MSc in Political Science - Nationalism, Ethnic Conflict and Development

Leiden University

About the programme

This specialisation offers a structured, intensive curriculum balancing substantive and skills-oriented courses, including a number of elective seminars, plus a research thesis.

Academic and professional skills

In this one-year programme, you will acquaint yourself with the state-of-the-art in political science, follow a core course on governance and diversity in developing countries and work on your academic In addition to these mandatory courses, you will be able to choose from a number of elective seminars, covering more political science subdisciplines. Under certain conditions, doing an internship is an option. A research thesis, written within a thesis seminar specific to the area of nationalism, ethnicity, and development completes the programme.

Career prospects

This specialisation prepares you to combine the insights and rigour of social science with the practical skills needed to make a difference in the world of foreign policy formation, implementation, and evaluation.

You acquire the advanced substantive and theoretical knowledge, as well as practical skills, necessary for a successful career in a vast range of professions. With a master’s diploma you can also opt for a more advanced PhD-level training in Political Science.

What a Political Science graduate brings to the table

During your studies, you will develop skills that are wanted by employers in both the private and the public sphere:

• a solid understanding of how governments and other political bodies work
• the ability to efficiently collect information and relevant opinions
• synthesising your findings into a coherent and persuasive argument
• independent thinking; the capacity to weigh opposing views
• the ability to present your view, in speech and in writing
• analytical, problem solving skills

Where do Political Science graduates work?

Political Science per se is not a vocational training. It does not automatically lead to this or that particular profession. Perhaps the broad nature of the discipline is also a strength when it comes to occupational opportunities. You will find Political Science graduates practically anywhere—in administration, politics and policy, but also in business, education and journalism. Although this list is not inclusive, political science majors can be found in the following careers:

• public administration
• international affairs specialist
• journalism
• law enforcement
• teacher/professor
• legislative staff member
• lobbyist
• political analyst
• politician
• public policy researcher
• campaign management
• news correspondent
• sales and marketing
• speech writer
• urban and regional planner
• non-profit organizations