Degree from a Dutch university of applied sciences (HBO)

To be admitted to the Master's programme in International Relations in Historical Perspective with a degree of a University of Applied Sciences, you almost always have to complete a Pre-Master's programme first. Below you will find the required competences to be admitted to the Master's programme and the selection procedure for the Master's programme. Information about the Pre-Master's programme you'll find under step 2.

Competencies

This is a selective Master's. You will be considered for admission to the Master’s programme in International Relations in Historical Perspective if you have a Bachelor’s degree from a Dutch university or foreign equivalent and can demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:

• You are able to interpret and understand complex international historical events and processes based on your knowledge of the history of international relations and your acquaintance with relevant theories in the field. You have demonstrated these competencies in your grades for relevant courses during your Bachelor’s degree.
• You are able to design and undertake historical research in the field of international relations using analytical, methodological, and writing skills acquired during your undergraduate studies. You have demonstrated these skills in relevant research seminars, at an advanced Bachelor’s level, and where applicable, in your undergraduate thesis.
• You are able to demonstrate your interest in and engagement with the history of international relations based on a convincing motivation letter, curriculum vitae, and a 500-word essay in which you offer your informed opinion about an international political event, dilemma, or development of your choice (in English).
• You are able to express yourself in proficient English, as demonstrated by the language quality of your motivation letter and writing sample.

Selection procedure

The Admissions Committee will decide on your application. Based on the documents you submitted, the committee will assess whether you will be able to successfully complete the Master’s programme within the nominal duration.

The committee also takes into account:

• Motivation and talent
• Level of required knowledge and mastery of methods and techniques as demonstrated by previous grades
• General high level of professional and intellectual ability
• Command of the language used in the programme

The MA in International Relations in Historical Perspective admits a maximum of 60 students each year and competition for places in the programme is high. This means that even if you meet the minimum entry requirement, this does not guarantee you an offer of admission.
 

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the Master's in International Relations in Historical Perspective (see step 1), you might be eligible for a Pre-Master’s programme.

Previous education

We offer a Pre-Master's for students who performed above average, as demonstrated by their grades, while working towards a Bachelor's degree from a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) in subjects including: International Management/Communication; European Studies; Economics; Environment; History; Journalism; Security; and related subjects.

The Pre-Master's programme comprises 60 EC. In order to then enroll for the Master's in International Relations in Historical Perspective you will need to complete the Pre-Master’s programme within one year (12 months) and keeping a grade average of minimum 7.

Whether or not you are eligible for the Pre-Master’s programme depends on the level and content of your previously attained degrees, which should be relevant to the Master’s programme, and on your grade point average. The regular requirements regarding motivation and communicative skills apply to you as well as to all students. 

Courses

The schedule below provides you with an overview of what the Pre-Master’s Programme in International Relations in Historical Perspective for students from Applied Universities (HBO) will look like. The teaching season consists of two semesters, each semester comprises 2 study periods of approximately 10 weeks. 

In each study period, you will combine one compulsory course with another course from your choice from one of the three specialisations:

• Globalisation and World Order
• Conflict, Violence and Security
• Europe and the World

The programme will include the following courses (note: not all course descriptions are available): 

Costs

Have a look at the costs of a Pre-Master's programme (in Dutch). 

Application procedure Pre-Master's programme

If you want to be considered for a Pre-Master's programme, you simply go through the application procedure for the Master's programme, just like students who meet all entry requirements. The Admissions Committee will decide whether you can follow a Pre-Master's programme and what form it should take. Once you have been notified, you can register for the Pre-Master's programme.