The specialisation Global Order in Historical Perspective of the master’s in International Relations at Leiden University focuses on examining the historical processes and practices in the making of global order.
A top-ranking programme
Our staff are comprised of leading international relations scholars, historians, and area studies specialists. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, History at Leiden University is rated 1st in the Netherlands and 18th in the world.
What will you study?
In this Master’s programme you will:
study the ways in which global order has historically changed;
discuss different ideas and practices of state-making, revolutions, imperialism, economic change, institutions, war, law, rights, diplomacy, objects, and technology, among others, underline the historical emergence of the contemporary world;
interrogate these issues from a wide range of analytical perspectives and categories, including those of race, class, and gender.
Why study Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University?
The specialization is distinct in its focus on Global Order for several reasons:
Our course offerings benefit from a wide range of multidisciplinary and regional expertise. Our staff are drawn from History, Area Studies and International Relations.
The depth and width of our expertise is reflected in the extensive list of electives we offer, which cover all major regions of the world as well as key functional areas. In 2022-23, we offered in total 29 electives that students could choose from.
Additional focus on ‘historical methods’ in research training. As the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University has vast archival holdings on various regions of the world. The Dutch National Archives are located in the Hague. This makes historical research on Global Order in our programme easier and more exciting.
The Hague, being the international city of peace and justice, is home to several international, governmental and non-governmental organisations, including The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court as well as institutes such as the Netherlands Institute of International Relations.
Through field visits and as part of our internship programme, students have an opportunity to engage with such organisations closely.
We also focus on developing key skills among students. Lectures uses a variety of course assessment methods including podcasting, oral presentations, visual essays, group-work, policy writing, and analytical essays.
Program Lead Security at Centre for Professional Learning Leiden University
I decided to study International Relations because I wanted to gain a better understanding of foreign affairs. The MA specialisation Global Order in Historical Perspective offers a unique perspective on how the current global order and political architecture came about and gives you a better understanding of the role international institutions play (and do not play) in myriad international issues that remain relevant today.
Before the master’s programme I studied International Studies. There is some degree of overlap between the two, as both programmes for example cover IR theory and are conscious to avoid Eurocentric perspectives. The main difference, however, is that in International Studies you specialise in particular areas of the world, whereas in International Relations you choose a thematic specialisation and focus more on the role of international organisations. As a history enthusiast this thematic specialisation was exactly what I was looking for.
My advice to prospective IR students would be to do an internship and start early considering what kind of work would suit them. IR is both a broad and competitive field and it helps to have some idea of where your interests lie and what you think you would enjoy doing before graduating.
Sebastian Jakob Strohmayer
Corporate Strategy and Policy Advisor at HanseWerk AG
My time at Leiden University was transformative. The MAIR programme, with a specialisation in Global Order in Historical Perspective, provided me with a deep understanding of the political and economic forces that have shaped our world. This historical lens continues to help me navigate today’s shifting policy, market, and energy landscapes and has equipped me to contribute meaningfully to dynamic, collaborative projects throughout my career.
Now, as a Corporate Strategy and Policy Advisor at HanseWerk AG, a leading energy company in Germany, I regularly draw on the programme’s emphasis on analytical thinking, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. What prepared me most for the professional world, however, was not only the rigorous and high-quality coursework but also the diverse peer group within the MAIR programme. It showcased again and again the value in others’ experiences, in seeking out different perspectives, and to embrace varied approaches to solving complex challenges. For all these reasons and many more, I cannot recommend the MAIR programme highly enough—it gave me a strong foundation for a purpose-driven career rooted in holistic and empathetic thinking.
Humanities focus
During the MA International Relations you will draw on a multiplicity of perspectives and expertise across the Faculty of Humanities, and examine a range of different issues, from politics and ideologies to the evolution of international law and diplomacy, the emergence of civil society and the rise on non-state actors. The master’s degree in International Relations also explores the development of institutions such as the UN, which structure interactions and power relations within the international system.
