International Relations and International Organization
Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Deze opleiding
Can the EU survive the rise of euroscepticism and populism? Why has international cooperation on global environmental issues proven to be difficult? How can we address other issues in an increasingly globalized world?
open_in_newstudy website
| locatieGroningen |
| diplomaBA |
| typeregulier, 180 EC |
| start1 september |
| taalvolledig English |
| opleidingsduur3 jaar voltijd |
| accreditatiesNVAO |
| croho-code50627 |
| numerus fixus300plaatsen |
| honoursheeft honours track |
IRIO in Groningen is a multidisciplinary English-taught degree programme in which you explore political questions on an international level. You focus on the place of politics, history, economics and law in international relations but also the role of international organizations. You also learn or improve your proficiency in a modern foreign language and choose a minor that fits your profile.
If you choose IRIO in Groningen, you choose:
- a challenging programme with a strong theoretical focus as well as a variety of practical assignments
- a programme with three decades of experience, that enjoys the support and expertise of many renowned international lecturers
- a programme in which you will acquire analytical, practical and methodological skills that are highly valuable in fields as diverse as policy advocacy and consultancy, governmental and civil services, public affairs, risk analysis, journalism, international aid/development work and diplomacy.
- an international environment and a global perspective: your lecturers and classmates come from all over the world.
Please note: IRIO is a quota study: only 300 students are accepted every year.
Waarom aan de University of Groningen?
IRIO in Groningen is a bachelor programme where international relations are not a specialization but core business. The main emphasis is on the place of politics, history, economics and law in international relations but also the crucial role of international organizations. Attention is paid to research skills, language training, methodologies, historical context and theory. Last but not least: in Groningen you study IRIO with Dutch and international students and staff!
Studieprogramma
opbouwPlease note that individual courses may possibly still change in the event of a programme change.
1e jaar The first year will consist of introductory modules in the fields of international relations, law and economics. You will also study a language: you can either choose to start Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish or choose to improve your English, French or German.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
History of International Relations 1 | 5 EC | ||||||||
International Politics | 5 EC | ||||||||
Introduction to International and European Law | 5 EC | ||||||||
History of International Relations 2 | 5 EC | ||||||||
Academic Skills for IR | 5 EC | ||||||||
Political Science | 5 EC | ||||||||
International Organisation 1 | 5 EC | ||||||||
Introduction to Economics | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language Course 1a | 5 EC | ||||||||
International Organisation 2 | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language Course 1b | 5 EC | ||||||||
Statistics for IR | 5 EC | ||||||||
2e jaar In the second year you will deepen your knowledge of international relations, economics and law. Attention will be paid to decision-making processes on an (inter)national level; international relations will be placed in a theoretical and philosophical framework; you will study international monetary issues; and you will broaden your knowledge of the law of the European communities and European Union. Furthermore, you will complete your language modules.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Language Course 2a | 5 EC | ||||||||
Policy and Governance | 10 EC | ||||||||
Theory of International Relations | 10 EC | ||||||||
Language Course 2b | 5 EC | ||||||||
Language Course 3a | 5 EC | ||||||||
European Law | 5 EC | ||||||||
Methodology and Research Practice | 10 EC | ||||||||
Language Course 3b | 5 EC | ||||||||
IPE of Monetary Relations | 5 EC | ||||||||
3e jaar In the final year of the programme, you can specialise by choosing a minor in a field of your interest; for example on Development Studies. You can also choose to spend a semester abroad. You will complete an International Law module and you will study international trade theory. Finally you will choose a core module: a tutorial that will examine a specific theme through literature and source research. You will conclude the core module by writing your Bachelor's thesis.
| periode | |||||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||
Minor | 30 EC | ||||||||
IPE of Trade | 5 EC | ||||||||
Core Module IRIO and Bachelor Thesis | 20 EC | ||||||||
International Law | 5 EC | ||||||||
minors
minor Minors
The fifth semester of your studies is dedicated to your Minor: a coherent set of future-oriented course units. It prepares you for a follow-on Master's degree program or for entering the labour market. You can opt for a Career Minor, a Minor abroad, a University Minor or a Faculty Minor.
Onderwijs
| taal van onderwijs | 100% en |
|---|---|
| avondonderwijs | n.v.t. |
| afstandsonderwijs | n.v.t. |
onderwijsvormen
case study, colloquium, group assignment, group discussion, individual assignment, integration module, internship, lecture, literature study, research, research project, research proposal, oral presentation, project, self evaluation, self study, tutorial, working group, workshopstudy guidance
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, minors, study abroad 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 problembindend studieadvies
- minimaal 45 EC in de eerste 12 maanden
You will be issued a binding study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned 45 ECTS or more out of a total of 60 ECTS. If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative binding study advice: you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.
honours-/excellence program University of Groningen Honours College
The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities.
The Honours College consists of a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 45 ECTS credit points on top of the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme.
