University of Groningen

MA in European Politics in a Global Perspective

The track European Politics in a Global Perspective:

• Enables to design a study programme tailored to your needs and interests.
• Offers a research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by committed staff.
• Includes a placement that excellently prepares for the labour market.
• Provides you with a research-oriented profile which makes you fit for participation in a Research Master and/or a PhD track.

The Master's track European Politics in a Global Perspective is special because of its interdisciplinary and policy-oriented nature. We study integration from an historical, IR-theoretical, legal and social-economic point of view. We strongly feel that developments in Europe cannot be properly understood from a mono-disciplinary perspective and that a thoroughly integrated approach is needed to gain a proper insight in the issues under study. European Politics in a Global Perspective is interdisciplinary by nature. Moreover, we attach great importance to the practical translation of the knowledge and (oral and writing) skills acquired during the MA track. Students in the Master's track European Politics in a Global Perspective write policy notes and research papers, participate in debating sessions and simulation games, (critically) review standard works in European Politics in a Global Perspective studies and, last but not least, can do a traineeship with a European organization (public or private), either in the Netherlands or abroad. In other words, we are highly motivated to provide the students with an appropriate background in knowledge and skills to prepare them for a well-positioned entry on the labour market.

Job prospects

Upon graduation students hold a (60 ECTS) MA degree in International Relations with a track in European Politics in a Global Perspective from the University of Groningen. The Master programme 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 judgements are relevant.

Although not limiting you to a specific field, your track choice strengthens your profile in European Politics in a Global Perspective and benefits you when applying for specialized jobs in that field.

During the programme you will complete an internship: this will provide you not only with an insight into the job-market, but also further develop your professional skills as well as expand your network.

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.

Alumni of the European Politics in a Global Perspective track work at:

Government:

• Policy Officer – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (The Hague)
• Support and Training Youth and Child Care System - Regionale Inkooporganisatie Groninger Gemeenten (Groningen)
• Beleidsadviseur Economie – Gemeente Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht (Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht)
• Project Officer - BMWE-Gemeenten (Bedum, De Marne, Winsum, Eemsmond)

Business:

• HR Analyst - Shell (Den Haag)
• Sales Support – Larex Recruitment (Deventer)

Year 1

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 (at least one of which in European Politics in a Global Perspective) and you complete the specialization course Capita European Politics in a Global Perspective.

During your second semester, you will write a Master Thesis (in the field of EPGP) and you will choose between doing a Placement or professionalization electives. If you choose the Placement option, you must find and apply for your Placement yourself, on the basis of your interests and skills. The Placement should last at least 7 weeks full-time. If you choose to do a Placement that takes longer than 7 weeks, it might be difficult to finish the programme within one year, and you will have to register for the extra months. For examples of Research Seminar topics, please go to the Course Catalogue (link below). If you start the Master programme in September, you choose Research Seminars from semester I. If you start in February, you choose Research Seminars from semester II. Because the programme starts in September as well as in February, all elements of the programme are offered both in the first and in the second semester. Please note: because the topics of the Research Seminars depend on the expertise of the lecturers, the list may be subject to change and differs each semester/year.

Courses

• Advanced Theory and Research Practice in International Relations (5 EC)
• Capita European Politics in a Global Perspective (5 EC)
• Research Seminar 1 (10 EC)
• Research Seminar 2 (10 EC)
• Master's Thesis European Politics in a Global Perspective (20 EC)
• Master's Placement (10 EC, optional)
• Professionalization Electives (10 EC, optional)

Programme options

Master's placement (specialization)