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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Geopolitics & Connectivity
Header image Geopolitics & Connectivity

Geopolitics & Connectivity

What can we learn about how attempts to create order in the world have to do with how things are connected and disconnected?

How is it that nationalisms and identities, economic systems, ideologies, inequalities, environmental and health issues, as well as belief systems, are used to connect and disconnect people, ideas, and places creating (new) geopolitical realities?

In this track you will be introduced to a novel approach, developed and led by colleagues at Groningen, to understand geopolitics as a connectivity effect. You will learn how spaces are, and have been, the result of connecting (strategically or not), many of the issues mentioned above. Drawing on historical and contemporary case studies and issues, you will develop unique analytical skills to approach any geopolitical issue in time.

Some questions inspired by this approach are, for example, how has the United States tried to change the terms under which it connects to the world in an attempt to force a different geopolitical context? How is China resetting the terms for its global connectivity through its Belt and Road initiative(s)? How is the European Union attempting to develop an environmental agenda to connect its members and create its geopolitical projection in the world? How do actors in the global realm challenge or benefit from these geopolitical aspirations? How do certain people and regions choose, and have chosen, to geopolitically disconnect from global designs?

Methodologically, you will learn how conflicts and wars, pandemics and environmental disasters, economic and financial crises, systemic infrastructural failures, and different forms of radicalisms, alert us of failing connectivities and the emerging of new ones, and how you can use these connectivities to understand and theorize an ever-emerging world. You will learn how geopolitical designs in time have resulted from the strategic connection of complex issues and interests, and how such designs have resulted from thinking space and power creatively.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in International Relations
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60734
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?

The track G&C:

  • Enables to design a study programme tailored to your needs and interests.
  • Offers a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by committed staff.
  • Includes a placement that excellently prepares for the labour market.
  • Provides you with a research-oriented profile which makes you fit for participation in a Research Master and/or a PhD track.
  • Is embedded in a university that provides a genuine international environment in the sparkling city of Groningen.
Programme

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.

During your second semester, you will write a Master Thesis (in the field of G&C) and you will choose between doing a Placement or professionalization electives.

If you choose the Placement option, you must find and apply for your Placement yourself, on the basis of your interests and skills. The Placement should last at least 7 weeks full-time. If you choose to do a Placement that takes longer than 7 weeks, it might be difficult to finish the programme within one year, and you will have to register for the extra months.

For examples of Research Seminar topics, please go to the Course Catalogue (link below). If you start the Master programme in September, you choose Research Seminars from semester I. If you start in February, you choose Research Seminars from semester II.

Because the programme starts in September as well as in February, all elements of the programme are offered both in the first and in the second semester. Please note: because the topics of the Research Seminars depend on the expertise of the lecturers, the list may be subject to change and differs each semester/year.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
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 - Unexpected Connections: Local Economies & Local Conflict in their Global Contexts

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

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.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is unaccommodated
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
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 programmeOrganizationTransition
International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • additional subject
More information:

with a specialization International Relations and International Law, and a number of required courses (see below)

American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Communication and Information StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

HistoryUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Media StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Middle Eastern StudiesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

Minorities & MultilingualismUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

with an IRIO faculty minor or pre-master

European Languages and CulturesUniversity 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

PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

International BusinessUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Psychology (EN)University of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Relations and International OrganizationAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements
American StudiesAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

History (part-time)All Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

International and European LawAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Political ScienceAll Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

with an IRIO pre-master

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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 and Cultures (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:

  • American Studies
  • Communication and Information Studies
  • European Languages and Cultures (profiles Culture & Literature and Language & Society)
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • Minorities and Multilingualism

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

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. If you have a VWO diploma a language test is not required.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 January 202501 February 2025
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore 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

Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 August 202401 September 2024
15 January 202501 February 2025
15 August 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 16000full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Upon graduation students hold a (60 ECTS) MA degree in International Relations with a track in Geopolitics & Connectivity from the University of Groningen. The Master programme in International Relations prepares its students for professions and research careers where knowledge of international-political developments and the ability to analyze and assess complex issues and to form grounded judgements are relevant.

Although not limiting you to a specific field, your track choice strengthens your profile in Geopolitics & Connectivity and benefits you when applying for specialized jobs in that field.

During the programme you will complete an internship: this will provide you not only with an insight into the job-market, but also further develop your professional skills as well as expand your network.

Many graduates become policy advisors for national governments, NGOs, and international organizations in international politics. An increasing number of graduates also use their analytical skills to advise international businesses, or work as lobbyists, international executives, press officers, journalists, and researchers.

Alumni of the Geopolitics & Connectivity track have found work at:

Government:

Business:

Consultancy:

Research:

Other:


Research

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.

