International Relations and Diplomacy

Degree: Master of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 75022
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The two-year MSc Programme in International Relations and Diplomacy offers a unique blend of academic education in international relations and political science with practical graduate education and training in international negotiation and diplomacy. The programme is offered jointly by the Institute of Political Science of Leiden University and the prestigious Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ in the Hague. Clingendael’s objective is to promote the understanding of international affairs, and the institute devotes special attention to European co-operation, international security, and diplomacy.

Research/PhD

As one of the largest institutes in Europe, Leiden’s Political Science Institute encompasses a wide range of research interests, spanning subjects such as: political philosophy, political behaviour, comparative politics, national politics and international relations. The central theme of its research programme is ‘The Institutions of Politics: Design, Workings, and Implications’. Graduate students can play a key role in the Institute, engaging in collaborative projects with faculty members. Such activities have led to high numbers of publications authored by and co-authored with graduate students in recent years.

The quality of the Institute’s research and teaching is continuously evaluated through both internal and external reports. In recent national research quality assessments, the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences was awarded top marks for the majority of its research programmes.

A recent study, the ‘European Benchmarking Project’ conducted by the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, compared thirty leading European universities. The conclusion was that in the field of social sciences, Leiden ranks among the very best in Europe.