Political Science: Global Environmental Governance

Study environment in a political perspective

Masters’ in Political Science: Global Environmental Governance
Almost no animal species, countries or parts of the ocean are unaffected by the enormous development of human beings. The master Political Science: Global Environmental Governance focuses on the political aspects and implications of topics as climate change, sustainability and nature.  Are you interested in these topics and do you aim to graduate with an university masters’ degree? Then the masters’ Political Science: Global Environmental Governance at VU University could be just what you are looking for.

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

“The international environmental policy needs a structural change, and it needs it now. It’s the only way we can stop the rapid and irreversible changes in the environment.” Frank Biermann, professor of political science and environmental policy sciences at VU University Amsterdam

Cope with global environmental issues
The protection of the environment might be the biggest challenge of this era. Politicians have to work in order to cope with international environmental problems as deforestation, the growth of CO2 emission and climate change. In order to change this development, governments have to work together with multinationals, NGO’s and private organizations. This also means there is a growing need for scholars with knowledge of international environmental politics.

Following the Masters’ in Political Science
During a one-year masters’ programme Political Science: Global Environmental Governance you will develop insights about the international environmental politics.  You will do this by learning about the scientific researches in the field of the international environmental politics. You will 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 will be foreign to the Netherlands. Due to the amount of foreign students you are able to learn about foreign affairs from different viewpoints first-hand.

"Studying and living in the Netherlands is a life experience. The studies at VU University Amsterdam allow me to develop a strong expertise in Global Environmental Governance. I believe my master degree in Political Science will be of great value for the future career." Vadim Biryukov, Master’s Student in Political Science, specialization Global Environmental Governance

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 development 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 with public transport and car.

Become a master
The masters’ programme Political Science  is a one-year fulltime programme (about 40 hours of studying per week). The programme starts in September. 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.

Further 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.