Explore complex issues in modern international relations
Will the EU become a union under German leadership? Are we heading for a new Cold War with Russia? Have the Asian superpowers surpassed their former colonial rulers? Does the current climate of increasing international competition and growing nationalism still allow enough space for ethical norms and values such as human rights? How can terrorist violence be countered? Is it possible to control such violence with warfare and the optimal use of ‘intelligence’?
The international political stage is much like a game of chess between multiple players. During the course of this Master’s programme you will gain a greater understanding of the parties involved, and prepare yourself for a future as a participant in the game of global politics.
Bridging history and political science
Political theory is an important tool in the analysis of international developments. In order to fully understand those developments, however, you need a wider historical viewpoint. Nothing is without its history – and while history never repeats itself exactly, you can learn a great deal from it. By bridging history and political science, the Master of International Relations in Historical Perspective (IR/HP) offers in-depth insight into both worlds.
Build a strong foundation for understanding modern politics
The programme content uses central research themes that help shed light on modern international politics and provide students with the tools to analyze a wide range of topics. During your studies, you will select a theme to focus on in greater depth:
- The history of war and violence, such as the meaning of security concerns, terrorism, humanitarian interventions, and intelligence.
- The development of norms and values in international relations, such as the development of international law and human rights.
- The history of European interstate relations, such as the European integration process.
- The history of colonialism, decolonization, and modern North-South relations.
After Graduation
After graduating from the Master of International Relations in Historical Perspective programme, you will have:
- Gained insight into the history of international relations, especially of the 20th and 21st centuries.
- Become an expert in one of the research areas central to the programme.
- Learned to name relevant issues in modern politics and to study them independently.
- Gained research skills, with emphasis on research into historical sources and the use of theories from within the field of international relations.
- Learned to report research clearly and understandably, in both written and oral form.
Career prospects
Professionals with an IR/HP degree find their way easily in the world of international politics, and their career options extend beyond foreign affairs, the EU, and the UN. Graduates will have the skills to create effective policy, and such expertise can be employed in other areas as well.