MSc in International and European Relations
Linköping University
Key Information
Campus location
Linköping, Sweden
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
SEK 177,600 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* only to students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Introduction
This program approaches issues related to European relations in the context of an international society and global governance, with a special focus on Europe’s role in world affairs. The double focus on international and European relations makes this a unique master’s program, offering you a competitive edge.
The curriculum consists of a wide range of topics, covering the latest updates from this intriguing field. You will get an excellent grasp of topics like international law and security, European institutions and Europe’s external relations, theories of international relations, contemporary issues of international governance, and research design and methodology. During the third semester, students have the option of either taking courses focused on global governance, or pursuing a guided internship with an organization of relevance for international or European relations. Throughout the program, you will develop the capacity to understand the history, theory, and contemporary implications of international and European relations, as well as the forces that drive developments.
The program is divided into four components, each equivalent to one term:
- International relations
- European relations
- International governance/Guided internship
- Master’s thesis
Throughout your studies, you will be connected to ongoing research on various topics. The teachers are engaged in research concerning international theory and the development of international norms and institutions, European security and foreign relations, European politics, regional development, political economy, e-governance, migration and diaspora studies, policy analysis, and political theory.
By the time you graduate you will have an independent, critical approach to complex global, and specifically European, issues. Furthermore, you will gain the skills and knowledge to contribute actively to important developments, either as practitioners or as researchers.
Syllabus
Introduction
The Master’s Programme in International and European Relations is a second cycle, two-year, full-time study program that leads to a master’s degree with a major in Political Science, specialization International, and European relations.
The program prepares students for work in advanced capacities in a dynamic, international labor market, as well as further studies, including doctoral education and research. Thus, the objective is that students on completion of the program will have developed an independent and critical approach to international and European relations and the skills and knowledge that will enable them to actively contribute to developments in this field, either as practitioners or researchers.
The students will:
- Develop the capacity to understand the history, theory, and contemporary implications of International and European relations.
- Attain the analytical tools to examine contemporary International and European relations.
- Acquire an in-depth understanding of international governance.
- Develop the capacity to conduct independent analyses of issues in International and European relations, and to present the results of the analyses.
Aim
National Qualifications according to the Swedish Higher Education Act
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the field of Political Science, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialized knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work.
- Demonstrate specialized methodological knowledge in Political Science.
Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyze, assess, and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously, and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work.
- Demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences.
- Demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgment and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:
- demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the field of Political Science informed by relevant disciplinary, social, and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
- demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society, and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Research
Politics
How can power be shaped, exercised, and justified between individuals who act within the institutional arrangements that have been created through political decisions? This is what we study at Linköping University.
Admissions
Curriculum
Semester 1 (Autumn 2024)
- 733A64 --- Introduction to Advanced Academic Studies and Social Science --- 7.5
- 733A41 --- International Relations Theory --- 7.5
- 733A42 --- The Politics and Economics of International Relations --- 7.5
- 733A44 --- International and European Law --- 7.5
Semester 2 (Spring 2025)
Preliminary courses
- 733A45 --- Contemporary European Institutions --- 7.5
- 733A46 --- International and European Security --- 7.5
- 733A47 --- Europe's Relations with the World --- 7.5
- 733A48 --- Research Design and Methods --- 7.5
Semester 3 (Autumn 2025)
Preliminary courses
- 733A49 --- International Governance and Civil Society --- 7.5
- 733A50 --- International Organization's: Theory and Practice --- 7.5
- 733A51 --- Contemporary Issues in International Governance --- 7.5
- 733A59 --- Guided Internship --- 30
- 733A69 --- Diplomacy and Foreign Policy Analysis --- 7.5
Semester 4 (Spring 2026)
Preliminary courses
- 733A27 --- Masters Thesis --- 30
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships
Linköping University (LiU) offers a limited number of scholarships to outstanding international students. For some programs and nationalities, it is also possible to apply for a scholarship through the Swedish Institute. There are also other funding opportunities for studies in Sweden.
LiU International Scholarship
The LiU International Scholarship is aimed at supporting international master's degree students with significant academic potential who are required to pay tuition fees. The tuition fees for a student awarded a LiU International Scholarship are reduced by 25, 50, or 75%. We offer a limited number of these scholarships to new students.
Am I eligible to apply?
Students who have applied for a master’s program at Linköping University and who meet all the following conditions are eligible to apply for a scholarship:
- you applied by the deadline for the first admission round
- you submitted all the required documents by the deadline
- you chose a master’s program at Linköping University as your first priority (ranked as number 1 of 4)
- you have been admitted to your first choice in the First Notification of Selection Results (usually early April)
- you are required to pay tuition fees.
Scholarships for studies in Sweden
Swedish Institute scholarships
The government agency the Swedish Institute (SI) offers a variety of scholarships depending on the level of study, the country where you come from, and the purpose of your studies. The application period for the SI scholarships varies. Read more about the SI scholarships and how to apply on their webpage.
Other scholarships
Many associations, foundations, and other organizations offer scholarships or travel grants for studies in Sweden. The official StudyinSweden.se website has collated a list of resources, where you can look for scholarships open to students of many countries or from your country specifically.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities
Our graduates are prepared for professional careers in governmental institutions and in international public organisations, as well as in the private and non-governmental sectors. Graduates from the programme can be found today in such institutions, working with various aspects from running policy programmes to scientific research. The courses also provide a solid foundation for further studies and research towards a PhD.