The specialisation Global Order in Historical Perspective of the master’s in International Relations at Leiden University focuses on examining the historical processes behind the evolution of the global order.

Why study Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University?

During this master's programme you will gain insights into the pursuit of global justice and the variety of ethics, ideologies, institutions and norms that underpin the international political system. You will engage with different trajectories of states, organisations and peoples, examining how they are manifested in power relations and interact at different points across time to create different forms of world order(s).

Humanities focus

You will draw on a multiplicity of perspectives and expertise across the Area Studies of the Faculty of Humanities, and examine a range of different issues, from politics and ideologies to the evolution of international law and diplomacy, the emergence of civil society and the rise on non-state actors. The master’s degree in International Relations also explores the development of institutions such as the UN, which structure interactions and power relations within the international system.

Additional MA in International Affairs

During your studies, you are eligible to apply to the prestigious master’s in International Affairs at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University in Bologna.

International Relations Degree

Global Order in Historical Perspective at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of International Relations. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in International Relations and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University.

The MA in International Relations offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires comprehensive knowledge of world affairs and strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include

• Policy advisor, at a ministry of foreign affairs
• Communications manager and project assistant at an NGO promoting reconciliation and peace
• Consular spokesperson at a ministry of foreign affairs
• Consultant at an NGO
• Project manager at a company specialising in geo-services, international development and project management
• PhD candidate and research assistant
• Communications officer at an international student federation
• Research analyst at a consultancy firm
• Product manager at a multinational company
• University relations manager at an education intermediary
• Senior immigration expert at a multinational accountancy and consultancy firm

Your qualifications

Your master's will qualify you for a wide-range of roles in almost every sector of the employment market. Many of our graduates work for public services, research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, NGOs, education, communications, policy development, political institutes and academia, amongst others.