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Contact

  • Ask Your Question (feb) (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Dieneke Zomer MA (Study adviser)
    Email: study.advice.irio rug.nl
  • Drs. Hidde de Haas (Study adviser)
    Email: study.advice.irio rug.nl
  • Renate Huttinga MA (Study adviser)
    Email: study.advice.irio rug.nl
  • Admission Office (Contact form)

"The Geopolitics and Connectivity track offered the opportunity for me to develop my interests"

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.

Why Groningen?

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.

Why Geopolitics and Connectivity?

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.

Future?

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.

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“I think it is important for students of IR not only to be able to talk about geopolitics, but also to thoroughly think about it.”

"The rise of China, wavering American support for NATO, Russia encroaching on its neighbours – talk about geopolitics has a strong presence both in the news and in public debate. I think it is important for students of IR not only to be able to talk about geopolitics, but also to thoroughly think about it. The new MA-track Geopolitics & Connectivity will allow you to do just that, by integrating innovative thinking about space, power, order, and connectivity in the study of geopolitics.

I myself greatly benefited from the research seminar Geopolitics & Connectivity. In an enthusiastic and inspiring fashion, IR staff members guide students through a wide range of geopolitical problems: from the historical creation of global empires, to contemporary debates about geologistics and geopolitical strategy. This has allowed me to think critically about the relation between geopolitics and connectivity.

The insights I have obtained in this course are invaluable for me as a student of IR, but also professionally. Both the empirical knowledge I have acquired in Geopolitics & Connectivity and the ability to think about geopolitics in an innovative fashion, are central to the PhD position I aim to obtain."

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“Geopolitics and Connectivity helped me to understand the the bigger picture and the small details of International relations at the same time.”

“Geopolitics and Connectivity helped me to understand the the bigger picture and the small details of International relations at the same time. If forces you to think of the small details that may seem insignificant but influence the big picture a lot. I acquired skills how to dig deeper into topics and find out things that are underlying main topics. In addition, Geopolitics & Connectivity helped me to get familiar with different research methods and referencing sources.

Currently, as one of the members of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of European Union organising team, we need to be aware of the Geopolitical topics of Europe and even further. Also, a dedicated and very helpful staff makes the studying process even more interesting.”

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“The course offered me the philosophical insights and practical examples to see the real working of geopolitics, specifically through infrastructure and global trade.”

"For me, geopolitics is a topic that combines history, geography, global economy and human interaction. The topic interested me before I followed Geopolitics & Connectivity, but I never really knew how to analyse and interpret the world through Geopolitics. Only after I followed this track and wrote my Master Thesis on geopolitics, I really understood why the topic had interested me so much before.

The course offered me the philosophical insights and practical examples to see the real working of geopolitics, specifically through infrastructure and global trade. Subjects like the power of maps, the influence of infrastructure projects like the Panama Canal (and its effect on economies throughout the world) and the linkage between logistics and political influence had one important thing in common. They all pointed to space and how it is constantly strategised.

Besides all this, the course helped me to decide what I sought for in a possible job. For me, success in finding a job in the field of International Relations really depends on how good you are in explaining your interests and connecting a professional position to that interest. Geopolitics & Connectivity was an important part in my process to exactly that."

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“Learning how to think and engage with problematizations is not only useful in the professional environments. It also fosters our creativity and reflexivity in our solutions.”

“This track revolves around a fascinating idea: that every national border, every map, every international treaty, as well as every transoceanic journey, and migration corridor, produces a specific political order in the world.

This helped me understanding that aspects that we now see as natural, such as the using the Greenwich prime meridian, moving freely across the Schengen Area or consuming products manufactured in Asia or Latin America, are actually effects of political orders, power relations, and historical forces. This is a highly valuable idea for anyone who is interested in making sense of a in a heavily interconnected world and its multiple dimensions.

In my experience, Geopolitics and Connectivity has proved to be valuable both in practical and academic spheres. Learning how to think and engage with problematizations is not only useful in the professional environments. It also fosters our creativity and reflexivity in our solutions. On the other hand, this seminar also exposed me to an extensive body of critical, interdisciplinary, and challenging literature. The latter provides a solid foundation to think and write about our world.”

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University of Groningen Orange Tulip Scholarship/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts

Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts.

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Study associations

Clio

Clio is the study association of International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen.
It has around 1000 members and is one of the largest study associations in Groningen and the largest study association at a Dutch Faculty of Arts. Clio organises numerous events including parties, workshops, excursions and offers services like high-quality summaries, the internship database and various discounts around Groningen.
https://www.clio.nl/home

Mitrany

Mitrany is the Alumni Network for all graduated students of International Relations and International Organization.
It was established in February 2013 in order to facilitate the contact between alumni and the Department of IRIO. Mitrany offers events tailored to graduated IRIO students concerning career paths and connects graduated IRIO students to its alumni network.
https://www.clio.nl/association/mitrany-alumni-network
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Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the program and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.