BA in International Relations and International Organization University of Groningen

Can the EU survive the current wave of nationalism? Why has international cooperation on global environmental issues proven to be difficult? What are other issues of an increasingly globalized world?

IRIO in Groningen is a truly multidisciplinary English-taught degree program in which you will explore political questions on an international level. You will focus on the place of politics, history, economics, and law in international relations but also the crucial role of international organizations. You will also learn or improve your proficiency in a modern foreign language and will be able to choose a minor that fits your profile.

If you choose IRIO in Groningen, you choose:

• a challenging program with a strong theoretical focus.
• a program with three decades of experience, that enjoys the support and expertise of many renowned international lecturers
• a program in which you will acquire analytical, practical, and methodological skills that are considered highly valuable in fields as diverse as policy advocacy and consultancy, governmental and civil services, public affairs, risk analysis, journalism, international aid/development work, and diplomacy.
• an international environment and a global perspective: your lecturers and classmates come from all over the world.

Please note: IRIO is a quota study: only a limited number of students are accepted every year.

Why study this program in Groningen?

IRIO in Groningen is a bachelor's program where international relations are not a specialization but a core business. The main emphasis is on the place of politics, history, economics, and law in international relations but also the crucial role of international organizations. Attention is paid to research skills, language training, methodologies, historical context, and theory. Last but not least: in Groningen, you study IRIO with Dutch and international students and staff!

Research

Our education is strongly rooted in research. Right from the start of your degree program attention is paid to academic research and development, since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire.

Year 1

The first year, the propaedeutic phase will consist of introductory modules in the fields of international relations, law, and economics. You will also study a language: you can either choose to start Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish or choose to improve your English, French or German.

• History of International Relations 1 (5 EC)
• International Politics (5 EC)
• Introduction to International and European Law (5 EC)
• Academic Skills for IR (5 EC)
• History of International Relations 2 (5 EC)
• Statistics for IR (5 EC)
• International Organisation 1 (5 EC)
• Introduction to Economics (5 EC)
• Language Course 1a (5 EC)
• International Organisation 2 (5 EC)
• Language Course 1b (5 EC)
• Political Science (5 EC)

Year 2

In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge of international relations, economics, and law. Attention will be paid to decision-making processes on an (inter)national level; international relations will be placed in a theoretical and philosophical framework; you will study international monetary issues, and you will broaden your knowledge of the law of the European Communities and European Union. Furthermore, you will complete your language modules.

• Language Course 2a (5 EC)
• Policy and Governance (10 EC)
• Theory of International Relations (10 EC)
• Language Course 2b (5 EC)
• European Law (5 EC)
• Language Course 3a (5 EC)
• Methodology and Research Practice (10 EC)
• IPE of Monetary Relations (5 EC)
• Language Course 3b (5 EC)

Year 3

In the final year of the program, you can specialize by choosing a minor in a field of your interest; for example on Development Studies. You can also choose to spend a semester abroad. You will complete an International Law module and you will study international trade theory. Finally, you will choose a core module: a tutorial that will examine a specific theme through literature and source research. You will conclude the core module by writing your Bachelor's thesis.

• Minor (30 EC)
• IPE of Trade (5 EC)
• Core Module IRIO and Bachelor Thesis (20 EC)
• International Law (5 EC)

Program options

• Minors (minor)
• University of Groningen Honours College (honors program)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is recommended
• For an average of 16 weeks
• Maximum of 30 EC
  
  

After finishing the Bachelor's program in IRIO, most students choose to continue their studies in a related Master's program, which will enhance their employment possibilities. You can either choose a general Master in International Relations or choose to specialize in a specific field of IR.

With a Bachelor’s degree in IRIO, you have direct access to all six tracks of the Master International Relations at the University of Groningen: East Asian Studies, European Integration, Geopolitics & Connectivity, International Relations, and International Organization, International Political Economy, and International Security.

Just like other universities Bachelor's and Master's programs, the IRIO program does not train you for one specific job. The IRIO program prepares its students for professions and research careers where knowledge of international-political developments and the ability to analyze and assess complex issues and to form grounded judgments are relevant.

Many graduates become policy advisors for national governments, NGOs, and international organizations in international politics. An increasing number of graduates also use their analytical skills to advise international businesses. Research, media, and communication are also prospective fields of employment.

Job examples

• International policy adviser
• Lobbyist
• International executive
• Press officer
• Journalist
• Researcher