About this programme
Master in International Relations, MSc in Social Sciences is a Master's Degree programme at Aalborg University in Aalborg, taught in English. It runs for 2 years. The register gives Aalborg as the campus town. It lists the degree as Master (2 years). Aalborg University is a research university in North Denmark.
How it compares
Master in International Relations, MSc in Social Sciences is one of 4 English-taught International Relations programmes at Master's Degree level in the register, offered by 1 institution. 4 of them list an annual fee for students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland; this programme lists EUR 3,582 a year. 4 are recorded as free for EU, EEA and Swiss students.
What you will study
The MSc in Social Sciences in International Relations at Aalborg University is a two-year master's programme taught in English. It focuses on sustainability, security and collaboration, and it trains you to analyse global challenges such as climate change, migration, conflicts and power shifts.
What you study
The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to international relations from a social science perspective. You will study international politics and institutions, sustainability and global governance, and you will learn different theoretical approaches to the field. The first semester includes modules in Research Design (5 ECTS), International Politics and Conflict (15 ECTS) and Electives (10 ECTS), plus a simulation game about a current issue. In the second semester you take Sustainability and Project Management (10 ECTS), a Semester Project in Global Politics, Governance and Diversity (10 ECTS) and Electives (10 ECTS). The third semester is normally an internship (25 ECTS) plus Thesis preparation (5 ECTS). The fourth semester is the Master's Thesis (30 ECTS).
You can choose between four tracks: EU Studies, Global Gender Studies, Global China Studies and Global Refugee Studies. You can follow the same track throughout or change track between the first and second semester. EU Studies includes courses on EU-Polity & Politics and EU Policy. Global Gender Studies covers gender and global studies, including gender perspectives on global governance. Global China Studies looks at China's political, economic and cultural engagement with the world. Global Refugee Studies focuses on forced migration and displacement.
How the programme is organised
Teaching is research-based and organised around two types of activities: lectures, seminars and workshops in the first half of the first and second semesters, and problem-based learning (PBL) in group-oriented project work in the second half. In project work you form groups of 3 to 6 students, identify a real-life problem, and write a project report under supervision. The report is evaluated at an oral exam with an internal or external examiner. Project work accounts for about 50% of your study time; the other 50% is lectures, seminars and workshops. The second semester includes a solution camp and site visits to local companies and organisations.
In the third semester, about 75 percent of students do an internship of their own choosing, in embassies, government offices, businesses, NGOs or international organisations. You are responsible for finding the internship, but the international coordinators, the Career office and the International office at AAU help. You can also study abroad at one of AAU's partner universities. During the internship you write an internship project, which can be a PBL project or a policy brief.
Who it suits
The programme suits students who want to work hands-on with international issues and who are comfortable with group work and project writing. You should be interested in analysing complex international problems and in working across cultures and sectors. The programme is for those who want to make a difference in a globalised world.
Admission, language and next steps
The programme is taught in English. To apply for a master's programme at Aalborg University, you apply directly to the institution. Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland study free of charge; other students pay a fee set by the institution. The study start is September. Check the programme's official page for detailed admission requirements and application deadlines.
Job opportunities after graduating
- Analyst or advisor at ministries, embassies or international organisations (such as the UN, EU or NGOs)
- Project manager on development and sustainability projects
- Consultant in global companies
- Work in public administration at national and regional levels
- Work in consulates and embassies around the world
- Work in NGOs and civil society organisations
- PhD studies and a research career in International Studies
- Teaching and research
Before you apply
Master’s applications go straight to Aalborg University, not through optagelse.dk, and the institution sets its own deadline. Entry requirements and language tests are set by the institution, so start from the official programme page. Our guides cover tuition fees, residence permits and housing.
Facts on this page come from the Study in Denmark register, the official portal of the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. Fees are in euros as the institution lists them. "Not recorded" means the register has no figure, not that the programme is free. Always confirm requirements, fees and deadlines with the institution.
Quick answers
Is Master in International Relations, MSc in Social Sciences taught in English?
Yes. The Study in Denmark register lists it as an English-taught programme at Aalborg University. Only English-taught degree programmes are in the register.
How long does it take?
The register records 2 years of study. Confirm the study load in ECTS credits with Aalborg University.
Where is it taught?
The register lists Aalborg as the campus town for this programme at Aalborg University.
How do I apply?
Master’s applications go straight to the institution, not through optagelse.dk. Aalborg University sets its own deadline.
What does it cost?
Students from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland pay EUR 3,582 a year, as Aalborg University lists it. For students from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland the record shows no tuition fee. Fees are in euros as the institution lists them.
Is this programme officially listed?
It comes from the Study in Denmark register, the official portal of the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science at studyindenmark.dk. The programme page at Aalborg University is linked from this page so you can compare.