skills, like participating in discussions, giving oral presentations and debating with a fellow student on a thesis related to the central topic of the course. For futher information, see the yearly published brochure on research seminars.

• Paper International Relations (5 ECTS) - During the above-mentioned seminar the student does research on an individually selected theme, resulting in the writing of a paper. The paper has to be presented in public on a theme-related conference;

• Optional course (5 ECTS) - Optional courses are in International or European Law, International Politics and International Economics. The selected course has to be related to the Seminar Key Subject;

• Internship (10 ECTS) (optional) - An internship of three months at a private or public company or organisation at home or abroad constitutes an optional part of the curriculum; instead of an internship, students may also opt for an extra seminar course of 10 ECTS.

• Master thesis (20 ECTS) - The Master thesis is a written (extended) essay based on interdisciplinary research on a subject that fits within one of the main areas of the programme: international security, international political economy, European cooperation and integration, development studies, human rights and ethics.

After successful completion of the MA International Relations, students receive a Master’s degree from the University of Groningen.

Career prospects

The MA programme IR/IO provides students with a profound knowledge of international relations. The programme is highly relevant for students who wish to pursue a career in international business, non-profit or governmental institutions (local, regional, national or international).

Prerequisites

To be admitted to the MA programme, students must be in the possession of an internationally recognised bachelor’s degree International Organisations and International Relations or a comparable degree in one of the following fields: International Politics or International Relations. Applicants should be proficient in English (a minimum 580 TOEFL score and excellent speaking and writing skills).

Tuition fees

• for EU-residents: approximately 1565 - 2000 Euro, depending on age
• for non-EU-residents: approximately 7600 Euro

Deadline for applicants

Applications can be handed in throughout the year, but you are strongly advised to apply as early as possible. A maximum of 20 students can be admitted to the MA International Relations/International Organisation. The application deadline is 31 May prior to the start of the academic year in September. The University of Groningen is not responible for acquiring a visa for your stay in The Netherlands.

More information

For general information about studying at the Faculty of Arts you can contact the International Office (admissions.office@let.rug.nl) or see the website for international students.