What are your career prospects?
This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in almost every sector of the job market. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, media and academia. Jobs include policy advisor, consultant and journalist.
Is Global Order in Historical Perspective the programme for you?
Are you interested in international relations? Do you want to examine the historical processes behind the evolution of the global order? Then the specialisation in Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.
Do a second MA at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe: School of Advanced International Studies
Due to a special agreement, students with a Leiden MA degree in International Relations can earn a second degree at the European Campus of Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Bologna, Italy. Successful applicants gain access to the second year of the research focused Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and will be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year MA. The programme is research-orientated and allows students to personalise their curriculum and focus on the contemporary issues in international affairs aligned with their career interests. The courses offered at SAIS Europe emphasise economics, political science, history and foreign language proficiency, providing a cross-disciplinary approach.
Why Leiden University
Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in which to reach their potential.
A top-ranked university
Leiden University's Humanities department consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanties departments worldwide in the THE World University Ranking. At Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands, you can access resources found nowhere else in the world, such as those of the famous Leiden University Library and its collections of original manuscripts and periodicals.
An ideal location for the study of international relations
Leiden University offers you one of the best locations from which to explore and study the world, as well as launch your career. Our location close to The Hague, the legal capital of the world, brings you within easy reach of some of Europe and the Netherland's most important political and international organisations.
Access to the Humanities Hub labs
As a Humanities master’s student you will have access to the Humanities Hub which comprises labs with digital facilities for both students and researchers. The labs include an AI Lab, Media lab, film studio and podcast studio and give you the opportunity to develop your digital and media skills within the field of the humanities. Check the Humanities Hub page for a full list of all the labs and facilities.
Humanities Hub Leiden
A centre of scholarly expertise
At Leiden University, we are among the leading centres in Europe for the study of international relations, with the largest concentration of scholarly expertise anywhere in the Netherlands. Many of our staff members enrich their research and teaching with additional insights garnered from their experience working in government, NGOs and other international organisations.
An individual approach to learning
At Leiden University we have a dedicated team of researchers in the field of International Relations. All classes are taught by accomplished scholars at Leiden. Small classes ensure every student has valuable time interacting with lecturers, each of whom is personally invested in you and developing your potential.
Diversity and inclusion
We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.
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The Global Order in Historical Perspective specialisation focuses on how power relations are structured, from the great politics of global governance to diplomatic culture in regional and national perspectives through transnational alliances.
Detailed programme
The study programme includes one specialisation core course, two general courses, a thesis preparatory course, two electives and the final Master's thesis. For a more detailed programme and an overview of all the possible electives, please check theProspectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Master's thesis
The preparatory course is made to prepare you for writing a Master's thesis. The course introduces you to core conceptual, methodological and theoretical issues that you encounter when you are working on your Master's thesis. On top of that, a series of seminars will focus on specific issues related to International Studies. Once you start the thesis process, you will have great freedom to choose what you want to write about. We have many thesis supervisors who have different areas of expertise.
Internship
You have the opportunity to do an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
Dutch Ministry of Defense
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world
Media outlets such as EenVandaag
Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Netherlands Institute for International Relations ‘Clingendael’
The International Centre for Counterterrorism
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
Please note that you will need to find your own internship and have to follow an internship procedure for approval. Pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
Studying MA International Relations at Leiden University
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Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Community building
Throughout the year activities, such as seminar series and excursions, are organised by the programme and the study association to encourage community building.
International Relations Seminar Series
Eight times a year the programme offers general MA International Relations seminars in which for example politicians, professionals from NGO’s or officials from other national level or international organisations will share their experiences and discuss aspects of current affairs.
European Union Seminar Series
The EU seminar series is jointly organised by the master's programme in International Relations and the Institute for History and the Europa Institute at the Leiden Law School. It is primarily aimed at the students who take our MA in European Union Studies. Throughout four sessions per semester, the students have the opportunity to engage with non-academic experts in their field of interest.
