Master of International Politics
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English, Dutch
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,771 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EEA fee
Introduction
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Are you interested in how the United States compete with other military and economic powers? Would you like to know how peace processes evolve and which role diplomats play? Are you curious about the measures the European Union is taking against climate change? Do you want to gain insight into the processes behind international development cooperation? Are you interested in the current and future challenges of a globalizing world?
The KU Leuven's Master of Science in International Politics approaches key issues in international politics from a scientific perspective. You will be prepared for careers in political institutions, NGOs and research organisations in the EU and around the world.
The Master of Science in International Politics (MIP) is a one-year Master's programme that aims to provide you with the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to study governance in a globalizing world. You will learn to anticipate and find solutions for complex global challenges in diplomacy, peace processes and conflict resolution, international development cooperation, environmental politics and political economy. Moreover, you will study regional political developments in Europe, North America, China, Russia and Eurasia.
The MIP programme allows you to study at one of Europe's oldest and most well-established universities and to engage in international affairs at all levels. The programme is both promoted and supported by the Faculty of Social Sciences and rejoices in regular interaction with developments in and outside political institutions in Brussels.
Curriculum
In the Master of International Politics, you will gain knowledge and insight into a wide range of theoretical perspectives in several domains of international politics. You will learn how to combine this theoretical knowledge with (methodological) research skills to conduct empirical or comparative research in an academic and professional context. In addition, the program pays significant attention to the practical challenges professionals in the field are facing today.
Truncus Communis
This course can only be taken by students of the Master of International Politics.
- International Politics for the 21st Century
- Master's Thesis
Thematic Specialisation
- International Political Economy
- Peace Research and Conflict Management
- Global Environmental Politics
- Geopolitics
- Development Cooperation
Regional Specialisation
- European Foreign Policy
- Russia and Eurasia in the Global Context
- Questions of Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
- China and Global Politics
- American Government and Politics
Ideal Students
Student Profile
- You are fascinated by political developments in different continents and the power balance between different political actors.
- You are curious about the how and why of international politics.
- You like to think about the ideal society and what is needed to achieve it.
- You are critically inclined and want to develop this sharp mind by carrying out your own scientific research.
- Among other things, you want to find out ...
- How peace processes evolve and what role diplomats play in it?
- How the United States competes with other military and economic powers?
- What measures the European Union is taking against climate change?
- Which impact international development cooperation has on the Global South?
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and also available in Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 60 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Program Leaders
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
Graduated students of the Master of International Politics will have access to a wide range of employment pathways across various sectors, including the private, governmental, and non-governmental sectors at the national, European, and international levels. They will be able to compete for a career in academia or as a policy- or decision-maker in the political arena. They will have the necessary skills to work as a regional expert, UN consultant, an employee in a non-profit organization, project coordinator, policy adviser, researcher, diplomat, or journalist.