Master global policy and modern security at Webster Leiden Campus. Earn your MA in International Relations and Security Studies to gain a deep understanding of world affairs, security threats and global leadership. Located near The Hague — known as the international capital of peace and justice — our hands-on program connects core academic theory to diplomacy, human rights and technology.
Our degree goes beyond traditional textbooks. You will build practical skills using modern research methods and digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to analyze complex global issues. This training prepares you for careers in government agencies, nonprofits, international organizations and global corporations. It also gives you a strong academic foundation if you plan to pursue a doctoral degree.
Why Study International Relations and Security Studies at Webster Leiden?
Prime Location Near The Hague
Study in Leiden, just minutes away from major international courts, embassies and nongovernmental organizations. This location offers direct exposure to global diplomacy and international law in action.
Flexible Specialization Tracks
Tailor your education to your specific career goals by choosing either the International Relations Track or the Security Studies Track. You can focus on topics ranging from international political economy to cybersecurity and criminal justice.
Interactive Learning with AI and Modern Tools
Learn directly from experienced faculty through case studies and negotiations while mastering artificial intelligence and data tools to research security threats and present strategic policy insights.
Research and Practical Pathways
Choose the completion option that fits your future best: a traditional research thesis to prepare for doctoral studies, a practical capstone project or a skills-focused policy lab.
What You Will Learn
When you graduate with your MA in International Relations and Security Studies, you will be able to:
- Understand Global Systems: Explain key concepts, theories and institutions across international relations and security studies.
- Evaluate Strategic Threats: Identify major political, economic and technological threats facing nations and international organizations.
- Conduct High-Level Research: Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate global problems and design solutions.
- Analyze Policy Challenges: Create evidence-based policy recommendations to address complex security issues.
- Communicate Professional Insights: Write clear reports and presentations tailored for policymakers, security experts and academic audiences.
- Apply Research Technologies: Use modern AI tools and technology to gather data, analyze security trends and communicate findings.
Curriculum Overview
To complete the MA in International Relations and Security Studies, you will complete 36 credit hours in major requirements.
- IRSS 5000 Introduction to International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5100 Research Methods and Perspectives (3 hours)
- IRSS 5200 Security Policy Development and Artificial Intelligence (3 hours)
- IRSS 6000 Capstone (3 hours)
or IRSS 6250 Thesis* (6 hours)
or IRSS 6300 International Relations and Security Studies Lab (3 hours)
*The six credit hours for IRSS 6250 are drawn from the 3 hours reserved for the IRSS 6000 capstone and 3 elective credit hours in the program.
International Relations Track (18 credit hours): Choose 4 courses from the international relations cluster and 2 courses from comparative cluster.
- International Relations Cluster
- IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5510 Theories of International Relations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5530 International Law (3 hours)
- IRSS 5540 International Organizations (3 hours)
- IRSS 5550 War and Diplomacy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
- IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5870 International Law and Politics of Outer Space (3 hours)
- IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
- Comparative Cluster
- IRSS 5625 Middle East/West Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)
Security Studies Track (18 credit hours): Choose 4 courses from one cluster and two courses from one of the remaining clusters.
- International and National Security Cluster
- IRSS 5400 International Political Economy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5560 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- IRSS 5590 International Security (3 hours)
- IRSS 5625 Middle East Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5635 Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5645 Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5655 African Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5665 South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5675 Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5685 Latin America Area Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5860 Issues in International Relations and Security Studies (3 hours)
- IRSS 5890 Terrorism in World Politics (3 hours)
- IRSS 6500 Internship (3-6 hours)
- Cybersecurity Operations Cluster
- CSSS 5000 Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
- CSSS 5120 Cybersecurity Infrastructures (3 hours)
- CSSS 5130 Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence (3 hours)
- CSSS 5140 Cybersecurity Strategic Operations (3 hours)
- CSSS 5160 Encryption Methods and Techniques (3 hours)
- CSSS 5210 Cybersecurity Law and Policy (3 hours)
- CSSS 5220 Cybersecurity Threat Detection (3 hours)
- CSSS 5250 Use and Protection of Space Assets (3 hours)
- Criminal Justice Cluster
- CRIM 5050 Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice (3 hours)
- CRIM 5060 Policing and Law Enforcement (3 hours)
- CRIM 5070 Institutional and Community Corrections (3 hours)
- LEGL 5450 American Constitutional Law (3 hours)
Note: Course availability varies by academic term. For detailed course schedules and degree planning, contact your graduate advisor.
“When I deal with negotiations or business with advisors or inventors, I am quite confident, and I am very comfortable because I've been equipped through classes, case studies and even exams.”
MA in International Relations, Webster Leiden
Career Options and Further Study
An MA in International Relations and Security Studies prepares you for leadership roles across worldwide public and private sectors.
Professional Career Pathways
Graduates can step directly into roles in diplomacy, policy, security and global strategy, such as:
- Policy or Foreign Affairs Analyst
- Intelligence or Political Risk Specialist
- Diplomatic Service or Foreign Affairs Officer
- Humanitarian Program Coordinator
- Cybersecurity Policy Specialist
- International Trade or Public Affairs Advisor
Preparation for Advanced Research (PhD)
Planning a career in research or academia? Choose the Thesis Option (IRSS 6250). You will complete an independent research project under faculty mentorship, building a direct foundation for doctoral programs.
Accreditation and Regional Information
This degree is granted under U.S. institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It is not accredited under Dutch law (Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs - WHW). If you plan to pursue post-graduate studies or professional licensure in the Netherlands or the EU, we recommend checking your target institution's entry criteria.
Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call +31 71 5168000 or send an email to admissions@webster.nl