International Relations

and Organisations
Bachelor of Science

Discover the world at Leiden University

 Why International Relations and
Organisations?
Are you fascinated by global affairs and the dynamics of international
co-operation and conflict? Do you have an interest in themes such as war
and peace, poverty, refugee crises, humanitarian co-operation, diplomacy,
nuclear weapons reduction and globalisation? Would you relish the
opportunity to study these subjects from a social sciences perspective,
delving into the research methods associated with a scientific programme?
Then the bachelor Political Science: International Relations and
Organisations (IRO) is the right programme for you.
As a student of the IRO specialisation, you will study cross-border
issues from a social sciences perspective, helping you to gain a deeper
understanding of the real story behind today’s headlines. The specialisation
IRO has a strong focus on current world affairs with particular emphasis
on the role played by major powers, such as the US, China and Russia, and
organisations such as the EU, IMF, NATO, the UN and the World Bank.

Please note: IRO is a fixed quota programme.

This means there is a limited number of places

Continue reading about: available. Furthermore, you will need to apply

as soon as possible, no later than 15 January
(of the year in which you would like to start).

Studying The structure of the

International bachelor’s IRO
Relations and
Organisations in
The Hague
programme
5 programme
key courses
Live and study
in The Hague
3 Curriculum 7 10
specialisation
Is this the International Your future Information
programme Relations and career activities & contact
for you? Organisations
4 6 8 11
Photos: UFB Photo & Digital, Marc de Haan, WikiMedia Commons, Twycer and Ruben Verheul. This brochure has been compiled with
the utmost care; nevertheless it is possible that information may have changed and the information in this brochure is therefore
not binding. The most up-to-date information can be found at bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/iro. August 2022
 Studying
International
Relations and
Organisations in
The Hague

The bachelor Political Science: International Relations and Organisations (IRO) is a three-
year, English-taught, Bachelor of Science specialisation that offers insight into international
organisations, diplomacy, issues of peace and security, and the latest developments in
political relations at a global level.

Why The Hague? Interdisciplinary, inclusive and with diverse inspire you to recognise the links between
At Leiden University in The Hague, you teaching methods and research projects. social sciences theories and international
are at the very centre of Dutch politics and political practice. The lecturers are all experts
international law. The Hague is the fastest- Proven programmes in their fields and many of them bring
growing student city in the country. It is also IRO brings high performing students from practical experience to the programme,
a very internationally oriented city due to its all over the world together in The Hague. informed by their advisory work for
numerous embassies, NGO’s and high-level Our experienced and distinguished staff government organisations, for example.
and international organisations. The perfect and state-of-the-art learning methods have
place to study the many challenges affecting proven themselves in our other bachelor
humanity, whether it involves tackling global Political Science specialisations and master’s
poverty or creating safe havens for refugees. programmes.
These challenges require an interdisciplinary
approach, which is exactly what Leiden Expert guidance
University in The Hague offers by focusing Throughout the programme, you will be
on international law, peace and security, working with renowned academics, talented
 bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/iro
More information:
politics and public administration and health. researchers and engaged lecturers, who will

3
 Is this the
programme for you? From the diary of
Line Bäcklund Pedersen,
As well as having an interest in the study of English proficiency and admission first-year student
international relations and organisations, requirements
students of the IRO programme should also All students of International Relations and
be: Organisations must have a good level of 09:00 Wake up and make breakfast.
w open-minded, inquisitive and critical; proficiency in written and spoken English. 10:00 Study from home, reading a text
w motivated to work hard, invest in new You also must have had mathematics for Introduction to Political Science
insights and acquire new skills; education until you graduated from school. about behaviouralism, an approach
w aware of what is going on in the world; and The programme has a high percentage to political science.
w comfortable in an international of international students and all lectures, 11:00 Relax a bit and read. I’m currently
environment. assignments, reading material, tests and exams reading Well-Behaved Women
are in the English language. Seldom Make History by Laurel
Selection For further information on English Thatcher. It’s about how women
Please note that IRO is a fixed quota proficiency and admission requirements, have made history and been
programme. This means there is a limited please visit the entry requirements page on excluded from it.
number of places available via a selection and the IRO website. 12:00 Make lunch. I really like pasta, so I
placement procedure. Furthermore, you will make pasta with pesto.
need to apply as soon as possible, no later than 12:50 Cycle to the Wijnhaven building for
 bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/iro
More information:
15 January (of the year in which you would my Political Science lecture about
like to start). behaviouralism.
15:00 Walk to the University building at
the train station for my workgroup
in Political Science. Today we’re
discussing a text on descriptive
representation for minorities. It’s
super interesting.
17:00 Bike home and grab a snack.
18:00 Bike to meet a friend for dinner.
We make homemade tomato soup
with garlic bread.
20:00 Go home and spend some time
by myself. Read a bit and watch
Netflix, and also prepare for the
next CIROS Goodwill Committee
meeting by making some notes
on what needs to be done for our
next event.
00:00 Go to bed.
4
 The structure
of the
bachelor’s
programme

