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International Relations and Diplomacy (Political Science)

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.

As of September 2014, the Master of Science in International Relations and Diplomacy will be a program taught 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. The location of The Hague will be beneficial for this Master program in terms of substantive focus and the various links to international institutions located in this city. 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 (see the program information below). As of September 2014, Prof. dr. Madeleine Hosli will be at Leiden University’s Campus The Hague as Program Director of the Master International Relations and Diplomacy Program.

Year 1

Welcome Meeting

MIRD students are invited to attend the following activities on 1 September 2014:
15:00 – 17:00 hours: Official welcome at the Campus Den Haag (location: Lange Voorhout 44, The Hague)
17:00 – PM: Drinks on ‘Het Plein’ (The Hague’s main square), meeting with 2nd year IRD students

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Block 1

International Relations: Theory and Approaches 10
Qualitative Research Methods 5

Block 2

Conflict and Conflict Resolution 10
Quantitative Research Methods 5

Block 3

European Integration 5
International Negotiation 5
Trends in Diplomacy Today 5

Block 4

MIRD Internship 10
Internship Research Paper 5

Year 2

Vak EC Semester 1 Semester 2

Block 1

Diplomacy and International Relations in East Asia 5
International Political Economy 10

Block 2

Global Governance and the Future of the State 5
International Law 10

Block 3

Civil War 10
International Relations and Diplomacy Master Thesis Lab 5

Block 4

International Relations and Diplomacy 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 2014, 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.