Leiden Leadership Programme
If you’re interested in developing your leadership potential, the Leiden Leadership Programme offers training sessions, seminars, and a Personal Leadership Roadmap to help you grow.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
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Andrea Warnecke is an assistant professor at the Institute for History. Her research interests are international governmental and non-governmental organizations, peacebuilding, humanitarianism, and crisis governance with a particular focus on institutional knowledge practices and legitimacy claims. View her full profile here.
Dr. Vineet Thakur
Vineet Thakur's research interests are broadly in the politics of knowledge production from the Global South, especially within the discipline of International Relations. He is also a diplomatic historian with expertise in India and South Africa. View his full profile here.
Dr. Salvador Regilme
Salvador Santino Regilme Jr. is an International Relations scholar focusing on human rights norms, global governance, and foreign aid. At the University of Leiden, he coordinates the European Union Studies Minor Program and serves as a Member of the Board of Examiners of the MA in International Relations Program. View his full profile here.
Dr. Andrew Gawthorpe
Andrew Gawthorpe is a scholar whose research focuses on the modern and contemporary United States. Though a historian by training, his work engages with insights from other disciplines, particularly international relations and American politics. He writes widely for popular media as well as academic publications and hosts a podcast about American politics, foreign policy and culture called America Explained. View his full profile here.
Dr. Karen Smith
Karen Smith's research interests cut across the following broad topics: the Global South understandings of international relations, foreign policy analysis, and changes in global order and implications for global governance. She is particularly interested in innovative research that explores how non-Western and non-traditional (e.g. cultural) sources can provide us with new insights into existing challenges, as well as raise new questions. View her full profile here.
Because of the extensive curriculum and specialisations, the career opportunities after completing the International Relations specialisation in Global Order in Historical Perspective are broad. Our graduates have landed jobs in various sectors of the job market, such as research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, media and academia. Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Consultant at a financial organisation
Policy adviser for a government
Reporter at a national broadcaster
Contracting adviser at an international bank
Researcher at an embassy
Kaja Blumtritt
Graduated in International Relations
"I chose Leiden because of the university's good reputation for the subjects that I am interested in. Furthermore, I valued the opportunity to be able to combine different interests and the possibility to engage with critical approaches to law and international relations. The location between Amsterdam and The Hague is certainly also a plus."
What is it like to work in Brussels
"It is exciting, challenging and sometimes surprising when the Brussels bubble opens up new opportunities you have not even thought of before."
Tom de Groot
Program Lead Security at Centre for Professional Learning Leiden University
I decided to study International Relations because I wanted to gain a better understanding of foreign affairs. The MA specialisation Global Order in Historical Perspective offers a unique perspective on how the current global order and political architecture came about and gives you a better understanding of the role international institutions play (and do not play) in myriad international issues that remain relevant today.
Before the master’s programme I studied International Studies. There is some degree of overlap between the two, as both programmes for example cover IR theory and are conscious to avoid Eurocentric perspectives. The main difference, however, is that in International Studies you specialise in particular areas of the world, whereas in International Relations you choose a thematic specialisation and focus more on the role of international organisations. As a history enthusiast this thematic specialisation was exactly what I was looking for.
My advice to prospective IR students would be to do an internship and start early considering what kind of work would suit them. IR is both a broad and competitive field and it helps to have some idea of where your interests lie and what you think you would enjoy doing before graduating.
Kent Moore
Graduated in International Relations
"Being from my own cultural background, from the U.S., I came to Leiden with a certain view on the world. Through studying International Relations I acquired much more cultural sensitivity about certain issues. I learned about the impression the U.S. leaves on the world, which opened up my world to different viewpoints.”
Recruiting students for our study abroad programmes
"I currently work at CISabroad, a studying abroad organization that has affiliations with over 200 U.S. universities. For the most part I recruit students for our study abroad programmes, but I also arrange the logistics of some of the student trips abroad."
