Master of Science in International Relations
Department of Academic AffairsWhy 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.
Master of Science in International Relations
Photo: Bishal Sitaula
120 credits lead to a master degree in Master of Science in International Relations. The program is collaboration between UMB and NUPI (Norwegian Institute of Foreign Affairs)
The program has duration of 2 years and is taught in English.
For updated information for 2012-2014
Contents of the programme
The program has duration of two years. The first year students take mostly compulsory courses and some elective courses.
In the third semester students can take elective courses at UMB or NUPI, take a semester on exchange or do an internship. The master thesis of 30 ECTs is written in the fourth and final semester.
Compulsory Courses:
- Introduction to IR
- International Relations Theory
- Research Methods
- Conflict and Development
- Intelligence Studies and International Relations
- Global Political Economy
- Current Topics in Security Studies
- State formation: Historical Issues and Contemporary Debates
- Afghanistan/Pakistan, state building and conflict
- Foreign Policy
- Religion, Politics and Islam
- International Relations, Politics and Development
- Piracy and International Relations
- International Environmental Governance
- Development Theory and Policy
- Gender and Development
- Political Ecology
- Advanced Readings in Development Studies
- Academic Writing
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 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 internship or exchange.
Internationalization and study abroad
Internationalization is encouraged in the classrooms as students are recruited globally and approximately 50% of the student body is international.
The working language of this program is English. The program curriculum covers topics that are relevant globally.
Students may spend a semester abroad on exchange as an integral part of the degree. Students may also do internships in international organizations in Norway or abroad in their third semester.
Learning goals
Students should know the major theories in international relations theory, their epistemological foundation as well as the critique of the theories, as well as approaches to various specific sub areas of the display, the latter according to the elective modules of the student.
The student should also know how to write a larger academic paper, and how to keep their arguments consistent in written.
The program gives students a basis for critical and academic thinking. Students should also acquire skills in collecting and analyzing information and presenting findings orally and in writing.
What can you use this qualification for?
Candidates holding a master degree in International Relations from UMB will be able to compete for jobs within civil administration, international organizations, research and education institutions and within private sector working in international arena.
Students attending this program will be the only graduates with a degree in International relations from Norway.
Teaching and evaluation methods
The various courses constituting the program offer a wide range of teaching and evaluation methods, ranging from traditional lectures to group discussions of case studies. Evaluations include written exams, term papers and oral presentations.
Admission and Requirements
A bachelor degree or equivalent education in a relevant field with a GPA of minimum “C” is required to be eligible for application to the program.
Depending on your planned specialization your background may be from environmental sciences, ecology, resource management, agriculture, forestry, geography, economics, political science or social science.
Documentation of English proficiency, please see article regarding language requirements.
For more information
• Information about application and general questions about the study:
Student Information Centre (SiT)
P.O.Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
tlf.: +47 64 96 61 00
e-mail: opptak@umb.no
internett: www.umb.no/sit • More information about the courses:
Department of International Environment and Development Studies,
P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
phone: +47 64 96 52 00
e-mail: studieveileder-noragric@umb.no
Updated: 25.03.13
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Del med en venn:
Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB)
PO Box: 5003, N-1432 Ås
Phone: (+47) 64 96 61 00
Fax: (+47) 64 94 75 05
E-mail: opptak@umb.no
PO Box: 5003, N-1432 Ås
Phone: (+47) 64 96 61 00
Fax: (+47) 64 94 75 05
E-mail: opptak@umb.no