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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Modern History and International Relations - Research
Header image Modern History and International Relations
Research master - full-time

Modern History and International Relations

Are you a talented student and interested in modern history and international relations? Is a career in research something you aspire to? Then this track is exactly what you are looking for.

You can take the Master's track in Modern History and International Relations as a track within the Research Master's degree programme in International Relations.

The two-year Master's track in Modern History and International Relations teaches you to carry out independent academic research in the fields of modern history and international relations. You will explore recent developments in these fields and study relevant theoretical and methodological backgrounds. You will learn about subjects such as international political economy, the history of cultural identity and European cooperation and integration.

As a student of this programme you work in small groups and are supervised by highly qualified researchers. The programme is closely related to the research carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG) and the N.W. Posthumus Institute.

​ Sign up now for the Master's Week from 18-22 November!
Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in International Relations (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60820
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
Apply now
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Intensive supervision by high-quality researchers in small groups
  • A challenging multidisciplinary approach
  • Research Assistantships
Programme
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Methodology Modern Hist. and Intern. Rel. (5 EC)
Research Seminar I (10 EC)
Theory of Modern History and Int. Rel. (10 EC)
Advanced Methodology IR (5 EC, optional)
Advanced Methodology Modern History (5 EC, optional)
Research Seminar II (10 EC)
Research Seminar III (10 EC)
Themes, Trends & Topics (10 EC)
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
MHIR: Specialization 1 (10 EC)
MHIR: Specialization 2 (10 EC)
Bridging Horizons Class (5 EC)
Thesis Preparation Class (5 EC)
Research Master's Thesis MHIR (30 EC)

Curriculum

Research Seminars I-III can be chosen from the range of research seminars offered by the master programmes in History, International Relations, American Studies en Media Studies (in consultation with the Director of Studies). MHIR Specialization 1-2 can be fulfilled by choosing research seminars (at the RUG or at another (Dutch or foreign) university), by following individual tutorials and/or by doing a research placement.

Please note that individual courses may possibly still change in the event of a programme change.
Programme options
Modern History (specialization)
  • History of Politics and Governance
  • Urban and Regional Social and Economic History
  • History of Cultural Identity
International Relations (specialization)
  • International Security and Theory of International Organizations
  • International Political Economy
  • European Co-operation and Integration
  • International Order and Global Governance
Master's placement (specialization)

During this Master's track, you can follow a placement for ECTS credit points.

It is your responsibility to find a placement yourself, but the Office for Student Affairs can offer help with this where necessary.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • Maximum of 30 EC
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
American StudiesUniversity of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
History (part-time)University of Groningen

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
American StudiesAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
History (part-time)All Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
International Relations and International OrganizationAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
Politics, Psychology, Law and EconomicsAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
Political ScienceAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
International StudiesAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.
International Development StudiesAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

BA degree in:

  • History
  • International Relations
  • American Studies
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • an other related field
grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.
reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research.
(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.
other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Prospective students are required to have knowledge at Bachelor's level of modern history and/ or international relations. Examples of these types of Bachelor's programmes are:

  • History
  • International Relations
  • American Studies
  • Political Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • another related field
grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.
reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research.
(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.
other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 19200full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students
After your studies

Job prospects

After graduation you are well prepared for a career in research at a university or a private or governmental research institute. You can pursue jobs at international organizations and government institutions as well. You can apply for a PhD-position.

Job examples

  • Research oriented career in International Relations or History
  • International Affairs / Foreign Policy Advisor jobs
  • Investigating Journalism
  • Academic positions
Research

MHIR Journals

About the project

Students in the Research Master Modern History and International Relations (MHIR) have started analysing journals relevant to their disciplines in 2010, and their successors continue to do so each year. This website aims to collect their reviews, and offer interested scholars access to our research, while at the same time showcasing the quality of the work of the students in the Research Master MHIR .

Students have analysed journals both qualitatively and quantitatively, delving into several issues of academic journals dealing with the subjects of History and International Relations. Reviews generally offer an introduction of the journal’s history, followed by an analysis of the themes and topics dealt with by the journal, and also an analysis of the background of the authors.

This project also offers interested parties and prospective students an example of the extent to which the University of Groningen succeeds in making research results easily available, showcasing that the work done by students does not need to gather dust in the archives of our professors.

The overview below lists all the analysed journals alphabetically.

Overview of journals

Clicking on the name of the journal will take you to the individual review. Please take note of the different volumes analysed.

Interested parties are invited to first read two introductory articles.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Dutch brochureEnglish brochure

Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Dr. Benjamin Herborth (Programme Coordinator)
    Email: b.a.herborth rug.nl
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor)
    Email: mhir.advice rug.nl
  • Manou Jonink (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl
  • Sophie Schulderbacher (Student Ambassador)

NL Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers NL Scholarships to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their master’s in the Netherlands. Read more on the NL Scholarships and on how to apply.
Read more

Master's degree programmes in History and International Relations

The Faculty of Arts also offers one year master’s degree programmes in History and International Relations.

Read more

Study associations

Clio

Clio is the study association of International Relations and International Organization at the University of Groningen.
It has around 1000 members and is one of the largest study associations in Groningen and the largest study association at a Dutch Faculty of Arts. Clio organises numerous events including parties, workshops, excursions and offers services like high-quality summaries, the internship database and various discounts around Groningen.
https://www.clio.nl/

Ubbo Emmius

Ubbo Emmius is the study association of the History department at the University of Groningen.
The association organizes a broad set of activities year-round. These can vary from social, study related, career or even activities that focus on all together. Not only this, but you can also get a nice discount on all your study books if you order them through us. The organization of the activities lies, for the main part, with the 17 committees that Ubbo has. There is for example the Career Committee, the Party Committee, the Travel Committee and the list goes on. All in all being a member of Ubbo is a great addition to your time as a student! For a full overview of who we are and what we do, you can take a look on our website or social media.
https://www.ubbo-emmius.nl/home

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/
Read more
Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the programme and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.

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