Location:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

International Relations

Program Overview

Program Description:

This master’s programme provides a thorough academic education for students seeking a professional career in the field of international relations as well as for those who wish to continue their studies to obtain a PhD degree. The philosophy of the programme is based on a broad and interdisciplinary view of international relations. It explores the political, economic and social dynamics of global and regional integration as well as disintegration, from a historical and transnational perspective. The programme promotes a critical understanding of contemporary developments by offering different theoretical perspectives and methodologies. These include: realist approaches, pluralism, constructivism, world systems theory and transnational historical materialism. The programme stresses interactive learning between students and lecturers as well as collaborative work between students. During their studies, all students take part in the core course and seminars. Academic advisors will be available to counsel students individually and to review the student’s progress periodically. Upon completion of the programme, students will have acquired thorough knowledge of the major themes and issues as well as insight into the various ways to analyse them. Themes and issues include: patterns of inclusion/exclusion and their historical backgrounds, equality/inequality, integration/disintegration; the intersection of market integration and state formation at the national, regional, and global level; the relationship between socio-economic and legal processes of change in the international system; the duality of structure and agency in international relations; the internal and external determination of the conduct of states; and the increasing relevance of transnational relations in the international system. In addition to this, the student will have acquired the necessary skills to design research projects, employ various research methods, as well as conduct empirical research.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Technical and Career Institutions