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Understand the drivers of peace and conflict

Political Science: International Relations: Peace and Security

Interested in international peace and security and the challenges they face? Our one-year Master’s programme in International Peace, Security, and Conflict is designed for you.

You will debate pressing global issues in various settings - from large lectures to small tutorials. You will study the causes of conflict between and within states and analyse how the international community seeks to foster peace. The programme also examines why governments, political parties, diplomats, and international organizations pursue certain policies, and how their interactions shape the prospects for peace and security worldwide. You will critically examine concepts such as the ‘Global South’ and ‘Global North’, and explore the relevance of ‘postcolonial’ and ‘neocolonial’ frameworks in understanding today’s security challenges.

Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the pressing political challenges of our time.

Methodological training : You will refine your skills in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Familiarize yourself with relevant research traditions and the latest developments in the field. Work on case studies in small groups, apply research methods, formulate research questions, and collect and analyse data.

Independent research:  Conduct high-quality social scientific research. Write research papers, essays, and literature reviews, and practice public speaking. Engage in class discussions and presentations, and receive intensive coaching through tutorials and workshops.

Master’s Thesis:  In the final phase of the programme, you will design and carry out your own research project, culminating in a Master’s thesis supervised by one of our internationally acclaimed lecturers.

VU Master's Event

Saturday 7 March 2026

International Master's webinar

Create a My Study Choice account or log in to watch the recording

Subjects

  • Master’s Thesis in International Relations: Peace and Security
  • Core Debates in Political Science
  • Advanced Political Analysis
  • Selected Issues: International Security Studies
  • Political and Policy Research: Philosophy and Design
  • Applying Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Political Science
  • Workshop in Peace and Security

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

The Master's programme

Our comprehensive one-year Master’s programme is designed to immerse you in the world of political science through six dynamic periods:

Period 1 (September-October): Dive into the core debates of political science. Familiarize yourself with key theories and big questions, and apply these insights to contemporary cases alongside your fellow students.

Period 2 (November-December): Choose two from four specialist subjects and engage with key contemporary issues through ongoing scientific debates:

  • Contemporary Democratic Politics
  • Global Environmental Politics: Actors and Institutions
  • Global Political Economy and Geopolitics
  • International Security Studies

Period 3 (January): Take a short course on the philosophy, design, and practice of political research. Gain the theoretical tools to prepare for your thesis, formulate hypotheses, and collect and analyse data in small groups.

Period 4 (February-March):  Practice conducting research within your specialization through Workshop courses. Refresh and advance your knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, and apply them to your chosen topic.

Periods 5 & 6:  Devote yourself entirely to your Master’s thesis, supervised by our international team of researchers. Design and conduct your own research project, culminating in an original and well-researched thesis.

Graduate with a competitive edge:  Gain a holistic view of today’s complex political environment and understand the interconnectivity between key players - from governments and multinationals to NGOs and social movements. Acquire expertise in global politics, environmental governance, and political institutions. Develop skills in analysis, data collection, independent research, writing, and persuasive argumentation.

Change your future with the Political Science programme

Change your future with the Political Science programme

A whole range of career paths is open to you when you graduate. Your analytical skills to think critically and grasp societal complexity, your capacity to conduct independent research and clearly communicate results to different audiences, and your deep knowledge and understanding of various fields in international politics, governance and decision-making are competencies that you can apply across diverse job activities. 

Explore your future prospects

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