International Relations

The minor International Relations introduces you to international relations and international history, in order to gain insight in the historical perspective of contemporary issues.

Number of EC

30 EC

Start

Study period 3

Coordinator

Dr Marloes Beers

For study period 3 and 4 you can register between 3 November and 21 November 2025.

Content

The International Relations minor offers you a comprehensive and in-depth introduction to International Relations and International History. If you are interested in gaining more insights into the backgrounds of topical issues of today’s international relations, this minor will be of interest for you. We approach contemporary political issues from both a historical as a theoretical point of view. 

This minor brings together approaches on International Relations (IR) from both a historical and social science perspective. Within the minor, the four courses look at IR from different angles emphasizing different actors in the international arena. First, emphasis is given to the more traditional focus on interstate relations in contemporary history and connected theories. Thereafter, other (theoretical) viewpoints and actors are at the center of discussion. For instance, we take a close look at the roles of NGOs, business, and small states in the international arena since World War II. You learn how to understand complex problems in IR by looking at them from different perspectives. This provides you with a good base to get more grip on contemporary issues within the continuously changing international relations of today.


Curriculum

This minor consists of four compulsory courses.


Interested in these Masters?

The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements.


Register

First, check whether you meet the entry requirements. How you register next depends on whether you are already a student at Utrecht University or not.


Contact

With questions or for more information about the registration procedure, please contact the Humanities Student Information Desk.