Our International Studies programme offers an attractive mix of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. You have the opportunity to spend part of the curriculum outside the University, as an intern at a national or international organisation.
Semester 1 consists of a core course, a preparatory course for your thesis, and an elective or internship. Semester 2 comprises a second core course, another elective or internship, and an MA thesis.
In core course one you study major concepts across time and space. Central to the course are the ideas and beliefs that move and inspire people, governments and states: democracy, sovereignty, identity, freedom, religion, human rights, and legitimacy.
The second core course engages with critical aspects of global politics and culture to question the ‘Western bias’ in International Relations. This course challenges students to cultivate a truly international mindset that is culturally aware and can generate more effective policy in the future.
You may choose electives from a wide range of graduate level courses offered across the Faculty of Humanities. You will also have the possibility to exchange your elective(s) for an internship at an organization / institution in the field of international or foreign relations, in or outside of the Netherlands.
The preparatory course introduces you to core methodological and theoretical issues you meet when you initiate, research, and write your MA thesis. In addition, a series of seminars will enable students to discuss specific issues relating to International Studies. Your thesis is supposed to be based on original research that speaks to the core themes of the MA International Studies.