Gain an in-depth understanding of current affairs on a global level and the workings of
international organisations.

Year 1: building foundations Year 2: delving deeper ideal preparation for a high-level master
Besides familiarising yourself with the During the programme’s second year, you programme.
trains of thought in the political science will focus on a range of courses that will help
discipline and international relations, you you gain a more in-depth understanding Teaching methods
will study related subjects, such as economics of important themes such as: International Various methods of teaching and learning are
and history. Other courses in the first year Development, Global Security, Contemporary used throughout the bachelor’s programme.
include: Actors in World Politics, Statistics, Political Philosophy, International Political During lectures, a lecturer provides in-depth
Introduction to Comparative Politics and Economy and International Law and Human insights into predefined study material and
Politics of the European Union. An important Rights. You will learn how to do research you have the opportunity to pose questions.
part of the programme are skills courses, from a social science perspective in the Politicians, diplomats, journalists and other
where you practice text analysis, debating workgroups: Academic Skills: Research practitioners make regular appearances as
and academic writing. These are essential for Design and Academic Skills: Data Analysis. guest speakers. In small work groups, you can
your development, both as a student and a discuss and contemplate subjects with your
professional. You will attend lectures with all Year 3: time to specialise fellow students, guided by a tutor. You will
IRO students in the same year, while work In the third year it is time to specialise via also be expected to complete assignments and
groups typically contain around 24 students. the Elective Space, Bachelor Seminar and make presentations. A third form of study is
During work group sessions, you will actively Bachelor Project. Via the Elective Space you self-study, in which you learn about relevant
work with fellow students on developing can, based on your preference, broaden or subjects either alone or with your fellow
academic skills to deepen and processing the deepen your knowledge. You can choose students. This can be done at your own pace at
knowledge you have gained during lectures between a minor, electives, a research one of the faculty’s many workstations, in the
and literature study. internship or exchange to a partner university. library or at home.
Leiden University has exchange agreements

 bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/iro
with many universities, inside and outside More information:
of Europe. This Bachelor of Science is an

5
 Curriculum BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations

Year 1
● ● ● ● ● ●
Semester 1 Introduction to Introduction to Actors in World Introduction to Economics Academic Career Support
International International Politics Political Science for Political
Relations + Organisations + Academic Scientists
Academic Skills
Skills: Text
Interpretation
8 EC 5 EC 5 EC 7 EC 5 EC

● ● ● ● ● ●
Semester 2 Global History Research Methods Introduction Statistics 1 Politics of the EU Academic Career Support
in Political Science Comparatve + Academic Skills
Politics +
Academic Skills:
Book Review
5 EC 5 EC 7 EC 5 EC 8 EC


Year 2
● ● ● ● ● ●
Semester 1 Analysing Research Methods in Political Science Comparative International Academic Skills: Academic Career
International Analysis Political Economy Research Design Support
Relations of Political
Systems
5 EC 10 EC 5 EC 5 EC 5 EC

● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Semester 2 Global Security International Contemporary Environmental International Academic Skills: Academic Career
Development Political Politics Law and Human Data Analysis Support
Philosophy Rights
or
Rational Choice
Theory
5 EC 5 EC 5 EC 5 EC 5 EC 5 EC


Year 3
● ● ● ●
Semester 1 and 2 Bachelor Seminar* Bachelor Project* Elective Space* Academic Career
10 EC 20 EC 30 EC Support

* You can place the three elements of the third year in a different order.

Please note that the curriculum is subject to change without notice.

