Master in International Security

The University of Groningen, founded in 1614 and located in the lively city of Groningen in the Netherlands, is a historic public research university with more than 37,000 students from over 120 nationalities. It offers an extensive catalog of programs including many English-taught bachelor and master degrees, with about 170 programs in total. The university balances centuries of academic tradition with a modern international outlook and a compact campus that is integrated into a vibrant student city.

Research at Groningen is organized around thematic strengths such as energy, health, sustainability, and ICT, and the institution has a strong record of scholarly awards and high-impact publications. International students benefit from a wide range of English programs, active student associations, and services for housing, visas, and academic guidance. The university maintains strong ties with industry and European research networks, creating opportunities for internships, joint projects, and doctoral study.

Life in Groningen combines an affordable, bike-friendly urban setting with cultural festivals, arts venues, and active campus life, making it especially appealing to international students seeking an engaged community. Graduates leave with research experience, multilingual skills, and connections across Europe and beyond. For students who want rigorous academics within a highly international and research-led environment, the University of Groningen offers a compelling balance of tradition and global opportunity.

The Master in International Security is a one-year program at the University of Groningen, taught in English. It focuses on issues of power politics, international order, peace, war, strategy, and diplomacy, with a main focus on the phenomenon of violence in its broader context.

This program covers subjects like Advanced Theory of International Relations, Research Seminars, and a Master's Thesis. You'll explore traditional and non-traditional security concerns, such as environmental, societal, and economic security, and learn about new approaches like Critical Security Studies and the Risk Society approach.

Graduates can pursue careers as International Security Specialists, Conflict Resolution Experts, Strategic Diplomats, or Intelligence Analysts. They can work in government agencies, international organizations, non-profit organizations, or private companies that deal with global security, such as NATO or the Red Cross.