International Politics

The KU Leuven's Master of Science in International Politics approaches key issues in international politics from a scientific perspective. You will be prepared for careers in political institutions, NGOs and research organisations in the EU and around the world.

KU Leuven organizes regular online info sessions. You can find more information on the KU Leuven website.

About the program

Are you interested in how the United States competewith other military and economic powers? Would you like to know how peace processes evolve and which role diplomats play? Are you curious about the measures the European Union is takingagainst climate change? Do you want to gain insight into the processes behind international development cooperation? Are you interested in the current and future challenges of a globalizing world?

The Master of Science in International Politics (MIP) is a one-year Master's program that aims to provide you with the theoretical and methodological skills necessary tostudy governance in a globalizing world. You will learn to anticipate and find solutions for complex global challenges in diplomacy, peace processes and conflict resolution, international development cooperation, environmental politicsand political economy. Moreover, you will study regional political developments in Europe, North America, China, Russia and Eurasia.

The MIP program gives you the opportunity to study at one of Europe's oldest and most well-established universities and to engage in international affairs at all levels. The program is both promoted and supported by the Faculty of Social Sciences and rejoices in regular interaction with developments in and outside political institutions in Brussels.

Career perspectives

Graduated students of the Master of International Politics will have access to a wide range of employment pathways across various sectors, including the private, governmental and non-governmental sectors at the national, European and international levels. They will be able to compete for a career in academia or as a policy- or decision-maker in the political arena. They will have the necessary skills to work as a regional expert, UN consultant, an employee in a non-profit organisation, project coordinator, policy adviser, researcher, diplomat or journalist.​

​​​​In the Master of International Politics, you will gain knowledge and insight into a wide range of theoretical perspectives in several domains of international politics. You will learn how to combine this theoretical knowledge with (methodological) research skills to conduct empirical or comparative research in an academic and professional context. In addition, the program pays significant attention to the practical challenges professionals in the field are facing today.

• You are fascinated by political developments in different continents and the power balance between different political actors.
• You are curious about the how and why of international politics.
• You like to think about the ideal society and what is needed to achieve it.
• You are critically inclined and want to develop this sharp mind by carrying out your own scientific research.