The Master's programme in Political Science at Radboud University is a one-year programme, consisting of six specialisations to choose from. In addition to the three 'core' specialisations Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory, we offer three multidisciplinary tracks. International Political Economy combines Economics with Political Science. The Conflict, Power, and Politics specialisation addresses conflict from a Political Science (International Relations and Comparative Politics) perspective, in cooperation with CICAM, the Centre for International Conflict Analysis and Management. Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Politics is a mix of Organisation Studies and Political Science - this specialisation addresses issues such as in- and exclusion, representation, and (in)equality.
In the Master's programme students continue their education and training as political scientists; all specialisations lead to a Master's Degree in Political Science. However, in this programme students are also given the opportunity to specialise a track of their choice. All our specialisations have a course load of 60 ECs (one-year, full time programme). The courses each have a study load of 6 ECs, and the Master’s thesis is 18 ECs.
Studying abroad The Nijmegen School of Management believes it is important for students to spend time at a university abroad. Please note, in the Master’s this could mean you have to take longer to finish the programme. This enriches the study programme with knowledge and skills that are necessary to function in an internationally-oriented and multicultural society, a global economy and job market. The Nijmegen School of Management has over 180 Erasmus contracts, and more than 50 bilateral agreements with universities outside of Europe. For more information, go to the website of the International Mobility Office.
Career service
Whether you are a first-year Bachelor's or a Master's student, the Career service helps you to understand what you need to do to prepare thoroughly for entering the job market.
Our students rate this Master’s programme 8,0 out of 10 according to the National Student Survey 2019. This Master's programme was recently awarded the quality label ‘Top Programme' and rated best in their field in the Keuzegids Masters 2019 (Guide to Master's programmes). This study programme is rated top programme for three consecutive years according to the students (source: Elsevier 2019)
We combine insights from international relations, comparative politics, conflict studies and international ethics to get a solid grasp of the ethical and practical dimensions on intervention and peace building.
Our programme is analytical as well as practice oriented. We have close links with public and private organisations, which students could use to find an internship position for themselves.
The Master’s programme in Political Science is accredited by the NVAO (the Dutch-Flemish accreditation organisation). The panel, consisting of international experts, concludes that the programme is rightly proud of its community spirit, which continues to benefit the programme’s achievement level and its graduates’ careers alike (source: NVAO, 31 January 2018).
Political Science has an active study association, ismus, which organises various formal and informal activities. Furthermore, students of
Political Science can join the International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS).
Overview
Power shapes politics, but what shapes power in the 21st Century? The Radboud Master's programme in Political Science offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to prepare for a rewarding career in leading positions in the public and private sector. Within the Master's Political Science, you have a choice between six Master's specialisations such as Comparative Politics, Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Politics, or International Relations.
Course details
The Master’s programme in Political Science is taught at the Nijmegen School of Management. It has a course load of 60 EC* (one-year). All the courses are 6 EC and the Master’s Thesis is 18 EC.
Elective or internship
You can further specialise by choosing from a variety of elective course(s) offered at Radboud University or by doing an internship. Internships are not mandatory, but we strongly support students who wish to arrange one and can help you find a suitable position in the Netherlands or abroad. We recommend one of the following electives.
Master thesis
Your Master's Thesis consists of an individual research project, which allows you to investigate a topic of your choice in Conflict, Power and Politics under the close supervision of one of our staff.
Entry requirements
Your admission into this programme depends on your previous education. You are admissible if you have a completed a Bachelor’s degree in a similar (or related) field from another research university with a fair number of courses in your preferred specialisation. Your degree must be equivalent to a Dutch Research University diploma or if you have a Dutch previous education.
Proficiency in English
You must also be fluent in both written and spoken English. This requirement has been satisfied when the student meets one of the following conditions: has successfully completed a three-year Bachelor's programme at a Dutch university; has successfully completed a Bachelor's programme that was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: EU/EEA-countries, Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), New Zealand, United States of America or has successfully completed a Master's programme from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO).
All other students need one of the following certificates (All certificates may not be older than two years): TOEFL iBT: ≥ 90 & subscores ≥ 22; or IELTS Academic: ≥ 6,5 overall. Subscores ≥ 6,0, writing subscore ≥ 6,5; or Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 proficiency: C or higher.
Competency in Social Science Research Methodology:
Due to the strong academic nature of this programme, it is essential that students have the necessary basic research skills (both quantitative and qualitative). Applicants with little or no Social Science Research Methodology in their previous education may get admission, provided they first complete an (oral) examination in research methodology. The oral exam can be held in person in Nijmegen or via Skype.
Career outcomes
Master’s specialisation in Comparative Politics:
Our graduates have the skills that employers want: sound research and analytical skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; and experience in working in teams and independently.
These skills and knowledge will prepare you for positions in policymaking, administration, and project management in the public and private sector, as well as in research settings. Our alumni have positions as policymakers in international organisations, political parties, government ministries, market authorities, the European Parliament and the European Commission. Our alumni also work as consultants for profit and non-profit organisations and as researchers at think-tanks and universities. They are also employed by banks and other financial institutions and by the media.
Master's specialisation in Conflict, Power and Politics:
Students in this Master’s programme prepare for a career as academic, (inter)national policy or decision maker, or journalist. Students acquire skills for positions as policy makers in NGOs, media international organisations, political parties, national ministries, and supranational institutions. They may also work as consultants for profit and non-profit organisations and as researchers at think tanks or universities. Our graduates obtain the skills that employers covet, such as sound research and analytical skills, excellent writing and oral communication skills, and experience in working in teams and working independently.
Master's specialisation in Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Politics:
As a Political Science graduate from Radboud University, specialised in gender, diversity and inclusion in politics and in the full range of research methods, you are uniquely positioned to analyse complex political problems and design appropriate policies for the promotion of diversity and inclusion. You are trained to become a critical academic professional and are well positioned to enter a national, European or international trainee programme or to work as policy advisor, program manager, and consultant with the local or national administration, with (trans)national non-governmental organisations, and research institutes. Students with an interest in academic research have the option to pursue a PhD.
Master's specialisation in International Political Economy:
Alumni from economics and political science have positions as policy makers in businesses, international organisations, political parties, national ministries, market authorities, the European Parliament and the European Commission. They also work as consultants for profit and non-profit organisations and as researchers at think-tanks or universities. In addition alumni are employed by banks, other financial institutions and the media. This is because our graduates have the competences required by employers, such as sound research and analytical skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and experience in working in teams and working independently.
Master’s specialisation in International Relations:
Our alumni have positions as policy-makers in international organisations, political parties, government ministries, market authorities, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. Our alumni also work as consultants for profit and non-profit organisations and as researchers at think-tanks and universities. They are employed by banks and other financial institutions and by the media. This is because our graduates have the skills that employers want, namely sound research and analytical skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and experience in working both in teams and independently.
Master’s specialisation in Political Theory
We believe that to be a good policy advisor, manager or administrator, you need to have good research skills. Research is what is going to make your advice be both valid and practical: both sides of the coin of policies are equally important to the political theorists.
Our graduates find employment in a variety of settings, including in consulting, national and international diplomacy and EU institutions.
They can work as policy advisors, managers and leaders in local, regional and national government, as well as in business, media, NGOs, think-tanks and civic organisations. Quite a few go on to pursue a PhD degree."
