Political Science: International Relations and Transnational Governance
Student testimonial: Alexandre
Why have you chosen for the master Political Science?
I chose this Master programme because I have always been interested in International Relations. What’s going on in the world? The things you read in the newspaper are sometimes hard to put into perspective. What moves states into war or peace? When do economic incentives prevail over human rights issues? Under which circumstances can states tackle environmental issues cooperatively? These are the kind of questions this master can help you research, analyze and answer, something I highly value.
Why have you chosen VU University Amsterdam?
VU University offers an interesting, multilevel program. First off, you get the essential foundations of international relations theories, philosophy of science and methods. After that, each student can sign up for courses he or she is most interested in.
After the first semester you can then make an informed decision in which of the three specializations you want to continue. I chose to follow the track of international security, but I got to explore many interesting lectures on environmental governance as well.
Apart from that, the VU is a well organized university where you can focus on your Master’s. Amsterdam is a wonderful city that has a lot to offer to anyone who visits, lives or studies here. I’ve been living here for over five years now and I’m having a great time.
What do you like about the master’s?
What I like about this master is the international character it has. Not only the subject of the courses you follow, but also your fellow students come from all over the world. The fact that everyone in the group has a different background makes the discussions in class very interesting.
The content of this master is very interesting and diverse, although the testing of the subject matter can become somewhat dull. Since there are no more exams but only essays, you will be writing a lot at times.
The number of lecturers is small, so you will get to know every one of them, and they will get to know you as well. This benefits the atmosphere and participation during lectures.
What have you done before Political Science?
Before my master political science I have studied history. The biggest difference between my bachelor and this master is the way in which you’re being taught to approach certain questions. In Political Science, theories play a much bigger role in understanding the problems at hand. This was something I had to get used to, but also something a historian’s opinion was valuable in. In that way, the switch I had to make wasn’t that radical at all.
How do you bring theory into practice?
With a couple of fellow students, we founded an organization here in the Netherlands to help youth in Belarus, for example with cultural exchanges and the setting up of projects. It is very rewarding, and I completely owe it to the people I met during this master.
After this master, I would like to work in an international organization. The fact that I’m studying International Relations will surely help me along the way.
Do you have any remarks about the study?
For those who have always been interested in the realm of international relations, want to study at a well organized university and meet lots of students from all over the world, the master Political Science is a good choice.
Alexandre Hattinga Verschure, Master’s student Political Science, 2010-2011
