IR MA
The goal of this program is to offer students in-depth knowledge on the topics of globalisation, international institutions, security, development studies and human rights. It enables our graduate students to understand and analyse complex political and social problems that go beyond state borders and cultural boundaries.

This programme is recommended to applicants who are interested in politics, social problems and interactions between different nations and cultures. While we typically prefer students with a strong background in political science or international relations, our programme is designed to provide an opportunity for students from other fields to catch up with their peers during the first semesters, provided they are committed and dedicated.

This program enables students to work independently and also as members of a team. We help them to develop skills of adaptability and self-reflexivity that are crucial in today’s fast changing world. Our aim is to give our students skills and knowledge that could be readily used whether they seek employment in the public or the private sphere.

Modules

Following an introductory semester on advanced classes of international relations and political science in the second semester, students can choose from one of the following three modules (the assignment to modules is merit based: it considers student preferences as well as their study performance).

  • European development and foreign policy

  • Human Rights

  • Security Studies

The European Development and Foreign Policy module offers courses on the connection between development policies and wealth, the international political economy of developing countries, the development policies of the EU, trade policy and theories of global inequalities. The Human Rights module offers courses on human dignity, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, elections and rights of participation. Security Studies module offers courses on institutions of security, conflict and peace studies, critical security studies, liberty and security, and crisis management.

Strength of the programme

The MA in International Relations offers intensive training in three fields of modules following an introductory semester. Classes are predominantly seminars of few students taking part in an intensive training of completing numerous written and oral assignments. Instructors in the programme include academics, but also professionals with ongoing experience at international organizations to offer students an internal perspective into how IR is ‘done in the field’.

Who is this programme for?

The programme is ideal for students who want to strengthen local communities, support civil society and non-profit organizations, and contribute to solving social challenges through community-based initiatives. It is especially suited to those interested in community development, social innovation, civic engagement, NGOs, and local or international development work.

Career opportunities

Our graduates may seek employment at international institutions, the private sector, the media or at NGO’s.

Job examples:

  • Foreign Policy Analyst

  • Lobbyist

  • Project coordinator (public/private/non-profit)

  • Political Advisor

  • Administrative jobs in state bureaucracy and at private enterprises

 

The curriculum covers (among others):

  • Climate Justice and the Right to Development
  • Conflict and Peace Studies
  • Geopolitics
  • Great Power Politics and Russia: Geopolitical Understandings
  • Management of EU-Funded Projects
  • Scientific Research, AI and Privacy
  • Technology, Surveillance and Intelligence
  • The EU’s Engagement in Managing Nearby and Far-Away Conflicts

Facts & figures

Title: International Relations MA

Degree: International Relations Expert

Type: Degree programme

Level: Master’s

Accreditation number: FNYF/61-1/2019

Accreditation: All of our programmes are accredited by the Hungarian Accreditation Committee. The Hungarian Accreditation Committee is compliant to EU standards (ESG 2015) and is a member of the ENQA.

Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences

Institute: Institute of Political and International Studies

Language: English

Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)

ECTS credits: 120

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