Political Science: Comparative and European Politics

Study globalization and Europeanization

Masters’ in Political Science: Comparative and European Politics
Are you interested in politics and do you want a specialization in European politics? Do you aim to graduate with an university masters’ degree? Then the masters’ Political Science: Comparative and European Politics at VU University might work for you.

Master's Programme Political Science from Social Sciences VU University on Vimeo.

European cooperation
The unification of Europe bears big consequences for citizens, politicians and countries in the political structure and governance as well as for the culture and the economy. The changes cause a lot of debate. An example of topics within this debate is the migration of Polish laborers to the Netherlands or the possible accession of Turkey to the European Union. And of course about the Euro, which is tested within the processes of bankruptcy of members of the European union. The new political reality asks for scientific researchers who have knowledge of ‘Brussels’ and the developments in the politics of the European Union.

"The faculty of Social Sciences at the VU University is the ideal place of academic and career opportunities. As a Georgian student I have been granted the full VU scholarship to undertake Master's programme in Political Science. We met with EU officials during a class excursion to Brussels organized by Dr. Ben Crum. This helped me enormously while I was writing my Master's thesis and during my job search. Looking back, living in Amsterdam was a great experience." Nino Kereselidze, Master’s student in Political Science

Following the masters’ programme of Political Science
During the one-year masters’ programme Political Science: Comparative and European Politics, you will develop new insights about the European Union and European politics.  You will do this by examining the scientific researches about the different developments within the Union. You will also become acquainted with recent research in this field and you will learn the most important research traditions and perspectives on politics. You will research politics in Europe to prepare for your thesis.

Intensive coaching from specialized teachers
As a student of the master Political Science you can count on intensive coaching in the form of tutorials and workshops. The teachers are experts in this specialization and you can reach them easily. You will work together with fellow students, of whom many are foreign to the Netherlands. Due to the amount of foreign students you are able to learn about foreign affairs from different viewpoints first-hand.

Career prospects
The prospects for Political Science graduates are favorable, with international jobs available in a wide array of sectors. The non-profit and public sectors offer Political Science graduates opportunities in the policy field. There are also opportunities in the commercial field. Besides the opportunities within governments and the commercial field it is also possible to grow further in doing research.

Studying at VU University in Amsterdam
Studying at VU University means studying in a metropolis. The VU is located in Amsterdam, at the edge of the city, the area where studying, working, living and recreation come together. The VU University has an excellent accessibility by using either public transport or car.

Become a master
The masters’ programme Political Science  is a one-year fulltime programme (about 40 hours of studying per a week). Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded the legally recognized title Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science. Political Science is a full-time course starting in September.

More information?

This programme has been approved by the NVAO, the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders. The legally recognized title Master of Science (MSc) in Political Science is awarded to those who complete it successfully.

Contact: info.fsw@vu.nl (Dutch students)
Contact: admission.fsw@vu.nl  (International students)
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Political Science is a full-time study and starts in September.