In a world shaped by the dynamics of integration, cooperation, and conflict, the International Relations and International Organization (IRIO) track offers you the intellectual flexibility to explore pressing global questions. Part of the Master's in International Relations, this track is designed for students who value breadth in their studies, offering a wide-ranging perspective on global interactions, their histories, and their implications for the future.
What makes this programme unique?
The IRIO track is ideal if you're seeking a broad foundation in
international relations without committing to a highly specialised
focus. You'll delve into a wide variety of themes, drawing
connections between global events and disciplines to understand how
they influence one another. This reflective and interdisciplinary
approach encourages you to think critically about how international
relations intersect with fields as diverse as environmental and
energy issues, development and humanitarianism, artificial
intelligence regulation, or historical analyses of war and
peace.
By engaging with all the core areas of International Relations – from International Security to Geopolitics and Connectivity – you'll sample a little of everything, gaining insights into the complex factors that shape our interconnected world.
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 (from five essential areas of IR: East Asian Studies, Int. Security, IPE, Eur. Politics in a Global Perspective, and Geopolitics & Connectivity) and you complete the specialization course Capita IRIO.
| Semesters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CoursesCourse Catalog > | 1a | 1b | 2a | 2b |
| Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations (5 EC) | ||||
| Capita IRIO (5 EC) | ||||
| Research Seminar 1 (10 EC) Example: - Politics of Natural Resources - Race, Class and Gender Internsectionality | ||||
| Research Seminar 2 (10 EC) Example: - Medical Humanitarianism in Global Politics - Human Rights, Democracy and Peace | ||||
| Master's thesis IRIO (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 International Relations and International Organization from the University of Groningen.
The broad focus of the IRIO track doesn't just deepen your understanding of international relations – it makes you more adaptable in the job market. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in policy advising, diplomacy, international NGOs, and beyond.
This track also fosters a creative and open-minded approach, encouraging you to think outside the box and explore innovative solutions to global challenges. With its strong focus on humanities, philosophy, and theory, alongside practical applications, IRIO prepares you for a variety of roles that demand critical thinking and adaptability.
Research conducted within the Department of International Relations and International Organization takes mostly place within the context of one of the four other specializations: Global Governance, International Security, European Integration and International Political Economy. We kindly direct you to those sites to get an impression of the research activities of the Department.
For more information about the IR department, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/let/onze-faculteit/organisatie/vakgebieden/irio/staff
After finalizing her Master's in International Relations, UG alumna Elisa Ahovuori-Motta moved to Utrecht and now works as a Project Manager and Online Marketer at INTK. She talks about her work and how her studies and time at the University of Groningen contributed to her current position.
Are you interested in a research oriented career? Please also check our Research Master's Programme of International Relations.
