MSSc International and European Relations, 120 credits

Degree: Master of Social Science with a major in Political Science, specialization International and European Relations.

This master’s programme approaches issues related to European relations in the context of international society and global governance. It is intended for those students with a strong interest in international politics and global perspectives, with special focus on Europe and Europe’s role in world affairs.

The International and European Relations master’s programme has been running successfully for a number of years. Dedicated personnel, including specialist guest lecturers from other Swedish and European universities, are in charge of the programme. Our mission is to provide academic training that will equip students with the necessary skills to face challenges encountered by young professionals working in complex institutional settings in an increasingly competitive and globalised labour market.

The programme also provides a solid foundation for further studies and research in the general fields of International and European relations. Graduates of the International and European Relations master’s programme can be found in governmental institutions and in public international organisations as well as in the private and non-governmental sectors. They apply their skills to their work on a spectrum, ranging from practical running of policy programs to scientific research.

The programme is divided into four components, each equivalent to one semester:

• International Relations
• European Relations
• International Governance/Guided Internship
• Master’s thesis

The curriculum consists of topics ranging from international law and security to European institutions and Europe’s external relations, theories of international relations and organization, contemporary issues of international governance, and research design and methodology.
By the end of the programme students will have acquired an independent and critical approach to complex global and specifically European issues. Furthermore, students will gain the skills and knowledge to contribute actively to important developments, either as practitioners or researchers.

Students will also

• be able to understand the history, theory and contemporary implications of international and European relations, as well as the forces that drive developments;
• acquire the tools to reflect upon and analyse the dynamics of contemporary international and European relations;
• develop an in-depth understanding issues of international governance and their significance;
• be able to independently design and conduct inquiries and subsequently report on scientific issues within international and European relations.

The programme staff is engaged in research concerning international theory and the development of international norms and institutions, European security and foreign relations, regional development, political economy, federalism, policy analysis and political theory. In order to develop research and the course curriculum, the programme cooperates with partner institutions at:
- Aalborg University, Denmark;
- The Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain;
- Twente University, The Netherlands
through the MEIA consortium (Master of European and International Affairs: Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies).

Employment and career opportunities

The programme prepares students for a professional career in governmental institutions and in public international organisations, as well as private and non-governmental sectors. The courses also provide a solid foundation for further studies and research within European and international studies.

Specific requirements

Bachelor's degree with an in-depth study of at least 90 credits, i.e. 3 semesters of full-time study in the major subject. The programme provides advanced level studies for students of political science, international relations, economics, history, geography, law, media studies, sociology and other social sciences - and for students with other disciplinary backgrounds who can demonstrate an ability to develop their potential in the subject area.

Each applicant must enclose a Letter of Intent written in English, explaining why they want to study this programme, and a summary of their degree thesis or project. If applicants hold a degree that does not include a degree thesis or project, their Letter of Intent should describe previous studies and any academic activities that are related to the master’s programme or the programmes applied for.

Send the Letter of Intent together with all supporting documents to University Studies in Sweden, FE 1, SE-833 83 Stroemsund, Sweden.

Read more about entry requirements and the application process