International Relations and International Organization (IRIO)

The department of International Relations and International Organization (IRIO) hosts about 1,000 students, which makes it the biggest International Relations (IR) department in the Netherlands. IRIO is unique in its sort: it teaches international relations not as a specialization track (within political science or history) but as independent BA and MA degree programmes. The department is committed to top-tier research combined with high-quality teaching. This is enhanced by the fact that IRIO uses a yearly ‘numerus fixus’ when selecting new students for the BA, which implies that only the best are allowed to enter the programme. The commitment to excellence is apparent at both undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels.

The emphasis on interdisciplinary and interfaculty teaching ensures that students approach IR and the role of international organization and international organizations in an integrated manner – from historical, political, economic and legal angles. Moreover, during the Bachelor’s phase, language training is offered in several modern international languages.

The IRIO department provides an international teaching and research environment for an international community of students and research staff. Close interaction between students and staff is common practice: many lectures are taught in small-group seminar format. Moreover, students are stimulated to follow part of their study programme at a partner university abroad or do a placement. IRIO students thus gain a great deal of experience in preparation for a promising career, at home or abroad.

The department is responsible for the BA International Relations and International Organization (CROHO 50627), the 60 ects MA International Relations (CROHO 60734), the 120 ects research master Modern History and International Relations (CROHO 60820), as well as the 120 ects NOHA Joint Master’s Degree Programme in International Humanitarian Action (NOHA) (CROHO 60819), which is an Erasmus Mundus Master. Erasmus Mundus is a worldwide cooperation and mobility programme that aims to enhance quality in higher education and promote intercultural understanding. Funded by the European Commission, Erasmus Mundus programmes provide scholarships to outstanding students from outside the European Union. The department also participates in the Erasmus Mundus Master Euroculture.

Contact details

International Relations and International Organization

Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat 26
9712 EK Groningen
PO box 716
9700 AS Groningen
The Netherlands

tel. +31 (0)50 36 38986
email: irio rug.nl