International Relations and Diplomacy (Political Science)

General Info

Aims and Objectives

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.

Our two-year programme is offered jointly by Leiden University and the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael in the Hague. 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.

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.

Course overview

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 mandatory courses in political science (theory and methodology) and international relations, such as

• International Relations: Theories and Approaches

• Qualitative Research Methods

• Quantitative Research Methods

• International Negotiation

• International Political Economy

• Trends in Diplomacy Today

• International Law and Peace in a Multilateral World

• Research Design

Second year
The second year provides students with specialised knowledge and hands-on experience in the area of diplomacy and international organisations as well as insight into the practice of international negotiation and diplomacy.

• The Sanctions Practice of the UN Security Council

• Diplomacy in Asia

• Contemporary Separatist Conflict

• Insurgency and Political Order

• European Integration and Europeanization

Towards the end of the first semester, second-year students also attend a ‘Thesis Laboratory’ at Leiden University where draft thesis proposals are presented and discussed.

In the second semester, students have the possibility to complete an internship at an international organisation. Both the Political Science Department 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. Accordingly, the second semester consists of the following components:

• Internship (or a seminar and a 5 ECTS independent study course)

• Master Thesis

The two-year Masters in International Relations and Diplomacy programme is concluded with the submission of a thesis on a topic in international relations, international organisation, conflict resolution or diplomacy. The Department reserves the right to alter or cancel courses. Participants will receive due notice of any changes in the programme that may be deemed necessary.

MAIRD thesis

The Master program in International Relations and Diplomacy requires, besides the completion of the courses, the writing of a thesis. In the thesis, the student demonstrates his or her ability to apply the acquired knowledge and skills to a topic in the field of international relations and diplomacy. It is advised to select a topic related to the coursework followed, and particular attention should be paid to a conceptual or theoretical framework as acquired in the various courses in the program.

The thesis should be between 40 pages (16.000 words) and 60 pages (24.000 words, absolute maximum) in length, including tables and footnotes. A proposal for the thesis is prepared in the context of the Thesis Lab during block 2. In the Thesis Lab, the methodological and technical aspects of the proposal are emphasized; the precise conceptual and theoretical design may be adjusted in the process of supervision.
The writing of the thesis will be supervised by a staff member of the Department of Political Science or of the Institute Clingendael. The final result will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second reader (one of which among he staff of the Department of Political Science, one of which of Clingendael). The thesis evaluation is based on specific criteria, among others clarity of research goals and questions, quality of theoretical and conceptual framework, academic and social relevance originality, legibility and presentation.

Credits

The course load is specified in terms of European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points. One credit point is equivalent to 28 hours of study, including lectures, reading, preparing for tests and examinations, and writing papers. A typical course consists of either 10 or 5 ECTS. One year of study usually totals but can exceed 60 ECTS.

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.

More information on grading, graduation procedures and other information can be found on the website of Political Science.

Cohort 2010-2012 (First Year)

This information is subject to change. Please check the Political Science website regularly before the start of the new academic year.

This is the first year programme for students who will start the International Relations and Diplomacy Master programme in September 2010.

Schedules to be announced

Please note that some courses will take place at locations of Campus The Hague (at which you also need to be able to show your student card or ID):

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)

Lange Houtstraat 5-7
2501 EE Den Haag

Lange Voorhout 44
2501 EE Den Haag

Cohort 2009-2011 (Second Year)

This information is subject to change. Please check the Political Science website regularly before the start of the new academic year.

This is the second year programme for students who started the International Relations and Diplomacy Master programme in September 2009.

Schedules to be announced

Please note that some courses will take place at locations of Campus The Hague (at which you also need to be able to show your student card or ID):

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)

Lange Houtstraat 5-7
2501 EE Den Haag

Lange Voorhout 44
2501 EE Den Haag