Politicologie

The programme explores the political, economic and social dynamics of global and regional integration as well as of disintegration, from both a historical and transnational perspective.

The Master's programme in International Relations (IR) provides a thorough academic grounding for students seeking a professional career in the field of international relations, as well as for those wishing to continue their studies to obtain a PhD. The philosophy of the programme is based on a broad and interdisciplinary view of international relations. It seeks to promote a critical understanding of contemporary developments by exposing students to different theoretical perspectives and empirical methodologies. These include realist approaches, liberalism, constructivism, world systems theory and transnational historical materialism. In addition to the quality of its curriculum and instruction, a distinct advantage of the Master's programme in International Relations is its location in the city of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is a city with a long and important history in the development of international relations, commerce and law.

Political Economy focusses on the interaction of 'the economy' and 'politics', both broadly conceived.

It covers the ground from economics for non-economists to understanding how the rules of the game are shaped, to thinking about how an open global economy gives rise to new conflicts and new political movements. You will explore critical issues facing the developed and developing worlds, from Asia to Europe to the Americas - contemporary challenges such as migration, the struggle for development, or better financial market governance. We also explore policy challenges with an ethical dimension such as social policies or corporate power and social inequalities so as better to understand how this plays out in different political environments. Our starting point is that the relationship between 'politics' and 'the economy' is a two-way street: political contestation shapes economic outcomes and their governance, while economic developments generate political conflicts. The causes and consequences of the on-going economic malaise have brought this highly political 'who-gets-what' nature of 'the economy' back out into the open.

The Political Theory track provides students with the conceptual tool-kits to analyse the complex normative and methodological issues of contemporary political life.

Students are encouraged to take an active role in critical reflection on political practices, institutional arrangements, and social science methods by building on a solid foundation in social and political thought. The track combines analytical rigor with policy relevance.

The Public Policy and Governance track prepares students to meet demands for effective and legitimate public action in complex and often controversial political settings.

The programme helps students develop as critical analysts and innovative designers by linking research and practice, theory and action on the 'shop floor' on the local, national, European, and international levels. Opportunities are provided to study policy work at and across these levels. * Are you interested in how problems become political and prompt public action? * Do you wonder about how the professionals and public officials responsible cope with the complex and changing demands that these problems set? * Do you want to learn more about how learning and innovation develop as public policy is made and implemented? Then the Master's programme in Public Policy and Governance might be the perfect programme for you.