Internasjonale relasjoner

Objectives, content and organisation of the study programme

A graduate with a Master’s Degree in International Relations from NMBU shall have a thorough knowledge of mechanisms influencing international interaction, international cooperation and intercultural work, and understand how states, individuals and groups interact across borders, and how one can influence these processes. The students acquire, process, discuss and synthesize advanced knowledge through a combination of lectures, seminars, project reports, term papers, internships, and field work. The study concludes with an independent research project, a master's thesis of 30/60 ECTS.

A bachelor degree

Applicants must meet NMBU’s requirements for English language proficiency

General information on Admission requirements | NMBU.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least 80 ECTS in social sciences, history, area studies, media studies, or similar subjects relevant for international relations.

When ranking applicants, an interdisciplinary composition of the student group will be given priority.

Applicants must meet NMBU’s requirements for English language proficiency

Why study International Relations?

• You are interested in international solutions to current global challenges.
• You want a theoretical and practical understanding of the interaction between nations.

What will I learn?
The program will provide the students with the necessary theoretical foundations to understand and analyze international relations today in terms of diplomacy, development and environmental sustainability.

The master's thesis will enable students to engage in independent research in a topic of their own choosing. The program will provide practical understanding of international interaction through an internship or exchange.

Professional prospect
Candidates holding a Master's degree in International Relations from NMBU will be able to compete for jobs within civil administration, international organizations, research and education institutions, and within private sector working in the international arena. Students attending this programme will be the only graduates with a degree in International Relations from Norway.

Read more about Master of Science in International Relations

Godkjent av:AV

Dato:01.01.2021

Learning outcomes

After completion of the master in International relations, the candidate shall be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge:

• In-depth insight into theories of international relations and understanding of major factors stipulated in these approaches as drivers of international interactions.
• Good understanding of the diversity and overlaps within major theories, and the weaknesses of using such macro approaches.
• Understanding of micro-level analysis and the role of political, economic, and social developments in explaining global politics
• Understanding of the contextual factors in theory generation and case studies
• Knowledge of systematic analysis of International Relations with a theoretical and empirical focus

Skills:

• Ability to apply theoretical perspectives to analyze current issues in international relations.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and use a variety of sources (texts, digital material, popular culture, ethnography, etc.) in the study of international relations
• Confidence in choosing appropriate research methods and operationalise their use in systematic analysis
• Competence using relevant and innovative presentation techniques
• Capability to write coherent and balanced argumentative essays, with correct use of references
• Accomplishment of independent research, in the form of a master thesis, applying relevant concepts, theories, and methods in International Relations

General competence:

• Experience with interacting constructively with others in the study of international relations, to identify relevant research questions, analyze policies, strategies, develop projects, etc.
• Experience with practical international interaction through participation in multi-national classes, by exchange with other educational institutions, and/or conduct of internship.
• Sound ethical awareness in his/her conduct of professional work, and can account for power relations and value and interest conflicts and reflect on the researcher`s position in relation to a research field
• Competence to engage in public debates, in media, in voluntary organizations, civil society and community meetings, and in meetings with policy makers

Ability to develop solutions by bringing out strategic development and institutional issues, work collaboratively, and lead networks and centers

Students in the Master’s program in International Relations develop the ability to analyze, explain, and understand contemporary events and processes in the world. Learning to apply diverse theoretical perspectives is a core competence trained in compulsory theory courses. Our teaching philosophy is rooted in research-based learning, ensuring that students engage with cutting-edge scholarship.

Beyond traditional lectures, classes include interactive activities that encourage academic discussion, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These may involve group projects, problem-based learning, and individual writing assignments, complemented by guest lectures from experts in the field. Outside the classroom, students gain practical experience through field trips, internships, and opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects.

The master in International Relations trains students in core concepts and theories to analyse, explain and understand contemporary events and processes in global order. The first year comprises a compulsory introductory course and core courses in International Relations theory and methods, as well as elective courses Our program-specific electives, cover a range of topics - security, international institutions, Intelligence, maritime policy, feminist and critical theory, cities in global order, and European politics among others. Students can in all semesters choose elective courses offered in the International Relations program and more broadly at NMBU. This ensures student choice in the individual study plan.

In the third semester of the program, students can do an exchange with one of our many partner institutions throughout the world, learn on-the-job skills through an internship in Norway or abroad or choose amongst several electives on campus. . The concluding element of the master program is the master thesis (30 ECTS), supported by a seminar course to create a community of learning and additional support around the thesis work.

Students attending the program typically represent around 20 nations from all continents, each year.

Students can go on exchange to one of our partner universities and take courses there in the third semester. Some possible exchange destinations for M-IR students:

• American University, School of International Service, Washington D.C., USA
• University of Groningen, the Netherlands
• Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
• Science Po, Lille, France
• Turkish National Pole Academy (TNPA), Turkey
• University of Erfurt, Germany