Universiteit Leiden

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International Relations and Diplomacy (MSc)

Programme structure

The International Relations and Diplomacy programme gives you a unique combination: a thorough academic education in international relations and political science with practice-based training in international negotiation and diplomacy.

Harshita Kanodia

Student, Class of 2024

Harshita Kanodia

Having completed Block I of the programme, I gladly conclude that the comprehensive nature of the course motivates you to step out of your comfort zone and explore different sub-fields of the subject. The different modes of assessments, like panels, reflection papers, and simulation games, keep you engaged with studies in innovative ways. I love the cultural diversity of the group and the variety of interests and perspectives everyone brings in.

I think the trip to EU institutions in Brussels was the highlight of the block, along with the simulation game, which brought out the fun part of the programme. Moreover, there are ample networking events to connect with alumni and field experts, which considerably helps in the internship hunt. If you want to challenge yourself and learn international relations in a dynamic environment in the heart of The Hague, this programme is for you.

Abhiraj Goswami

Student, Class of 2023

Abhiraj Goswami

This programme fosters an in-depth understanding of the theoretical tools required to comprehend the complexity of global politics while simultaneously encouraging students to develop creative solutions to some of the most daunting challenges. The multi-disciplinary flexibility that this course offers allows students to carve their own niche and pursue nuanced academic as well as professional avenues. A diverse syllabus combined with a celebrated faculty and field visits to various political institutions in Brussels and Geneva makes this advanced master’s programme an instantly attractive choice for International Relations enthusiasts.

By imbibing equal measures of theory and practice, students graduating from this program readily find employment in international organizations, think tanks, academic institutions or even in the world of corporate, finance and consulting.

Programme outline

Year 1
Course EC
International Relations: Theories and Approaches 10
The European Union and the United Nations 5
Academic Writing MasterClass 1
Qualitative Research Methods 5
Diplomacy: Introduction to Theory and Practice 5
Negotiations and Conflict Resolution 5
Quantitative Research Methods 5
International Negotiation 5
Globalization and Geopolitics 5
Diplomacy and Society 5
Advocacy in Global Challenges and Climate Change 5
International Organizations and the Promotion of Good Governance 5
Methods of Conflict Management 5
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding: Policy, Practice and Pragmatism 5
Governing Transnational Energy and Infrastructures 5
The Fight Against International Tax Avoidance: International Organisations and European Tax Policies 5
Climate Change, Conflict and Disaster Politics 5
The Foreign Policy of the European Union 5
MIRD Internship 10
Alternative Internship Module 10
Internship Research Paper 5
Year 2
Course EC
International Law 10
Quantitative Research Methods 5
The Geopolitics of Technology and Digitalization 5
Diplomat 2.0: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods 5
Non-Western Great Powers in Global Politics: China and Russia 5
International Mediation and Private Diplomacy 5
International Political Economy 10
Research Design: Thesis Lab 1 5
Research Design: Thesis Lab 2 5
Globalization and Geopolitics 5
Diplomacy and Society 5
Advocacy in Global Challenges and Climate Change 5
International Organizations and the Promotion of Good Governance 5
Methods of Conflict Management 5
Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding: Policy, Practice and Pragmatism 5
Governing Transnational Energy and Infrastructures 5
The Fight Against International Tax Avoidance: International Organisations and European Tax Policies 5
Climate Change, Conflict and Disaster Politics 5
The Foreign Policy of the European Union 5
Artificial Intelligence and International Relations 5
MIRD Master Thesis 15

Check the e-prospectus for the official course listing.

Internship

In MSc. IRD, the internship opportunity allows students to become familiar with actual challenges for an international organisation. It helps them to apply academic insights to individual work assignments and to understand the professional exigencies of functioning in an international institution or setting. By conducting an internship, students gain understanding of the actual operation of institutions in the field of international organisation and diplomacy and often build valuable professional ties that support future job placements.

Master thesis

The master thesis is the final product of the MSc. IRD programme. The wide topics chosen within the programme reflects the scope and breath of international relations and diplomacy. The master thesis allows students to integrate their knowledge and methodological skills in their own independent research.