6
Key courses IRO
International Relations and Organisations well as the consequences for contemporary You will look into large and well-known
(IRO) offers insight into international international politics. World politics defining organisations, such as the UN, EU and NATO,
organisations, diplomacy, issues of peace phenomena, such as colonialism, nationalism, as well as lesser known (non) governmental
and security, and the latest developments decolonisation and globalisation, are entities.
in political relations on a global level. This discussed as well as important events such
bachelor specialisation has a strong focus as World War I and II, the Cold War and the Economics for Political Scientists
on current world affairs with particular post-Cold War era. Learn about, or refresh your memory of, the
emphasis on the role played by major powers main principles of economic theory and apply
and international organisations. During the Actors in World Politics these to policy making. Some of the subjects
programme’s first year, you will explore such States are traditionally seen as the most addressed include consumer and producer
subjects as: important actors in world politics. Especially behaviour, money and banking, monetary
since the end of the Second World War, policy and the international economy.
Introduction to Political Science however, other actors have entered the
Investigate some of the discipline’s core stage: multinationals and non-governmental Politics of the European Union
concepts, such as ‘power’ and ‘state’. Find organisations; and international governmental This course addresses one of the most
out the strengths and weaknesses of various organisations, such as the UN. This course important international organisations. You
approaches towards examining politics, and explores the wide variety of actors in world will learn how the EU was formed, which
learn about different research strategies in politics and their processes of decision- institutions make up the EU and how they
political science. making, policy-making, diplomacy, mediation (are supposed to) function, and the policy
and negotiation. areas in which the EU is active. You will also
Introduction to International Relations look into the theories and approaches behind
Acquaint yourself with the main theoretical International Organisations the phenomenon of European integration.
perspectives on international politics, as International organisations have become
well as the most important issues facing important actors in world politics, but exactly

 bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/iro
the international community in the 21st what role do these organisations play? How do More information:
century. What is the role of the state, in light they work; do they have their own identity?
of the growing importance of international
governmental organisations (e.g. the UN)
and non-governmental organisations (e.g.
Amnesty International)? How do states
and other actors address issues such as Giuliana Guasti
environmental degradation, nuclear weapons
proliferation, civil war, terrorism and financial
Second-year student
crises?
‘It really appeals to me that there is a great diversity of courses – from
Global History economics and international law to history and philosophy. This way, you can look at a
For centuries Europe has dominated a large problem from various points of view. That exceeds my expectations. The Hague is a very
part of the world. This course will help you good place for this bachelor programme: many people we meet every day work in the
understand the dynamics that led to this, as international field, they carry out the work that we learn about here, in practice.’

7
 Your future career
A BSc in Political Science: International Throughout your BSc in Political Science, Master’s programmes
Relations and Organisations (IRO) provides you are encouraged to prepare yourself for A BSc degree Political Science: International
the ideal stepping stone towards continued your future decisions. Whether this will be for Relations and Organisations provides you
academic education and/or a professional your education or for your future professional with a good foundation for your future career.
career. In addition to acquiring substantive career. However, you may wish to consider deepening
knowledge, you will work on developing your your knowledge and sharpening your skills by
academic and professional skills, for example Study advisers will provide you Academic enrolling in a master’s programme.
in statistics and research methods. You will Career Support through plenary sessions and Political Science offers various options,
also hone your skills in text and discourse an online support environment. Furthermore, including the following Master specialisations:
analysis, as well as in debating. These skills you can approach the advisers for individual w International Organisation (The Hague)
are learned in separate workgroups, related counseling on your career path. w International Politics (Leiden)
to the content of the core courses. All of w Nationalism, Ethnic Conflict and
this is intended to build a foundation that Career Services Development (Leiden)
will benefit you in your future career, for Leiden University provides Career Services w Parties, Parliaments and Democracy
instance as policy officer at an international for students which includes tools for self (Leiden)
organisation or as a journalist or consultant. analysis, skills development, CV building and w Political Theory: Legitimacy and Justice
support to find an internship, a voluntary (Leiden)
Many IRO students go on to be employed by project or job. w Dutch Politics (Leiden)
the EU, the UN, government departments,
multinationals, non-governmental Leiden University Mentor Network
organisations, international or national Through Leiden University Mentor Network
institutions. Examples of the many spheres in you can get in touch with former students and
which graduates work include policy-making, consult them about their experience on the More information:
strategic analysis, research and education,
management, consultancy, diplomacy,
labour market. Your mentor will understand
and gladly assist you, as s/he was recently
 Career Services
mentornetwerk.universiteitleiden.nl
administration, media and politics. in your shoes and faced the same questions
about finding a job and building a career. masters.universiteitleiden.nl

