International Relations and Diplomacy (Political Science)

General

Aims and Objectives

The Master of Arts 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 HagueNetherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael (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

This is the first year programme for students who will start the IRD programme in September 2008. The second year programme for this group will be in next year’s e-prospectus
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:
· International Relations: Theories and Approaches
· Qualitative Research Methods
· Quantitative Research Methods
· International Negotiation
· Conflict Resolution and Post-War Reconstruction
· International Political Economy
· Diplomacy Today: Theory and Practice
· International Law and Peace in a Multilateral World
· Research Design

In addition, students choose an elective from the following list:
· Populist Movements and Politicians in Dutch Politics
· Irregular Warfare
· Democracy and Democratisation
· Political Parties and Corruption
· Political Psychology

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.
· International Law and Peace and Security in a Multilateral World
· Diplomacy in Asia
· Qualitative Research Methods
· Conflict and Diplomacy in the Middle East

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

In the second semester, students have the possibility to either complete an internship at an international organisation or attend two additional seminars at Leiden University. 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 choice of a seminar (from the MA Political Science programme) 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.

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.

Academic Transcripts

Official transcripts of academic records that are retrieved from the student administration desk on behalf of institutions both in the Netherlands and abroad show an overview of all exam results, including any possible unsatisfactory marks (5 or lower).

First Year

Second Year (for those started in Sept. 2007)