International Relations and Diplomacy (MSc)

About the programme

Programme overview

First Year
In the 1st year, the core courses give you a foundation in international relations, diplomacy and negotiation, and advanced research methods; an internship and research paper wrap up the year.

Second Year
Year 2 provides you with knowledge in more specific subfields such as international law, political economy, non-western diplomacy, and mediation. You practice research design, develop a thesis proposal and present your independent research in a thesis.

Educational methods

In the Advanced MSc IRD, you:

• Take part in an intensive and highly interactive style of teaching;
• Find that small programme size and diversity of co-students results in truly international perspectives;
• Actively prepare for and participate in seminar-format classes;
• Complete classroom work, individual research, and written assignments in close collaboration with other students and lecturers;
• Spend about 2-3 days per week on campus.

The academic year is divided into two semesters:  September to January and January to June.

Student Support Services

Sometimes students need extra support or advice before or during their studies at Leiden University. This may take many forms: maybe you need the help of a Study Advisor, or to speak with a student psychologist about personal issues, or you experience chronic illness such as physical or psychological difficulties or dyslexia.

Here is an overview of university Student Support Services.