The Master of Science in International Politics approaches key issues in international politics from a scientific perspective. Students will learn to anticipate on and find solutions for complex global challenges in diplomacy, development cooperation, peace processes and conflict management, environmental politics, international development and political economy. Moreover, students will study regional political developments in Europe, North America, Russia, China, Eurasia and the Middle East.

Programme summary:

The Master of Science in International Politics (MIP) is a one-year Master's programme that aims to provide you with the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to study governance in a globalizing world. You will learn to anticipate on and find solutions for complex global challenges in diplomacy, development cooperation, peace processes and conflict management, environmental politics, international development and political economy. Moreover, you will study political developments in Europe, North America, China, Russia, Eurasia and the Middle East.

​​​The MIP programme gives you the opportunity to study at one of Europe's oldest and most well-established universities and to engage in international affairs at all levels. The programme is both promoted and supported by the Faculty of Social Sciences and rejoice regular interaction with developments in and outside political institutions in Brussels.

Programme structure:

The master’s programme is composed of 60 credits and consists of four parts: a truncus communis, a thematic specialisation, a regional specialisation and elective courses.

The thematic and regional specialisation courses provide students with a solid introduction to the comparative study of international politics. The variety of elective courses present a multidisciplinary mix where students focus further on thematic and/or regional issues, or study international politics from an historical, economic or legal perspective. Throughout the year, students work on their Master's thesis and find support in the course Research Seminar and through the guidance of a supervisor.

Between academia and practice:

​​​​In the Master of International Politics, students gain knowledge and insight into a wide range of theoretical perspectives in several domains of international politics. Students learn to combine this theoretical knowledge with their (methodological) research skills to conduct fundamental or comparative research in an academic and professional context. In addition, the programme pays significant attention to the practical challenges professionals in the field are facing today.

Master's Thesis:

The Master's thesis is the capstone project of the Master's degree. Each student is expected to complete a 10.000 word thesis. Upon arrival in Leuven you are expected to begin planning their thesis research. The subject of the Master's thesis is determined by you, in discussions with the supervisor. The subject should relate to the field of international politics. The research question must be relevant in the discipline of international politics and must be explored in a methodologically correct manner and within a suitable theoretical framework. The Master’s thesis should have the potential of becoming an article in a professional journal.

Teaching format:

Achieving the learning outcomes and course objectives requires an interactive learning process. Lecturing is only one component of most classes. By means of a hands-on approach, students gain both theoretical skills, as well as practical skills that are required in the job market. In several classes, students read materials in advance, enabling more in-depth discussions in class. Moreover, each class involves self-study and assignments to help students assimilate the information presented. Individual and group projects, in-class presentations and simulates games based on real world scenarios are also organised in class.

Teaching staff:

The master's programme is taught by international academics who are specialists in their area, passionate about their subjects, and at the forefront of current research in political science and international relations. In addition, the programme frequently hosts practitioners and international policy makers as guest lecturers.​