As globalisation reshapes economies and societies, understanding the intricate dynamics between states, markets, and societies is more vital than ever. The International Political Economy (IPE) track within the Master's in International Relations invites you to explore these relationships and the forces that shape them. If you're curious about how global trade, finance, and policy evolve in a rapidly changing world, this track offers the perfect balance of theoretical reflection and practical ap
What makes this programme unique?
The IPE track attracts students eager to connect high-level
concepts with real-world challenges. Whether you're fascinated by
economic transitions in post-communist states, the
rise of protectionism, or the implications of energy transitions
for international cooperation, this track allows you to examine
policy-oriented questions through an interdisciplinary lens. You'll
combine insights from political science, philosophy, history, and
economics, gaining a comprehensive understanding of global
political economy.
Students also value the track's intellectual diversity. Whether you lean towards theory or practical application, IPE provides the tools to explore both perspectives. With a curriculum designed to foster reflection and application, you'll consider how theoretical frameworks can inform policy on topics such as trade conflicts, energy sustainability, or global responses to economic crises.
Programme highlights
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 International Political Economy) and you complete the specialization course Capita International Political Economy.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations (5 EC) | ||||
| Capita International Political Economy (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Seminar 1 (10 EC) Example:
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| Research Seminar 2 (10 EC) Example:
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| Master's Thesis International Political Economy (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: 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. |
| 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 International Political Economy from the University of Groningen.
Graduates of the IPE track are equipped to navigate the complexities of global markets and international relations. Career opportunities span government ministries, international organisations like the UN or the European Commission, banking and finance, and private corporations tackling global challenges.
The programme's emphasis on both theoretical and applied learning ensures that you graduate with the skills to adapt to diverse roles. Whether working on sustainability strategies in Europe or analysing the political consequences of trade policies, you'll be well-prepared to contribute to global stability and prosperity.
In Groningen, IPE research focuses in particular, but not exclusively, on processes of institutional change. Rather than scrutinizing the impact of given institutional settings on the interplay of states, markets and society, the leading research thread is the dynamics of institutions. What explains the emergence of institutions in the realm of international political economy? The overarching idea is to come to grips with converging institutional settings in on-going globalization.
Groningen IPE research on institutional change distinguishes two themes.
The first is designed around the topic of transformation & integration. It focuses on the transition to a market economy embedded in a democratic order in the regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. (See e.g. Herman W. Hoen (2011), “Crisis in Eastern Europe: The downside of a market economy revealed?”, European Review, 19(1), 31-41.) In this research, which is partly financed by the Volkswagen Foundation, there is close collaboration with the universities of Göttingen and Indiana (Bloomington) and the Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (Regensburg).
A second research line addresses the problem of convergence. At a regional level, the studies zoom in on the emergence of and changes in trade, investment, and labour regimes. At the enterprise level, the research focuses on ‘corporate governance’ and the extent to which it converges between Europe and the United States.
For an impression of the research activities on International Political Economy, please see the Chair Group International Political Economy in the Centre for International Relations Research (CIRR).
For more information about the IR department, please visit: Afdeling IBIO
Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of International Relations.
