COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations and Organisations bachelor’s program at Leiden University is a specialised three-year degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of global politics from a social sciences perspective. Based in The Hague, the city where international diplomacy and global governance converge, the program is designed for students fascinated by international affairs, cooperation, and conflict. It focuses on the roles of major powers such as China, Russia, the USA, and the EU, as well as international organisations like the UN, NATO, the IMF, and the World Bank. Students examine pressing global issues, including war and peace, poverty, refugee crises, humanitarian cooperation, nuclear weapons reduction, and globalisation, gaining the analytical tools to understand and address complex international challenges.The curriculum combines specialised courses with more general social science studies. Core courses such as International Organisations and Actors in World Politics allow students to explore the mechanics of diplomacy and the functioning of global institutions. General courses, including International Politics, Comparative Politics, and Global History, provide essential context for understanding contemporary international relations. Alongside this knowledge, students develop crucial academic and professional skills, such as statistics, research methods, text analysis, and debating, enabling them to engage critically with research and communicate effectively in professional and academic settings.The program’s location in The Hague offers unique opportunities to link theory with practice. Students may benefit from guest lectures, field visits, and internships with international institutions, NGOs, and governmental bodies, gaining first-hand experience in diplomacy and global governance.Graduates are prepared for careers in international organisations, diplomacy, government, policy analysis, journalism, and research. The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic study in political science and international relations. By combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and exposure to the global political arena, the program equips students to navigate and contribute effectively to the complex world of international affairs.