Prospectus

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International Relations and Diplomacy

The Master of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy programme offers a unique blend of academic education in international relations and political science with practical graduate education and training in the areas of international negotiation and diplomacy. In the current era of global interdependence, collaborative efforts are needed to meet the most pressing challenges in international politics, security and economics. Increased transnational channels of communication, global trade and capital flows characterise an increasingly interconnected world of both nation-states and non-state actors. Resulting challenges concerning global governance can be met most effectively by patterns of international and transnational cooperation and diplomacy.

This Master’s programme prepares students for careers specifically in international diplomacy, international governmental and non-governmental organisations, national and international public administrations, ‘think tanks’ and research institutions, international interest associations or international business.

The Master of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy is a program taught jointly by Leiden University‘s Institute of Political Science, the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael, the Institute for Security and Global Affairs and the Centre for Professional Learning at the Faculty Campus The Hague. The program is administered and managed by Leiden University’s Faculty Campus The Hague.

Questions? Please send your email to contact MIRD

You find the link to the timetable on the right side of this page

Year 1

Welcome Meeting

The welcome meeting for new MIRD students (2015-2017 program) takes place on Monday, August 31, from 11:00 – 13:00 in room A0.01, building Schouwburgstraat 2, The Hague.

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Block 1

International Relations: Theory and Approaches 10
Negotiations and Conflict Resolution 5

Block 2

Qualitative Research Methods 5
Quantitative Research Methods 5
Futures for Diplomacy 5

Block 3

European Integration 5
International Negotiation 5
Global Governance, the European Union and the Nation State 5

Block 4

MIRD Internship 10
Internship Research Paper 5

Year 2

Course EC Semester 1 Semester 2
International Law 10
Diplomacy and International Relations in East Asia 5

Block 2

International Political Economy 10
Globalization, Governance and the Responsibility to Protect 5

Block 3

Conflict, Civil War and Mediation 10
Thesis Lab 5

Block 4

Master Thesis 15

More info

Our two-year programme is offered jointly by Leiden University‘s Institute of Political Science, the Centre for Professional Learning at the Faculty Campus The Hague and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael. Leiden has long pursued an international orientation and The Hague hosts a large number of international institutions and organisations, among them the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the Yugoslavia Tribunal, and Europol.

As of September 2015, the program will be fully administered and managed by the Faculty Campus The Hague.
The academic program for the coming years stays as planned and announced. As of September 2015, Prof. dr. Madeleine Hosli will be at Leiden University’s Campus The Hague as Program Director of the Master International Relations and Diplomacy Program.

Format of the courses and course overview

Most classes are taught in a seminar format where participants are required to prepare for and attend all class sessions. Since the programme involves classroom work as well as individual research, there is often close consultation between students and faculty. The academic year is divided into two semesters: September to January and February to June. The duration of the programme is 2 years.

First Year
In the first year, students attend predominantly courses in political science (theory and methodology) and international relations, with an emphasis on IR theories and Methodology. The first year also includes two modules from Clingendael and the internship.

Second year
The second year provides students with knowledge in more specific subfields such as political economy, civil wars/insurgency and in the area of diplomacy and international organisations as well as insight into the practice of international negotiation and diplomacy.

All students complete an internship at an (international) organisation. Both Leiden University and Clingendael have contacts with international and domestic organisations including the institutions of the European Union and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme’s Internship Coordinator will assist students in finding internships and is available for consultation from the beginning of the first year for those with clear ideas of their internship objectives or for those seeking guidance and advice.

Leiden University reserves the right to alter or cancel courses. Participants will receive due notice of any changes in the programme that may be deemed necessary.

Examiners

The teachers that are mentioned in each course are appointed by the Board of Examiners to conduct examinations.

Locations

The courses will take place at various locations in Leiden and the The Hague.

Campus The Hague
Lange Voorhout 44
2501 EE Den Haag

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Pieter de la Court Building
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden

Stichthage (is located on top of the Central Station)
Koningin Julianaplein 10
2595 AA Den Haag
13th floor (take the escalator (moving staircase) in the Central Station up to the reception (on the left!) and then take the elevator to the 13th floor)

Clingendael
The Netherlands Institute of International Relations
Clingendael 7
2597 VH Den Haag

Please note that you need to be able to show your student card or ID to access the University buildings in The Hague.