Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in International Relations and International Organization

The University of Groningen offers a comprehensive Master's program in International Relations and International Organization, providing students with a deep understanding of the complex processes of dis/integration, cooperation, and conflict in the global arena. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and assess complex international issues and to form grounded judgments.

Program Description

The Master's program in International Relations and International Organization is a 60 ECTS program that can be completed in 12 months. The program is divided into two semesters, with the first semester focusing on advanced theory and research practice in international relations. Students are required to take the module Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations, as well as two research seminars from a range of essential areas of international relations, including International Security, International Political Economy, European Politics in a Global Perspective, Geopolitics & Connectivity, and East Asian Studies.

In the second semester, students will write a Master's thesis in the field of international relations and choose between a placement or professionalization electives. The placement option allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-time environment, while the professionalization electives provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills in areas such as career development and project proposal writing.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Master's program in International Relations and International Organization, students must have 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 and Cultures (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, may also be eligible for direct access to this track.

Students with a University of Groningen Bachelor's degree in American Studies, Communication and Information Studies, European Languages and Cultures (profiles Culture & Literature and Language & Society), History, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or Minorities and Multilingualism, who have completed a Faculty Minor in International Relations, may also be admitted to this Master's track.

Students from a similar field or those with a different educational background 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.

Language Requirements

English language proficiency is required for admission to the program. Students must have a VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), or a minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items), or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the Master's program in International Relations and International Organization vary depending on the student's nationality and the program form. For EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is € 2601 for the 2022-2023 academic year, while for non-EU/EEA students, the tuition fee is € 19200 for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Research Areas

Research conducted within the Department of International Relations and International Organization takes place within the context of one of the four other specializations: Global Governance, International Security, European Integration, and International Political Economy.

Career Prospects

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 Master program in International Relations prepares its students for professions and research careers where knowledge of international-political developments and the ability to analyze and assess complex issues and to form grounded judgments are relevant.

Many graduates become policy advisors for national governments, NGOs, and international organizations in international politics. An increasing number of graduates also use their analytical skills to advise international businesses, or work as lobbyists, international executives, press officers, journalists, and researchers.

Study Associations

Clio is the study association of International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen. It has around 1000 members and is one of the largest study associations in Groningen and the largest study association at a Dutch Faculty of Arts. Clio organizes numerous events, including parties, workshops, excursions, and offers services like high-quality summaries, the internship database, and various discounts around Groningen.

Conclusion

The Master's program in International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes of dis/integration, cooperation, and conflict in the global arena. With its strong research focus, flexible curriculum, and excellent career prospects, this program is an ideal choice for students who wish to pursue a career in international relations.