Pre-Master's programme

The pre-Master’s programme is intended for students with a Bachelor’s degree (University / Dutch HBO) who do not yet meet all the requirements for one of the Master’s tracks in International Relations: European Politics in a Global Perspective, International Political Economy, International Security, Geopolitics & Connectivity, International Relations and International Organizations and East Asian Studies. It has been designed to offer prospective students with an internationally oriented Bachelor’s degree solid training in the discipline of International Relations and to provide the prerequisites for entering one of the Master’s tracks.

The pre-Master's programme is only accessible via the Admissions Board and only starts in September.

The programme focuses on academic competences relating to the field of International Relations and prepares for the more advanced level of one of the Master’s tracks in International Relations. The Admissions Board of the International Relations degree programme will decide whether a student must follow the entire pre-Master's programme or only a number of modules, depending on the content of their bachelor programme. The pre-Master's programme has a maximum study load of 30 ECTS (one semester: September to January).

After successful completion, it gives access to one of the Master’s tracks in International Relations in February or September.  

For whom?

Students with an internationally oriented Bachelor’s degree, such as Social Sciences (including - but not limited to -  Economics, Political science, Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), Regional Studies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History may have to complete the pre-Master's programme before they can be admitted to one of the Master’s tracks in International Relations.

Programme

The pre-Master program introduces students to the study and theoretical reflection of international politics in research and the academic discipline of 'International Relations'. Prospective students should be able and willing to engage with general theoretical and methodological texts and questions.

The pre-Master's programme enables students to acquire knowledge and understanding of theory formation and methodology with regard to International Relations. In addition, students will acquire the skills they need in order to be able to conduct research independently, present research results and write an argumentative essay about an aspect of theory and practice with regard to International Relations.

Overview of the pre-Master's programme (30 ECTS)*

*Depending on the content of your previous bachelor's programme, you may not have to complete the full pre-Master's programme.

Please note
This pre-Master's programme will not lead to the conferral of a Bachelor’s degree programme; it merely provides admission to one of the Master’s tracks in International Relations: European Politics in a Global Perspective, International Political Economy, International Security, Geopolitics & Connectivity, or International Relations & International Organization and East Asian Studies .