BSc Political Science: Global PoliticsAdd to shortlist

Social Sciences

Politics & International Relations

BSc Political Science: Global Politics

3 years

€2530 pa

Programme profile


In this programme, you will learn how power works.For example: How did Trump win the 2016 presidential election? Will the US remain the world's leading power or will China become the dominant player? What are the implications of rising populism for European democracy? During this programme, you will study political power structures and the influence they have on society.

According to the 2018 National Student Survey, this programme is ranked the best of its kind in the Netherlands.

During the programme , you will study how societies and international relationships are organised politically and how decisions are made. You will examine the way municipal councils, political parties or the United Nations Security Council function and how, ultimately, decisions are made.You will explore topics such as the shifting global balance of power, EU governance and migration and the origins of war and conflict.

Programme content


First year
You will start with a thorough introduction to the core concepts and theories of national politics, international relations and public administration. You also will visit the Senate of the Dutch Parliament and immerse yourself in the philosophy of politics. At the end of the first year, you and your fellow students will participate in a United Nations simulation. You will get acquainted with the workings of the UN through a case study on a current topic, such as the conflict over the South China Sea.

Second year
In deepening your understanding of global politics. you will study great power rivalry and how strong states such as the US and China end up in conflict. You will also study the micro-level of politics and will look at states and non-state actors like NGOs and multinational corporations. Grasping how they help shape and govern global challenges such as climate change is crucial in understanding today's interconnected and fragmented world.

In the second semester, you will specialise in one of the three major themes:
- globalisation
- diversity or
- digitisation

Third year
In the first semester, you can choose to study abroad, do an internship, for example at an embassy, or follow a minor in another area of interest such as journalism or economics. You will finish off the year by writing your bachelor's thesis. For this, you will conduct research on a topic of your choice in the field of political science.

Entry Requirements


Three A-Levels (CCC) and three GCSEs, inc Maths at A2 or AS

Six passes at Leaving Certificate, inc 2 x H5 (and minimum 350 points). Ordinary Maths accepted, at O4 or above.

No

No

No

01 October

01 May