Inspirational lecturers
"As a lecturer I found Lindsay Black very inspirational. He is a very smart man and I owe him a drink or two for being so helpful during the process of writing my thesis."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA International Relations - Global Order in Historical Perspective 2020 through 2024.
52 %Government and semi-government organisations
13 %Financial institutions
9 %Research
9 %Non-profit
4 %Communication and marketing
4 %Consultancy
4 %Travel agency / aviation
4 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Knowledge and skills
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
A unique strength on the job market
The Master's programme in International Relations at Leiden University equips you with a range of transferable skills and knowledge that will help you stand out in your future career. Your specialised knowledge is complemented by a broad and contextual understanding as well as critical-thinking skills that can be applied to complex conceptual problems. Other skills you may encounter in the various International Relations courses are:
Collaboration
Creative thinking
Persuasion
Intercultural skills
Research
Internships
You have the opportunity to do an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
Dutch Ministry of Defense
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies around the world
Media outlets such as EenVandaag
Netherlands Permanent Mission to the United Nations
Netherlands Institute for International Relations ‘Clingendael’
The International Centre for Counterterrorism
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies
Please note that you will need to find your own internship and have to follow an internship procedure for approval. Pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
Humanities Career Service
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Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University Humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. The Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV. Check our video and hear from our alumni how they have benefited from our services!
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Ask Alumni: Leiden University Mentor Network
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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One of the many ways the MA International Relations prepares you for your future career is the Student-Alumni Career Networking Event. Practical advice, a panel discussion, and an informal networking reception are key ingredients for this successful event. Read more about the Student-Alumni Networking Event in 2023 or watch the video for an impression of the Networking event in 2022!
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Find out how to apply for Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This specialisation is part of the MA in International Relations. If you would like to apply to this programme please first select the research MA International Relations (CROHO code: 60734) in Studielink and then select Global Order in Historical Perspective.
Step-by step guide
This guide clearly explains the steps you need to take to apply, and the subsequent admission process.
To be eligible for Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Limited capacity
This programme has a limited capacity. A maximum of 60 places is available (40 in September, 20 in February) on this programme. The Admissions Board ranks the requests for admission on the fulfilment of the requirements below.
Diploma requirements
General diploma requirements
A bachelor’s degree from a research university that matches the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, including general academic skills;
the bachelor’s degree should be in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or economics, and
prior education which includes components worth at least 30 EC that are comparable in level, content and course objectives to the following courses of the bachelor’s programme International Studies at Leiden University:
World History (5 EC)
Introduction to International Studies (5 EC)
Cultural Interaction: Conflict and Cooperation (5 EC) or Communication across Cultures (5 EC)
Global Political Economy (5 EC)
International Relations (5 EC)
Politics of a specific area (i.e. Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia) (5 EC)
Qualitative admission requirements
You must also meet the following qualitative admission requirements:
Indicators of suitability for the MA programme such as practical experience (e.g. extensive internship experience that required policy input from the intern), successful completion of a BA honours programme, or substantial international work experience in an international field relevant to the programme International Relations, such as diplomacy, advocacy, organisation, or business, and
Demonstrable motivation to study and familiarity with the MA programme and the specific specialisation(s).
Additionally, you must meet one of the following qualitative admission requirements:
A good academic record as an indicator of academic excellence, demonstrated by an average grade of at least 6.50 (Dutch grading system), in the Bachelor programme.
How to meet the qualitative admission requirements
The qualitative admission requirements will be implemented as follows:
Grade list
A good academic record must be shown by a transcript of records/grade list (including the grade of the Bachelor’s thesis and/or average grade).
CV including at least two referees
The other indicators of suitability for the programme, such as extracurricular activities and professional/practical experience, should be demonstrated by the required CV , and/or certificates of extracurricular activities relevant to the MA programme. Your CV should include two referees (at least one from an academic staff member). The Board of Admissions may contact them to verify that you meet this requirement.
