International Relations and International Organization, Master Degree

University of Groningen, the Netherlands

Visit course webpage

Photos and Videos

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
Master Degree	find out	find out	find out	EUR 2314 per year	EUR 11200 per year

About International Relations and International Organization, Master Degree - at University of Groningen

One world, 7 billion people, 193 sovereign states, over 6,000 (Non-)Governmental Organizations, 1000s of multinationals, all tied up in complex processes of dis/integration, cooperation and conflict.

International Relations as a discipline is almost a century old. Different interpretations exist about its origins, 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, the IRIO programme uses a 'self-service' model. Besides the mandatory course on advanced theory, capita IRIO and the master thesis, you can select from specialized research seminars in five essential areas of Internationals Relations: International Security, International Political Economy, European Politics in a Global Perspective, 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.

Learn more about International Relations and International Organization, Master Degree - at University of Groningen

Visit course webpage

Entry requirements

Specific requirements	More information
language test	The English language proficiency requirement will be met bypassing an examination in English at the level of the Dutch VWOfinal exam (mark 6 or higher), or by passing the internet-basedTOEFL test with a score of at least 90 (with a minimum of 21 for all items), IELTS Academic Module with a minimum score of 6.5 (witha minimum score of 6.0 for all items) or a certificate from theUniversity of Groningen Language Centre, at least B2, CEFR.
previous education	Students with either a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences(including - but not limited to - Economics, Political Science,Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), oran internationally oriented Bachelor's degree such as InternationalRelations, Regional Studies, European/International Law, or(Modern) History can submit an application to the IR AdmissionsBoard. Please use this step-by-step guide for more informationregarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure:http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Boardwill assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained. The Admissions Board will then determine whether: direct admission is possible a student has to complete the pre-Master's programme first: http://www.rug.nl/let/premaster-IR a student cannot be admitted

Specific requirements

More information

language test

The English language proficiency requirement will be met bypassing an examination in English at the level of the Dutch VWOfinal exam (mark 6 or higher), or by passing the internet-basedTOEFL test with a score of at least 90 (with a minimum of 21 for all items), IELTS Academic Module with a minimum score of 6.5 (witha minimum score of 6.0 for all items) or a certificate from theUniversity of Groningen Language Centre, at least B2, CEFR.

previous education

Students with either a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences(including - but not limited to - Economics, Political Science,Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), oran internationally oriented Bachelor's degree such as InternationalRelations, Regional Studies, European/International Law, or(Modern) History can submit an application to the IR AdmissionsBoard.

Please use this step-by-step guide for more informationregarding your eligibility and your specific application procedure:http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Boardwill assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

direct admission is possible
a student has to complete the pre-Master's programme first: http://www.rug.nl/let/premaster-IR
a student cannot be admitted

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More information
language test	The English language proficiency requirement will be met bypassing an examination in English at the level of the Dutch VWOfinal exam (mark 6 or higher), or by passing the internet-basedTOEFL test with a score of at least 90 (with a minimum of 21 for all items), IELTS Academic Module with a minimum score of 6.5 (witha minimum score of 6.0 for all items) or a certificate from theUniversity of Groningen Language Centre, at least B2, CEFR.
previous education	University of Groningen: For students with a University ofGroningen Bachelor's degree in American Studies, Communication andInformation Studies, European Languages and Cultures (ProfilePolitics and Society), History, International and European Law,International Business, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies,Minorities and Multilingualism, Psychology and Sociology a standardPre-Master programme applies. Please use this step-by-step guidefor your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA Other universities and degree programmes: Students with either aBachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (including - but not limitedto - Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Psychology,Sociology, Social Geography), or an internationally orientedBachelor's degree such as International Relations, RegionalStudies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History can submitan application to the IR Admissions Board. Please use thisstep-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibilityand your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Boardwill assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained. The Admissions Board will then determine whether: direct admission is possible a student has to complete the pre-Master's programme first: http://www.rug.nl/let/premaster-IR a student cannot be admitted

