Overview

You will join the only master's programme in the Netherlands to offer five unique specialisations within the field of international relations. With a broad curriculum and flexible design, the Master’s degree in International Relations allows you to tailor your degree to suit your career goals. Five specialisations are available, each with their own thematic focus, and each with further scope for customisation. You will be able to specialise in areas ranging from the European integration process to the global political economy to the pursuit of global justice.

Career prospects

The International Relations MA programme at Leiden University offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires comprehensive knowledge of world affairs and strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

Policy advisor at a ministry of foreign affairs;
Communications manager and project assistant at an NGO promoting reconciliation and peace;
Consular spokesperson at a ministry of foreign affairs;
Consultant at an NGO;
Project manager at a company specialising in geo-services, international development and project management;
PhD candidate and research assistant;
Communications officer at an international student federation.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

International Relations Seminar Series
European Union Seminar Series
EUS Study Trip

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2025-11-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Leiden, Netherlands

Disciplines

International Relations View 37 other Masters in International Relations in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Other requirements

General requirements

You’ll need a BA or BSc degree (or equivalent) to be admitted to any of Leiden University’s master’s programmes

A copy of a valid passport or ID card

A copy of a Dutch residence permit (if applicable)

CV (résumé)

Language proficiency (if applicable)

Copies of diplomas and transcripts

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Leiden University and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

21600 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 21600 EUR per year during 12 months.
EU/EEA

2601 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2601 EUR per year during 12 months.

Living costs for Leiden

850 - 1250 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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