Groningen, Netherlands
DURATION
12 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Oct 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
01 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 18,700 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Dutch I EU/EEA students I non-EU/EEA students
** for Non-EU|for EU/EEA EUR 2,530
Key Summary
Introduction
One world, 7 billion people, 193 sovereign states, over 600 (Non-)Governmental Organizations, 100s of multinationals, all tied up in complex processes of dis/integration, cooperation and conflict
International Relations as a discipline is almost a century old. About its origins different interpretations exist, but in general IR emerged in response to the consequences of power politics in Europe, culminating in the First World War, and in response to specific research questions within Political Science. IR in Europe started as an interdisciplinary project, IR in Groningen still follows this tradition.
International Relations and International Organization, a track of the Master's in International Relations, offers a comprehensive study in theory and practice. Theretofore, IRIO uses a 'self-service' model. Besides the mandatory course on advanced theory and the master thesis, you can select from specialized capita and research seminars in five essential areas of Internationals Relations: International Security, International Political Economy, European Integration, Geopolitics & Connectivity and East Asian Studies. Moreover, to prepare for an international career you can organize a placement at a public or private organization in the field of international relations, where you can apply your knowledge and skills in a 'real-time' environment.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Year 1
- Advanced Theory of International Relations
- Research Seminar 1
- Research Seminar 2
- Capita IRIO
- Master's Placement
- Master's thesis IRIO
Program Outcome
Credits: 60 ECTS
MA in International Relations (Research)
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 judgements are relevant.
During the program 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.
Career Opportunities
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 International Relations and International Organization track work at:
Government:
Project Officer Elections - Municipality The Hague (The Hague)
Business:
- Young Information Professional - PBLQ (Den Haag)
- Operations Specialist - HP España (Barcelona)
- Due Diligence Analyst - Fraud Investigations and Compliance Services (Amsterdam)
- Investment Promotion & Aftercare Executive - CINDE (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) (Costa Rica)
Communication:
- Communications Officer - International Business School Hanzehogeschool (Groningen)
- Online Marketing – Dutch Railways (The Hague)
Lobby:
Fundraising and Partnerships Officer - Consumers International (London)
Research:
Lecturer and PhD - University of Groningen