Master´s Programme in International and European Relations, 120 credits

Introduction

The Master’s Programme in International and European Relations is a second cycle, two-year, full-time study programme that leads to a master’s degree with a major in Political Science, specialization International and European relations.

The programme prepares students for work in advanced capacities in a dynamic, International labour market, as well as further studies, including doctoral education and research. Thus, the objective is that students on completion of the programme will have developed an independent and critical approach to International and European relations, and the skills and knowledge that will enable them to actively contribute to developments in this field, either as practitioners or researchers.

The students will:

• develop the capacity to understand the history, theory and contemporary implications of International and European relations,
• attain the analytical tools to examine contemporary International and European relations,
• acquire an in-depth understanding of International governance,
• develop the capacity to conduct independent analyses of issues in International and European relations, and to present the results of the analyses.

Aim

National Qualifications according to the Swedish Higher Education Act

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the field of Political Science, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialized knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in Political Science.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and Internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall:

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the field of Political Science informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Content

The programme is organized into four levels, each corresponding to one Swedish semester. The first level covers mainly the theme of International relations, from an historical, theoretical, economic and legal point of view. The second level covers mainly the theme of European relations. Issues of research design and methodology are developed on both levels. The third level offers a choice between courses on the theme of International governance, studies abroad, or a guided internship. The fourth level is entirely devoted to the students writing their degree theses.

The programme is characterised by progression in both knowledge and skills in the subject. Progression in knowledge of the subject is achieved through further development of the fundamental knowledge from courses taken during the first year with advanced and in-depth courses at higher levels. The skills and abilities included in the programme objectives are also developed through repeated elements, where these place more stringent requirements on the student as the education progresses. This means, among other things, that during the education there will be increased requirements on analytical ability, independence, the ability to understand and apply models and theories, the ability to apply a scientific and critical approach, and communication skills.
 

The heading “Curriculum” contains a list of courses included in the programme. The course syllabuses for these describe in more detail the contents, teaching and working methods, and examination.

Teaching and working methods

The projected learning outcomes presume a pedagogical approach which emphasizes the value of variable teaching methods. Thus, it is a main didactic principle of the programme that students are stimulated and challenged by meeting different ways of organizing courses and examination. In practice this means that the students are exposed to a range of teaching practices, from traditional lectures and seminars of various designs, to structured PBL (problem based learning) modules and project work. Students are also expected to actively participate and take responsibility for their studies through individual reading and analyses of literature, journal articles, internet sources etc., and through discussions with faculty members and other students.
 

The course syllabuses describe in more detail the contents, teaching and working methods, and examination.

Entry requirements

• Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen in one of the following subjects:
  - political science
  - international relations
  - economics
  - history
  - geography
  - philosophy
  - law
  - sociology
  or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Threshold requirements

In order to get access to the third semester the student must have successfully passed at least 30 ECTS credits of the first year courses.

In order to get access to the fourth semester the student must have successfully passed at least 60 ECTS of previous courses within the programme, including Research Design and Methods, 7,5 ECTS credits

Degree requirements

The student will be awarded a Degree of Master of Social Science (120 credits) with a major in Political Science provided all course requirements are completed and that the student fulfills the general and specific eligibility requirements including proof of holding a Bachelor's (kandidat) or a corresponding degree. 

Completed courses will be listed in the degree certificate.
 

Course requirements to achieve a degree can be found in Appendix 2 to the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). Precise requirements for general degrees at first-cycle and second-cycle level can be found in LiU's current regulations.

A degree certificate will be issued by the faculty board on application by the student. A diploma supplement will be included as an appendix to the degree certificate.

Degree in Swedish

Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområde Statsvetenskap

Degree in English

Degree of Master of Social Science (120 credits) with a major in Political Science

Specific information

Teaching language

The teaching language is English.
 

Transferred credits

Decisions about transferring credit are taken by the faculty board, or by a person designated by the board, after application from the student.

Other information

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this programme syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.