Veronica Conte

Alumnus International Relations and Organisations

‘I am currently an intern at the Dominican Institute of Integral Development in the Dominican Republic, where I write projects
to apply for international and national calls for funding. I also support the department of social promotion with ongoing projects, doing
field trips, systematising information and managing logistics. Studying Political Science: International Relations and Organisations has
helped me with my daily work. Learning academic writing has been especially useful, since I have to elaborate proposals for projects and,
thus, have to be persuasive in my writing. This study has also broadened my view on international cooperation. It has helped me to have
a complete perspective on what I’m doing and why I want to do it.’
8
Karolina Pomorska

Assistant Professor

‘In my lectures, I link theories to world events as they unfold. For example, I show the students tweets from some politicians
and we watch press conferences and summit meetings. I want to show my students how European states work together and
how they respond to pressure. Many of these states don’t have much clout alone but they can achieve much more if they join forces.
Another message I want to get across to my students is that if you want to understand contemporary politics, you also need to know
your history. Students from all around the world follow this programme, that is a true strength. They all have their own expertise and
look at the same issue from a certain cultural perspective. It really opens your eyes to see how others look at contemporary issues.’
9
 Live and study
in The Hague

The Hague is home to embassies, multinationals Places to be an academic character. Formal activities, such
and international courts, as well as important What about your free time? The city has 35 as lectures, excursions and debates are comple-
government ministries, and is globally recog- museums and 22 theatres and concert venues. mented by informal activities, such as movie
nised as the international city of peace, justice It also has hundreds of restaurants, coffee nights and parties both in Leiden and in The
and security. As all major institutions are within bars and cafés. You’ll never be bored! There Hague. SPIL also organises visits to foreign
walking distance of the university, it’s very likely are festivals and events throughout the year countries on study trips, to acquaint members
that your future internship or work will literally and Scheveningen, or The Hague’s ‘back yard’, with political systems abroad. In addition,
be just around the corner. Many professionals is within cycling distance: 11 kilometres of members receive a substantial discount on
working in the city pop in regularly for guest beach and a lively promenade packed with study books.
lectures, making it the ideal place to benefit great beach bars right on your doorstep. More information: spilplaats.nl.
from hands-on insights from experts in the
field. Join study association SPIL Student association CIROS
Joining a study association will help you con- Next to SPIL you can also join the student asso-
International student city nect with other students, enjoy group activi- ciation CIROS (Community of International
As an international city, The Hague offers the ties and generally enrich your time on the BSc Relations and Organisation Students). CIROS
chance to mix with people from all corners of Political Science – International Relations and is a student initiative aiming at fostering social
the world. A great opportunity to broaden your Organisations programme. SPIL is the study cohesion within the IRO student community
horizons and develop networks that will help association for the BSc and MSc specialisa- through a range of academic and non-academic
if you later go abroad to work, study or do an tions of Political Science at Leiden University. events. They are an organisation with a mixture
internship. The Hague is also the centre of gov- For a nominal annual membership fee, SPIL of nationalities, several committees and multi-
ernment and national politics, so don’t be sur- offers its members a wide range of benefits. ple ongoing projects.
prised if you see the prime minister cycling past The association organises a large variety of More information: cirosthehague.com.
or drinking a cappuccino at the next table. activities and events with both a social and

10
 Join in our
information activities

Want to find out more about BSc Political Science: International Relations and Organisations
and what it’s like to study at Leiden University? Looking for more information about the
content of the programme? Keen to hear about students’ experiences and ask them all about
their studies? Find out which activities can help you choose the programme that suits you.

Find out the basics of the programme Find out more about the programme
On our website you’ll find tips on how to To get an in-depth understanding of the For dates and more information:
make an educated decision about the right programme, as well as experience the courses bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl/
study programme for you. You’ll also find and the lectures yourself, you can take part information-activities
informational videos for all our programmes, in various activities. Become a Student for a
including this one. Each video gives you more Day or join an Experience Day on campus
details about the content of the programme, or online. When you are making your final For questions about our activities for prospective
the different courses you will study and we’ll decisions and have questions pending, our students, please contact the Study Line:
inform you about your career prospects as students are ready and available for you [email protected] or +31 (0)71 527 11 11.
well. Finished the video? Come and visit us through the chat on our website. For questions about the programme, please
on-campus during the Open Day or join our contact the study adviser or student ambassador.
Online Open Day for international students. For their contact details see:

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You’ll find out what students think of the
programme and get to know your future
student city.

11
 Are you curious, critical
and involved in the
world around you?

bachelors.universiteitleiden.nl