Motivation letter
Your motivation should be demonstrated by a well-argued and structured motivation letter in which you indicate why you want to follow the MA programme specialisation and convincingly discuss what makes you a good candidate, specifically listing your International Studies-related courses taken including the course objectives and key readings. The statement should be between 700 and 1,500 words.
Essay
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as indicated above, but are unable to demonstrate via your academic record that you meet the specific requirements set, you are required to submit a 1,250 word essay as part of the admission process:
In this essay you must demonstrate a clear affinity with and specific knowledge of International Relations in general and specifically in the field of the specialisation for which you apply.
Specifically, the essay must clearly answer an original research question, provide a reasonable and reasonably well organised argument that demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the essay topic, demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of historical and/or social science methods, critically engage with the additional reading specified on the Required documents page and contain no fundamental errors.
We do not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator, or IELTS One Skill Retake
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 4.0 (new 1-6 scale as of 21 January 2026) or 20 (old 0-30 scale) for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situation only:
You are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old and must be obtained in one single test.
* New TOEFL grading scale 2026 In January 2026, TOEFL introduced a new grading scale. Test certificates issued in 2026 and 2027 will show overall scores in both the old grading scale (0-120) and the new grading scale (1-6). Component or band scores will only be shown in the new grading scale.
Leiden University’s 2026-2027 overall score requirements will continue to be based on the old grading scale. If you took your test on or after 21 January 2026, you must meet the overall score requirement shown on our website in the old grading scale (0-120), and the component score requirements shown on our website in the new grading scale (1-6).
*You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught degree at a Dutch research university or (for September intake) a diploma of an English-taught higher professional education (hbo) programme completed at a Dutch university of applied sciences.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
Maximum capacity
Detailed information maximum capacity
As mentioned above, Global Order in Historical Perpective has a limited capacity. The programme will make a selection on the grounds of the following criteria:
With regard to admission to the programme, the Admissions Board assesses the knowledge and skills of the applicants on the basis of the files they have submitted.
If necessary the Board can contact the applicant by mail or telephone at any time during the admission procedure in order to gain further information.
The Admissions Board decides on the basis of this assessment:
A. which applicants meet the entry requirements of the specialisation – if appropriate on the condition that they have been awarded their bachelor’s degree in time – and can in principle be admitted;
B. which applicants cannot be admitted because they do not meet the requirements.
The Board ranks the suitability of the applicants in category A to the specialisation of the MA programme on the basis of the files they have submitted, having regard to the qualitative admission requirements as specified above, and, if the Board has requested this, the further information provided by the applicant.
Please note that Leiden University does not offer a pre-master's programme for Global Order in Historical Perspective.
All applicants must apply for admission before 1 April.
Starting in February
All applicants must apply for admission before 15 October.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Apply early!
We advise you to apply as soon as possible. The earlier you apply, the more time there is for us to help you if your application file is not complete. If you do not have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission or you need to meet additional admission criteria, you’ll have to complete a two-part application procedure:
First register your application(s) in the national system Studielink.
A day later you will receive log-in details for Leiden University’s application system (uSis), where you can complete your application.
You must submit your application via Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above. So don’t delay; if you haven’t registered in Studielink and activated your uSis account in time to apply by the deadline, you’ll miss out!
Other deadlines
Housing deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
Scholarship deadlines
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Language proficiency (if applicable)
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Copies of diplomas and transcripts
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Motivation letter
A clear indication in your motivation letter of the focus area(s) of the programme that you wish to study (700-1500 words). Students who have completed 30 EC in courses comparable to the courses listed in the general diploma requirements can add a page to their motivational letter in which they list these courses with the course objectives and key readings for each. This list does not count towards the 1500 max. word count.
Contact details of referees
Your CV should include contact details of referees that are able to (partly) verify your accomplishments.
Essay
Applicants who have not completed components worth at least 30 EC in the field of International Studies as noted above are required to submit a 1,250 word essay as part of the admission process. Please see the instructions on how to write the essay.
