The Geopolitics & Connectivity track within the Master's in International Relations offers a unique lens on how global networks shape political power. You'll delve into how strategic links between nations, people, and ideas - whether through economics, environmental policies, or technological advancements - create new geopolitical realities. What opportunities does a warming Arctic pose for geopolitical actors? How do maps shape and frame the ways we think about the world? Why is intersectionali
What makes this programme unique?
This track uniquely combines geopolitics with connectivity, offering insights into how networks of trade, communication, and people influence power dynamics. Geopolitical realities are not just shaped by borders, oceans, and fixed boundaries; they are driven by diverse connections such as trade flows, intellectual developments, and cultural exchanges. This innovative focus, paired with small-scale, interactive classrooms and active engagement with cutting-edge research, creates a learning environment that is as dynamic as it is enriching.
As part of the University of Groningen, you'll study in an international environment that values diversity and intellectual curiosity. Supported by world-class faculty and cutting-edge research, you'll gain the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Embark on your journey with the IR tracks and discover how a broad, reflective, and interdisciplinary approach to international relations can open doors to many opportunities.
The Master's degree programme International Relations is 60 ECTS. During your first semester, you take the module Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations. This module must be followed by all students. In addition, you choose two Research Seminars (at least one of which in G&C) and you complete the specialization course Capita Geopolitics & Connectivity.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations (5 EC) | ||||
| Capita Geopolitics & Connectivity (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Seminar 1 (10 EC) Example: - Geopolitical ideas and International History - Governance and Security in the Arctic | ||||
| Research Seminar 2 (10 EC) Example: - Maps and Power - Transnational Movements | ||||
| Master's Thesis Geopolitics & Connectivity (20 EC) | ||||
| Master's Placement (10 EC, optional) | ||||
| Professionalization electives (10 EC, optional) Example: - Career Seminar Working in and on Governance; - Project Proposal Writing | ||||
| Programme options |
|---|
| Master's Placement (specialization) A placement is a recognised component of this Master's track. It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary. |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Students with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and International Organization from the University of Groningen or from another Dutch university, students with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Groningen in European Languages, Cultures and Politics (Profile Politics & Society) who started in 2016 or later, and students with a BA in International Relations and International Law (IRIL) from University College Groningen (if they have completed the following set of courses: International Relations Theories (and Practice) (5 ECTS), International Politics (5 ECTS), Statistics 1 (5 ECTS), Two of the following three qualitative methods courses: Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis (5 ECTS); Interpretive Methods (5 ECTS); Advanced Argumentation and Critical Thinking (5 ECTS)) have direct access to this track through the IR Admissions Board. Please use this application guide for your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA Students with a University of Groningen Bachelor's degree in:
who have completed a Faculty Minor in International Relations will also be admitted to this Master's track on that basis. Students from a similar field (which is not mentioned above) or those with a different educational background, for example Political Sciences, American Studies, History, European/International Law or International Economics, must submit a request for admission to the Master's degree in International Relations to the Admissions Board. The Board may decide to decline the request due to an insufficiently internationally orientated Bachelor's degree, or to admit the applicant to (parts of the pre-)Master programme. Please use this application guide for your specific application procedure: https://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. The Admissions Board will then determine whether:
|
| language test |
Language requirement for English: You must have completed this at VWO level (mark 6 or higher) or obtained one of the following English certificates:
TOEFL iBT tests taken after 21 January 2026 will use TOEFL's new 1 - 6 scoring system. |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| All Universities of applied sciences |
Via a pre-master More information:with a HBO Bachelor's degree certificate with an international profile and/or knowledge of social sciences, for example Political Sciences, American Studies, History, European/International Law or International Economics and an IRIO pre-master |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| American Studies | All Research universities |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| History, History (part-time) | All Research universities |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| Political Science | All Research universities |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| International and European Law | All Research universities |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| International Relations and International Organization | All Research universities | No additional requirements |
| Study programme | Organization | Transition |
|---|---|---|
| International Business | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| Sociology | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| European Languages, Cultures and Politics | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:If you started the BA programme in 2016 or later, with the profile Politics and Society OR with an IRIO faculty minor/ pre-master |
| American Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| Media Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| Frisian Language and Culture | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| History | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| Middle Eastern Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| Communication and Information Studies | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements More information:with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | University of Groningen |
Additional requirements Additional requirements:
with a specialization International Relations and International Law, and a number of required courses (see below) |
| Psychologie (NL) | University of Groningen |
Via a pre-master More information:with an IRIO pre-master |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 January 2027 | 01 February 2027 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Students with either a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (including - but not limited to - Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), or an internationally oriented Bachelor's degree such as International Relations, Regional Studies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History can submit an application to the IR Admissions Board. Please use this application guide for more information regarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. The Admissions Board will then determine whether:
|
| language test |
Language requirement for English: You must have completed this at VWO level (mark 6 or higher) or obtained one of the following English certificates:
TOEFL iBT tests taken after 21 January 2026 will use TOEFL's new 1 - 6 scoring system. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 January 2027 | 01 February 2027 |
| 15 August 2027 | 01 September 2027 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
Upon graduation students hold a (60 ECTS) MA degree in International Relations with a track in Geopolitics & Connectivity from the University of Groningen.
This track blends academic theory with hands-on experience, including internships that build your skills and networks. You'll gain expertise in areas like intercultural communication, critical analysis, and project management, making you highly employable in fields like diplomacy, policy advisory, and international strategy.
Graduates of this programme excel in roles across international organisations, think tanks, NGOs, and governmental agencies, addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges.
Research at the Chair Group on History and Theory of International relations revolves around two overlapping fields: Modes of Reasoning about order, power and governance; and The Politics of Global Connectivities. Common to them is a concern with understanding the making of orders of governance as well as advancing and refining traditional and alternative methodological approaches to the study of history and theory of international relations, such as Historical Epistemology.
For more information, see: Research at History and Theory of International Relations
Hi, I'm Saxon! I've always had an interest in international affairs and the interactions between different countries and cultures; What factors insight conflict, and what factors facilitate cooperation? The Geopolitics and Connectivity track offered the opportunity for me to develop this interest, with enough course flexibility to really structure the programme around what I was most interested in.
Moving to Groningen to study has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I can walk to my classes in five minutes, I get to meet people from all over the world, and take part in all sorts of extra activities not found on the traditional university schedule.
More than anything the Geopolitics and Connectivity programme offers opportunities, opportunities to tailor your subjects, opportunities to meet new people, and opportunities to explore different career possibilities. This, above all is what has stuck out to me about the programme.
While my aspiration is, broadly, to enter the public sector, the further through my studies I progress the more tempting it is for me to pursue a PhD. I suppose time will tell on that front, though, career wise, the placement opportunity the masters programme offers is a great chance to dip my toe in a career outside of academia.
