MA in International Relations

What are the dominant issues in humanitarian action? What is the so-called aid industry? And can professionalization prevent dependence on aid? Find out in this program.

Within the one-year Master's degree in International Relations, you choose one of the following six Master's tracks:

• International Security: its main focus is the phenomenon of, and theoretical reflection on, 'violence' in its broader context.
• International Political Economy: it focuses on the interaction between states, markets, and societies. Its primary aim is to increase our understanding of the dynamics of these three building blocks.
• European Politics in a Global Perspective: it explores the history, theory, and policies of the European Union and its member states.
• Geopolitics & Connectivity: the study of power, space, and connectivity in international relations
• International Relations and International Organization: combines and explores all five areas mentioned above.
• East Asian Studies: it focuses on the international relations of contemporary East Asia, in particular the political economies of China, Japan, and Korea.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• A choice between six tracks
• Career-oriented placement
• A research-led and policy-oriented curriculum taught by a committed staff
• Independent and innovative research
• Provides excellent preparation for a variety of positions related to the broad field of International Relations

Study abroad

• Study abroad is required
• For an average of 40 weeks
• Maximum of 90 EC

The first semester is spent at the HOME university. The second semester is spent at one of the NOHA partner universities in Europe. During the third semester students choose between research specialization in one of the Global partner universities or a professional placement. Free choice of location for writing the master's thesis.

Job prospects

Some 3,500 graduated professionals work in the field of humanitarian relief and international co-operation. They hold various positions of responsibility in all kinds of international and national NGOs, institutions, agencies, and government both in the field and at headquarters level all around the world. Such positions include program managers, protection officers, field/country directors, emergency team leaders, administrators, researchers, academics, and consultants.

Job examples

• protection officers
• researchers
• field/country directors
• emergency team leaders
• program managers
• consultants