In the essay, make use of the following literature:
J. Baylis, S. Smith, P. Owens (eds.), The Globalization of World Politics. An Introduction to International Relations. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014 (6th edition).
A. Hurrel, On Global Order. Power, Values, and the Constitution of International Society. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.
M. Nayak and E. Selbin, Decentering International Relations. London: Zed Books, 2010.
J. Ravenhill, Global Political Economy. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014 (4th edition).
CV
Your CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain your basic personal data, as well as a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
The application procedure is broken down into three parts.
Part 1. Application in Studielink
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
Apply in Studielink
1. Go toStudielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:
a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
Directly admitted?
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
Submit your online application
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
Pay the application fee (if applicable)
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
Other things to arrange
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
Your application will be assessed
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Receiving the decision
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
Confirm attendance
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Meet all conditions
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
Practical matters for international students
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,694 for the academic year 2026-2027 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
Other nationalities
The tuition fee for this programme is €22,300 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Second Dutch master’s programme
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €17,200 for the academic year 2026-2027 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee.
Exceptions
In some cases, nationals of EEA countries, Suriname or Switzerland may be permitted to pay tuition fees set at the same amount as the statutory tuition fee for their second degree programme.
Legal transitional arrangement for second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the statutory tuition fee when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree but is starting a programme in the field of education or healthcare for the first time.
The student has already started a second bachelor's or master's programme before the first programme was completed and remains registered for it uninterruptedly.
Institutional transitional arrangement for a second bachelor's or master's degree: student pays the institutional tuition fee equal to the statutory rate) when:
Student has already obtained a bachelor's or master's degree, but is starting a teacher training programme.
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree at Leiden University, a student will subsequently start a second programme (in academic years).
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Pre-master or conversion programmes
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2026-2027
€44,91 per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
Do you have questions about the admission and application process for the MA International Relations? Please check our FAQ to find your answer.
Admission
Can you offer any information on my eligibility for this program?
The study adviser cannot answer detailed questions about admissibility because this depends on the assessment of your previous education. This also means that we are unable to arrange individual meetings to discuss eligibility questions of prospective students. Please review the information offered on the admission requirements page and this FAQ carefully, and if you have any substantial questions left, feel free to reach out to the study adviser.
The Board of Admissions will base their decision on your application as a whole. Therefore, the definitive answer to your application can only come from them.
What if my bachelor’s is not related to International Relations?
You are eligible for admission to the master International Relations if you have obtained:
A bachelor’s degree from a research university that matches the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, including general academic skills; and
the bachelor’s degree should be in the field of social sciences, humanities, law or economics and
prior education must include components worth at least 30 EC that are comparable in level, content and course objectives to courses of a given specialisation:
For specialisations Culture and Politics, Global Conflict in the Modern Era, Global Order in Historical Perspective, and Global Political Economy
components worth at least 30 EC that are comparable in level, content and course objectives to the following courses of the bachelor’s programme International Studies at Leiden University:
World History (5 EC)
Introduction to International Studies (5 EC)
Cultural Interaction: Conflict and Cooperation (5 EC) or Communication across Cultures (5 EC)
Global Political Economy (5 EC)
International Relations (5 EC)
Politics of a specific area (i.e. Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Russia and Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia) (5 EC)
a completed minor in European Union Studies at Leiden University or components worth at least 30 credits in the field of contemporary European studies with comparable content and course objectives.
Keep in mind that we also have a limited capacity to our master’s programme. Therefore, there are also qualitative admission requirements, to be found on their respective admission requirement pages.
Students who don’t have the exact courses as described above but still have courses comparable to them, could add an addendum page to their motivation letter stating the 30 EC of relevant courses, together with the key readings and course objectives for each one.
If I don’t have the required 30 ECTS, can I still apply?
If you’ve still got time to pursue (comparable) courses in the field as described in the admission requirements during your bachelor’s degree, it’s certainly recommended to follow those courses.
However, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as indicated above, but are unable to demonstrate via your academic record that you meet the specific requirements set, you are required to submit a 1,250 word essay as part of the admission process:
In this essay you must demonstrate a clear affinity with and specific knowledge of International Relations in general and specifically in the field of the specialisation for which you apply.
Specifically, the essay must clearly answer an original research question, provide a reasonable and reasonably well organised argument that demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the essay topic, demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of historical and/or social science methods, critically engage with the additional reading specified on the Required documents page of the specialisation and contain no fundamental errors.
The Board of Admissions will then review your application and make an assessment of your suitability for the programme.
If you feel uncertain if you’ve got the right amount of (comparable) ECTS in the field, please do hand in the required essay.
Am I eligible as a HBO (University of Applied Sciences) student?
Applicants in possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences, equivalent to the level of a Dutch HBO bachelor’s degree, in the field of economics, history, political science (and international relations), law or European Studies can apply for admission to European Union Studiesbut are not directly admissible and may be referred to the pre-master programme.
Other specialisations of International Relations do not accept students with a (equivalent to the Dutch) HBO bachelor’s degree.
Is a pre-master available?
The MA International Relations offers a pre-master for one of the specialisations: European Union Studies
None of the other specialisations offer a pre-master programme.
The Board of Admissions will review your application and will mention on your application decision whether they would offer you a premaster programme.
If no pre-master programme is mentioned on your application decision, you are not offered a premaster programme.
Application
Can I apply for the programme if I don’t yet have the language test results and/or my bachelor’s degree?
Yes, you can apply for the programme already. If you are admitted in that case, it will be on the condition that you hand in your final documents such as language tests and/or bachelor’s degrees before the start of the programme in September or February.
Note: there are different earlier deadlines for final documents of students that require a student VISA as they have requirements for their visa application. Please enquire with the Student Affairs Front Office.
Can I get an exemption for the language test and/or application fee?
Please look carefully at the language test requirements for information of the exemption group. If you’re not part of that list, you will be expected to hand in a language test.
Yes, there are various scholarships available for students at Leiden University. These scholarships can help support your studies financially and are offered based on different criteria such as academic merit, nationality, and specific programme enrolment.
For detailed information on the scholarships that you may be eligible for, including application procedures and deadlines, please visit the Leiden University Scholarships page. This page provides comprehensive information about the scholarships offered.
Can I still apply if I missed the application deadline?
No, the application deadline is a hard deadline. Therefore, your application after that deadline can only be for a future intake.
I can’t find the programme in Studielink, how can I apply?
Check your language settings in Studielink. If you set it to English, you will be able to find it under MA International Relations. In Dutch, you will find us as MA Internationale Betrekkingen. After, you can choose the specialisation of your choice.
I have questions about uploading my documents, the application portal etc., where do I go?
I have questions about the study programme itself (i.e. study plan, personal circumstances while studying) where can I ask them?
Please do reach out to the study adviser. We would be happy to answer your questions.
Prepare for your studies
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
Student website
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Introduction programme
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Digital student card
Three days after you receive a digital proof of enrolment, you will get access to your digital student card. You will receive the proof of enrolment by email, so make sure to check your inbox. You can find your digital student card in the Universiteit Leiden app. Read more about your student card here.
LU-Card
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
The study association related to International Relations is Leiden ISSA.
Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the previous Master's Online Open Days and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.
Please note: The study adviser cannot give any information about students’ chances of being admitted to the programme. The Board of Admissions will base their decision on your application as a whole.
Ask a student
Do you have a question about studying at Leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the International Relations master's programme? Contact our Student Ambassador!
Student ambassador
Anton Meier Chat with Anton for answers to your questions!
Please note: Unfortunately we cannot answer detailed questions about admissibility because this depends on the assessment of your previous education.
Chat with a student
Do you have a question about studying at leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the International Relations master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!
