Global Political Studies – (M.Sc.)

Contents

What is Global Political Studies about?
These are turbulent political times. International power bases are shifting. Political, economic and military threats merge and reform, presenting new political challenges. Examples like China and Russia prompt us to rethink the widely held belief that democratic reform will follow on the heels of economic progress. In these days of the “war on terror” it is also more and more difficult to know what a war is, who fights it, how it starts and how it can end. In the meantime, global inequality is increasing. Half of the world’s population lives in severe poverty, many of them in conflict-ridden regions and/or under failing governments. Problems of development – malnutrition, poverty, preventable diseases – can be solved by a global effort, so why does it not happen?

The one-year master's programme in Global Political Studies will help you make sense of these issues. It will give you a solid theoretical base concerning the meaning and role of concepts like justice, peace, security, power, culture and democracy.

What makes Global Political Studies unique?
The programme is composed of three different tracks, which allow you to specialise in one particular field. The track you choose is also the master's degree you will receive.

Human rights track
Human rights are a philosophical idea, a legal phenomenon and a political challenge. They have become a global terminology for moral claims. They aspire to universal validity yet need to be understood in their political context. The human rights track will equip you with tools for analysing rights claims and violations, politically, legally and philosophically. If you choose this track you receive a master's degree in human rights.

International relations track
The preconditions for international peace and security, as well as for human security are changing. Also, the study of international politics is becoming increasingly complex. The international relations track aims at further developing your skills in formulating, analysing and reflecting upon central questions in current international relations. If you choose this track you receive a master's degree in international relations.

Peace and conflict studies track
Organized violence needs to be managed and armed conflicts need to be resolved. The preconditions for war need to be refashioned so conflict and violence can be prevented. The peace and conflict studies track will enable you analyse and understand conflicts. The focus is on conflict analysis, prevention, management and resolution and reconciliation and reconstruction. If you choose this track you receive a master's degree in peace and conflict studies.