Program Overview

Program Overview

The VU Master programme in Political Science prepares students for work in complex environments where they have to navigate between competing interests.

Curriculum

The programme focuses on understanding the political process and its outcomes. Students will develop distinctive skills in analyzing the political field, identifying where interests conflict, and how they can be brought to align. They will be able to write reports, draft policy documents, conduct presentations, write blogs, summaries, and essays. They will have mastered the skills of debate and effective argumentation, as well as being able to conduct independent research and teamworking skills.

Future Career Paths

A wide range of career paths is open to graduates of the VU Master in Political Science. Their analytical skills, capacity to conduct independent research, and deep knowledge and understanding of various fields in international politics, governance, and decision-making are competencies that can be applied across diverse job activities. Some examples of where alumni are working include:

• Project officer at the European Commission
• Policy Advisor at the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy
• Head of the EU/NATO Section Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Industry and Public Sector Consultant at PwC
• Analyst at the German Council on Foreign Relations
• Media Analyst at Greenpeace
• Foreign Correspondent for NOS, a Dutch public broadcasting organization
• Analyst at the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine
• Management Trainee at Tesla
• Member of Dutch Parliament for the Christen-Unie
• Policy Officer at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Junior Process-manager Sustainable Transitions at NextGreen Ltd.
• Trainee at the Dutch Tax Administration
• Sustainability Associate at the European Parliamentary Research Service
• Advisor International Clients at ABN Amro
• Policy officer at the Scottish Government
• Consultant Sustainable Mobility at Berenschot
• Reporting Assistant Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
• Researcher and Communications Officer at human rights organisation the Bulgaria Helsinki Committee
• Associate Professor in International Relations VU Amsterdam
• Account Manager at Statista
• Policy advisor at the City of Amsterdam

Alumni Stories

Alumni stories are available, showcasing the experiences of former students in various roles and industries.

Admissions

Admission requirements are available for those interested in applying for the Political Science: Global Environmental Politics program.