Toelating en kosten
startmomenten
1 september 2025
aanmelding deadline : 15 januari 2025
wettelijk tarief : € 2601 (€1301 in het eerste jaar)
instellingstarief : € 11800
niet-EU/EER studenten : € 13500
1 september 2026
aanmelding deadline : 15 januari 2026
collegegeld nog niet bekend
toelaatbare profielen
| VWO N&T | aangevuld met If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement. |
|---|---|
| VWO N&G | aangevuld met If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement. |
| VWO E&M | aangevuld met If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement. |
| VWO C&M | aangevuld met If you have passed the VWO (pre-university education) exam in English, you satisfy the language requirement. |
| hbo-p | Language requirement English: Minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180. For more information, see: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba |
toelatingseisen
vooropleiding
Dutch VWO diploma, a German Abitur, an International Baccalaureate diploma (minimum score: 24), a European Baccalaureate or another diploma that is sufficient for acceptance to a Dutch university. Students with a Dutch 'hbo propedeuse' diploma also need to meet the language requirements mentioned above.
taaltoets
The IRIO programme is taught in English. Dutch students with a VWO diploma do not need to submit proof of their English proficiency. For other EU candidates, the Admissions Officer will notify you if you need to provide test results. All non-EU candidates will need to provide test results. The minimum level of English proficiency is: TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 180.
De stad
studievereniging
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.
Keuzehulp
Kijk ook eens naar ..
| opleiding | gelijkenis met International Relations and International Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and Information Studies | bekijk | |
| Internationaal en Europees recht | bekijk |
Na de studie
As a graduate of International Relations and International Organization, you may choose to continue your studies, as most students do, by enrolling for a Master's programme. With a Bachelor's degree in IRIO, you have direct access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:
- East Asian Studies
- European Politics in a Global Perspective
- Geopolitics & Connectivity
- International Relations and International Organization
- International Political Economy
- International Security
If you are in possession of an excellent academic record, you are also eligible to apply to the following Master’s tracks that are offered at the Faculty of Arts (please note that a selection takes place):
- Modern History and International Relations (research)
- International Humanitarian Action (Erasmus Mundus)
- Euroculture (Erasmus Mundus)
Beroepsperspectief / arbeidsmarkt
Just like most other university Bachelor and Master programmes, the IRIO programme does not train you for one specific job. The IRIO programme prepares its students for professions and research careers where knowledge of international-political developments and the ability to analyse and assess complex issues and to form grounded judgements are relevant.
Many graduates become policy advisors for national governments, NGOs, and international organizations in international politics. An increasing number of graduates also use their analytical skills to advise international businesses. Research, media and communication are also prospective fields of employment.
For some examples of where our graduates work, please check our alumni flyer
aansluitende masteropleidingen
| instelling | opleiding | instroomeisen |
|---|---|---|
| University of Groningen | American Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Applied Linguistics - TEFL | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | Asian Studies (60EC) | + aanv. eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Burgerschap & Kwaliteit van Samenleven | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Leiden University | Crisis and Security Management | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | DDM Political Philosophy and PPE | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | DDM Religion and Pluralism | + motivatiebrief |
| University of Groningen | Digital Humanities | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | East Asian Studies | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Euroculture (EM) | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | European Law and Global Affairs | + aanvullende vakeisen + motivatiebrief |
| University of Groningen | European Politics in a Global Perspective | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Europese Studies | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Geopolitics & Connectivity | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Geschiedenis | + 30 EC pre-master |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Global Business & Sustainability | + basiskennis |
| University of Groningen | Griekse en Latijnse Taal en Cultuur | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | History and Heritage Consultancy | + aanv. eisen |
| Tilburg University | International and European Law | + aanv. eisen |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | International and European Law Advanced | + aanvullende vakeisen + motivatiebrief |
| Wageningen University | International Development Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Humanitarian Action (120 EC) | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Political Economy | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Relations and International Organization | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | International Security | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Internationale Betrekkingen research | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Internationale Betrekkingen (60 EC) | geen aanvullende eisen |
| VU University Amsterdam | Law and Politics of International Security | + aanv. eisen |
| Wageningen University | Management, Economics and Consumer Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Master Humanistiek | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Universiteit voor Humanistiek | Master Zorgethiek en Beleid | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Midden-Oostenstudies | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Modern History and International Relations research | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Leiden University | MSc. International and European Governance | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | MSc. Management van de Publieke Sector | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | MSc. Public Administration | + aanv. eisen |
| Leiden University | MSc. Public Management and Leadership | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Multilingualism | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Noord-Amerika Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | North American Studies | + aanvullende vakeisen |
| Tilburg University | Organization and Management Studies | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Oude Geschiedenis part-time | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Philosophy, Politics and Economics | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Politics, Organizations and Learning Histories | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Population Studies | + basiskennis |
| Tilburg University | Public Administration, Economics and Law | geen aanvullende eisen |
| University of Groningen | Religion, Conflict and Globalization | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Religious Diversity in a Globalised World (EM) research | + cijfergemiddelde + toelatingsgesprek + motivatiebrief |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | Strategic Management | + basiskennis |
| University of Groningen | Theologie & Religiewetenschappen research | + cijfergemiddelde + toelatingsgesprek + motivatiebrief |
| University of Groningen | Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics | geen aanvullende eisen |
| Radboud University Nijmegen | History, Culture and Politics | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Past, Present and Future | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Vertalen in Europa | + aanv. eisen |
| University of Groningen | Werk en Zingeving | + aanv. eisen |
Potentiële beroepen
internationaal beleidsmedewerker
internationaal bestuursfunctionaris
journalist
lobbyist
onderzoeker
pr-medewerker
Contact
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