Master Global Policy and Modern Security in Leiden
The Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations and Security Studies at Webster Leiden Campus provides a distinctive gateway to the world of global governance. Strategically located near The Hague, our program offers students unparalleled access to the epicenter of international law and diplomacy.
Our degree coursework goes beyond traditional theory, integrating critical issues such as globalization, human rights and the impact of emerging technologies on global safety. Whether you are analyzing economic development or the ethics of humanitarian action, you will develop the analytical expertise required to lead in governmental agencies, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) or multinational corporations and firms. For those seeking an academic career, our research-intensive tracks provide a robust foundation for pursuing a PhD.
Professional and Academic Competencies for the Master's in International Relations and Security Studies
Students who complete the MA in International Relations and Security Studies will be equipped with the following skills and expertise:
- Master the Global Landscape: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of various subfields within international relations.
- Map Strategic Threats: Identify key actors, issues, threats, institutions and legal frameworks in both national and international security contexts.
- Conduct High-Level Research: Exhibit strong research skills, utilizing qualitative and quantitative methodologies to answer questions and solve complex problems.
- Analyze and Solve Policy Challenges: Analyze complex international security issues and propose evidence-based solutions.
- Communicate with Impact: Communicate effectively in written form, tailored to diverse audiences, including policymakers, security experts and academic peers.
- Leverage AI and Technology: Apply AI tools and technologies to enhance research capabilities and effectively communicate analytical insights to stakeholders in the fields of international relations and security.
“When I deal with negotiations or business with advisors or inventors, I am quite confident, and I am very comfortable because I've been equipped through classes, case studies and even exams.”
MA in International Relations, Webster Leiden
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in the United States. We have been accredited by the HLC for more than 95 years. This program is not Dutch accredited and does not lead to a degree based on Dutch law, Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs (Law on Higher Education).
Choose Webster Leiden for Your Graduate Degree in International Relations and Security Studies
The MA in International Relations and Security Studies requires 36 credit hours (12 courses) including 12 credit hours of core courses, 18 credit hours of specialization track courses and 6 credit hours of electives.
Core Courses
- IRSS 5000 Introduction to International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5100 Research Methods and Perspectives (3 hours)
- IRSS 5200 Security Policy Development and Artificial Intelligence (3 hours)
- IRSS 6000 Capstone (3 hours)
or IRSS 6250 Thesis* (6 hours)
or IRSS 6300 International Relations and Security Studies Lab (3 hours)
Specialization Track Courses
International Relations Track (18 credit hours): Choose 4 courses from the international relations cluster and 2 courses from comparative cluster.
- International Relations Cluster
- IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5510 Theories of International Relations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5530 International Law (3 hours)
- IRSS 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5550 War and Diplomacy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
- IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5870 International Law and Politics of Outer Space (3 hours)
- IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
- Comparative Cluster
- IRSS 5625 Middle East/West Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)
Security Studies Track (18 credit hours): Choose 4 courses from one cluster and two courses from one of the remaining clusters.
- International and National Security Cluster
- IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5560 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
- IRSS 5625 Middle East Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5890 Terrorism in World Politics (3 hours)
- IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
- Cybersecurity Operations Cluster
- CSSS 5000 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
- CSSS 5120 Cybersecurity Infrastructures (3 hours)
- CSSS 5130 Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence (3 hours)
- CSSS 5140 Cybersecurity Strategic Operations (3 hours)
- CSSS 5160 Encryption Methods and Techniques (3 hours)
- CSSS 5210 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 hours)
- CSSS 5220 Cybersecurity Threat Detection (3 hours)
- CSSS 5250 Use and Protection of Space Assets (3 hours)
- Criminal Justice Cluster
- CRIM 5050 Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice (3 hours)
- CRIM 5060 Policing and Law Enforcement (3 hours)
- CRIM 5070 Institutional and Community Corrections (3 hours)
- LEGL 5450 American Constitutional Law (3 hours)
Elective Courses (6 hours)
Any additional graduate courses, totaling 6 credit hours.
*Note: Not all courses from the curriculum will be available in one academic year. For more information on course planning, please contact the Graduate Advisor (department coordinator).
The Graduate Certificate in International and Nongovernmental Organizations (INGO) program educates students interested in understanding the nature of world affairs through the activities of domestic, transnational, regional and international organizations around the world. Coursework focuses on developing skills in project management, grant writing, fundraising, negotiations and other key areas essential to the work in this field.
Prerequisite (3 hours)
- IRSS 5000 Introduction to International Relations and Security Studies, or at least two upper-level undergraduate courses in International Relations (6 credits).
Core Course (3 hours)
- INGO 5000 Introduction to International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
Electives (3 courses or 9 hours)*
- INGO 5100 Finance, Budgeting and Accounting for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 5300 Human Resources and Staffing for International Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5545 The United Nations in International Politics (3 hours)
- INGO 5600 Principles of Negotiation (3 hours)
- INGO 5700 Grant Writing, Fundraising and Development for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 5900 Project Management for International and Nongovernmental Organizations (3 hours)
- INGO 6500 Internship in INGO (3 hours)
- IRSS 5580 Politics of Development (3 hours)
*Note: Not all courses from the curriculum will be available in one academic year. For more information on course planning, please contact the Graduate Advisor (department coordinator).
