International Security
Entry requirements
Students with either a university Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (including - but not limited to - Economics, Political Science, Development Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Geography), or an internationally oriented university Bachelor's degree such as International Relations, Regional Studies, European/International Law, or (Modern) History are eligible to apply. To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, the IR Admissions Board will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and the grades you have obtained. Minimum language requirement for MA: TOEFL internet based (itb): 92/93 IELTS Academic Module: 6.5 Please note that minimum scores on individual components in tests will apply. http://www.rug.nl/masters/international-security/admission-and-application
Months of entry
September, February
Course content
How do actors relate to each other and their natural environment in terms of threats and vulnerabilities? When and how is violence organized? How can possible conflicts be prevented or solved?
International Security, a specialization of the master International Relations, is aimed at issues of power politics and international order, peace and war, and strategy and diplomacy. Its main focus is the phenomenon of, and theoretical reflection on, 'violence' in its broader context.
Traditionally, attention for warfare and political violence, i.e. military security, has dominated the study of International Security. They still form the central issues. But especially after the Cold War other concerns occupy the agenda, such as environmental security (about climate change or industrial hazards), societal security (about group identities) and economic security (about welfare and development). These different types of concerns have their own meaning when studying the causes of violent conflict, its prevention and management, and conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Methodologically, the study of International Security has profited from the so-called constructivist turn in International Relations. In addition to traditional analyses new approaches have emerged, most notably Critical Security Studies, the Copenhagen School, and the Risk Society approach.
Information for international students
http://www.rug.nl/education/international-students/application-procedure/
Fees and funding
Qualification and course duration
MA International Relations
Course contact details
- Name
- Renate Huttinga
- r.huttinga@rug.nl