What does the future hold for the European Union? Are its founding ideals of peace and prosperity strong enough to overcome public distrust about further integration? Find out in this track.
European Politics in a Global Perspective is a track within the Master's degree in International Relations.
European integration is a unique phenomenon. Nowhere else in the world have national states decided to a such a far-reaching form of cooperation and 'pooling' of resources as has been the case within the framework of the present-day European Union. Despite the problems the EU is facing nowadays, the economies and currencies, and to a certain extent also the political and social systems of the member countries, have become 'Europeanized' to a considerable extent. This fascinating development is studied in the track European Politics in a Global Perspective in Groningen.
'I chose European Integration after developing a specific interest in the European Union during my Bachelor's degree programme in International Relations and International Organization (IRIO). Regional integration particularly fascinates me, hence my decision to follow a placement at Interreg Flanders–the Netherlands. Interreg is a European funding programme which stimulates collaboration between parties from several countries in projects in the field of spatial and regional development.
I really enjoy the Master's track. You’re given a lot of autonomy, and you’re really encouraged to develop new ideas. The professors and lecturers treat you as an equal, which gives you a lot of self-confidence and motivation.
Alongside my degree programme, I’m active in the International Research by Students Programme (IRSP), which helps IRIO Master’s students find opportunities to conduct research for professional partners such as businesses, government organizations and embassies. This year I’m leading a research project for Koneksie, a social enterprise which deals with mobility problems in Kenya. The project involves all the different aspects of IRIO, from economics and international law to culture. After graduating, I’m planning to go abroad to study for a second Master’s degree in order to broaden my knowledge.’
Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of International Relations.