Specific requirements

More information

language test

The English language proficiency requirement will be met bypassing an examination in English at the level of the Dutch VWOfinal exam (mark 6 or higher), or by passing the internet-basedTOEFL test with a score of at least 90 (with a minimum of 21 for all items), IELTS Academic Module with a minimum score of 6.5 (witha minimum score of 6.0 for all items) or a certificate from theUniversity of Groningen Language Centre, at least B2, CEFR.

previous education

University of Groningen: For students with a University ofGroningen Bachelor's degree in American Studies, Communication andInformation Studies, European Languages and Cultures (ProfilePolitics and Society), History, International and European Law,International Business, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies,Minorities and Multilingualism, Psychology and Sociology a standardPre-Master programme applies. Please use this step-by-step guidefor your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

Other universities and degree programmes: Students with either aBachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (including - but not limitedto - Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Psychology,Sociology, Social Geography), or an internationally orientedBachelor's degree such as International Relations, RegionalStudies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History can submitan application to the IR Admissions Board. Please use thisstep-by-step guide for more information regarding your eligibilityand your specific application procedure: http://www.rug.nl/let/how-to-apply-MA

After you complete your application, the IR Admissions Boardwill assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, and will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained.

The Admissions Board will then determine whether:

direct admission is possible
a student has to complete the pre-Master's programme first: http://www.rug.nl/let/premaster-IR
a student cannot be admitted

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Groningen

The university is committed to recognising excellence in academic achievement through offering a number of scholarships for international students and researchers. Several scholarships are available for international students who are motivated to study Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programmes, as well as for exchanges, short courses and research stays at our university.

Besides scholarships awarded by the University of Groningen, a number of grants awarded by the Dutch government, the EU and (inter)national organizations, such as World Bank or the Ford Foundation, can be used for study or research at the University of Groningen as well.

Find out what is available through our grant finder page.

Student reviews of University of Groningen

Find out what students say about University of Groningen

If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

Ana Quintana, Mexico, Strategic Innovation Management

I gained a Bachelor's degree in Management & Marketing in Mexico City before I came to the Netherlands to undertake my Master's programme. During my Bachelor's studies, I spent a semester in Canada and I wanted to expand my international (study) experiences before starting work. I was keen to focus on innovation which is not usually offered in Mexico hence the combination of Innovation and Strategy in one programme directed me to Groningen.

My Master's thesis dealt with Innovation in family businesses and I now benefit from the intense research modules offered during the programme. Now I am working as a Promotion Manager in charge of the several customer loyalty programs offered by one of Mexico's biggest hotel chains. Although the Master's program was rather theoretical, I feel that it prepared me very well for my current job.

There was nothing about Groningen that I did not like: the city is just beautiful. I especially enjoyed going everywhere by bike, the variety of offers for students and, of course, the Queensday (now Kings Day) celebrations. Groningen has everything to make (foreign) students feel at home.

Looking back a year after my return to Mexico, I feel that I especially enjoyed getting to know Dutch culture. In addition, the courses offered and the beauty of the city made my stay in Groningen an unforgettable experience. If I had to choose a Master's programme again, I would be on a flight to Groningen.

I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law

Lejla Terzimehic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Global Criminal Law

Thanks to the European Commission Scholarship and the Talent Grant from the University of Groningen, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand my knowledge in the field of law that I am most passionate about, at one of the oldest and most prestigious European universities.

Being very intellectually challenging, the master programme truly met my expectations. Sharing knowledge with my colleagues, all coming from different legal traditions, and learning from inspiring professors enriched me with the skills I hadn't attained during my previous education.

What I found to be the most beneficial is that the Dutch education system which, taught us to develop a critical opinion on law-related issues. Moreover, this master programme had a unique approach in tackling controversial contemporary legal issues. Due to its strong comparative emphasis, it encouraged us to keep at constant track with our national law, which is of a huge significance.

Both the master and a 6-month long internship at the International Criminal Tribunal for The Former Yugoslavia strengthened my belief in Justice. Furthermore, besides this academic benefit, I believe that studying abroad unequivocally broadens our horizons and tests prejudices we even are not aware of.