The Master’s in International Relations is based on problem-based learning – you will work with real-world issues in close collaboration with your fellow students and professors. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in topics such as international security, sustainable development and diplomacy. The programme is research-based, which means that you will be in on the latest knowledge and able to contribute to research projects during your studies. The programme is conducted in English.

With a Master’s in International Relations, you will be able to analyse and understand complex international issues, work strategically on global agendas such as climate, security and development, communicate clearly and convincingly across cultures and sectors, and collaborate in international and cross-disciplinary teams. You will build strong methodological and analytical skills that will make you sought-after in both public and private organisations.

The Master's in International Relations opens doors to a wide range of career paths – both in Denmark and internationally. You can work as an analyst or advisor at ministries, embassies or international organisations (such as the UN, EU or NGOs), project manager on development and sustainability projects or consultant in global companies. Some graduates choose to pursue a PhD and a research career in International Studies.

The Master of International Relations program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of international relations from a social science perspective. The program addresses major international issues, which transcends national boundaries with a strong focus on sustainability and global and regional governance. The Master of International Relations gives you the opportunity to begin a career in various international settings, whether your interests are strategic, managerial, policy-related, or all of the above. You will become familiar with different theoretical approaches to the study of international relations and learn to analyze international issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will benefit from the experience of working in an intercultural environment both during the semesters at AAU and during your internship or study abroad period.

Teaching at Aalborg University is always research-based. It is organized around two different types of activities:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops (first half of the first and second semesters)
• Problem-based learning (PBL) in group-oriented project work (second half of the first and second semesters)

The pedagogical model at AAU is based on problem-centred studies organized around written projects. Students work in groups of 3 to 6 members from the study program. As a starting point, the group identifies a real-life problem and creates a problem formulation of a theoretical or practical nature related to the central themes of the study program. Under supervision from a staff member, the student groups then collect, collate, and analyze data using relevant theorical frameworks. The end product is a well-designed project-report written by the group members. At the end of each semester, the project report is evaluated by the supervisor of the group together with an external or internal examiner at an oral exam.

Project work generally accounts for 50% of the study time while the other 50% is devoted to lectures, seminars, and workshops, serving as inspiration for the project work.

The International Relations program (120 ECTS) consists of four semesters.

The first semester (September to January) focuses on international politics and institutions and contains three modules as well as other activities such as a simulation game about a current issue:

• Research Design (5 ECTS)
• International Politics and Conflict (15 ECTS)
• Electives (10 ECTS)

The second semester (February to June) focuses on sustainability and global governance, and also provides the students with very concrete skills for their future career through the project management module. This module also includes a solution camp as well as site visits to local companies and organizations.

• Sustainability and Project Management (10 ECTS)
• Semester Project in Global Politics, Governance and Diversity (10 ECTS)
• Electives (10 ECTS)

The third semester (September to January) is normally spent as an intern in an international organization. The semester also includes a thesis preparation module, where you will be working with thesis methodology and on crystalizing your ideas for your thesis topic. 

Students may also choose to study abroad at one of AAU’s partner universities.

• Project oriented course (Internship) (25 ECTS)
• Thesis preparation (5 ECTS)

The fourth semester (February to June) is centered on writing your final master's thesis either alone or in a group in collaboration with a supervisor. The thesis topic is determined by you, but has to be related to the subject areas of the IR programme. The thesis is evaluated at an oral exam.  

• Master’s Thesis (30 ECTS)

See the Curriculum for the Master's Programme in International Relations. 

The European Union (EU) is not only one of the main players on the international scene, but also the most important economic and political frame for the 27 EU Member States. With the two EU elective courses you will acquire:

• An in-depth understanding of the EU, ranging from its legal and decision-making system to its institutions and interactions with its engagement with civil society (Course on EU-Polity & Politics, 1st semester)
• A comprehensive knowledge of the Union’s different internal and external policies and how to approach and analyze these (Course on EU Policy, 2nd semester)

In addition, you will be able to do your internship and write your master’s thesis within an EU-related area (broadly understood). This will provide you with specific competences, skills and a profile that can make the difference when looking for a job after graduation.

By choosing this track, your job opportunities may include working in international and national governmental organizations, municipalities, private companies and interest organizations which work analytically and/or strategically with topics related to the EU.

Global Gender Studies will provide you with knowledge about and insight into the area of gender and global studies and will include discussions of specific cases and case studies in which gender and struggles for equality and social justice can be understood from local, regional and global perspectives (including in the context of institutions such as the EU and the UN). Specific emphasis will be placed on the history of gender and equality policies within the fields of development and international relations, on possibilities and limitations of international law and human rights, and on analyses of gender and equality policies in various contexts and parts of the world.

You will also be introduced to gender perspectives on global governance and global democracy. Global governance signals a particular interest in the management of transnational issues by international organizations, other non-state actors and sovereign states with a particular focus on informal processes and activities of governing. Contemporary challenges to global governance include amongst others democratic problems of legitimacy, authority and accountability as well as trends towards increased nationalism, populism and de-democratization. Gender perspectives upon global governance will here be discussed from 'top-down', 'bottom-up' and transnational perspectives.

By choosing this track, your job opportunities may include working in international and national governmental organizations, municipalities, private companies and NGOs which work analytically, strategically, and/or practically within the area of gender and equality.

Global China Studies will provide students with a complex understanding of the role China plays in today’s globalized world. You will be introduced to both Chinese and Western perspectives on China’s rise and its implications for global governance from both national and transnational vantage points. Focus will be on political, economic and cultural aspects of China’s engagement with the world, and will include themes such as:

• Chinese self-perception, Chinese perceptions of international relations and global perceptions of China
• China’s political system with a specific focus on Chinese foreign policy
• China’s position in the current international world order and China’s engagement with international institutions
• China’s role in the global economy and international business
• China’s relationship with specific countries or regions, i.e. the EU, the United States of America, Africa and China’s East Asian neighbours.
• People-to-people contact and the role of non-state actors in China’s international engagement

By choosing this track, your job opportunities may include working in international and national governmental organizations, private companies, and NGOs working with political, economic and cultural aspects of China’s engagement with the world.

Global Refugee Studies gives you an understanding of how the world creates and responds to refugees and forced migration. We explore how this is connected to larger development processes, political, social, and economic changes, and globalization. You will gain insights into both internal and international migration in relation to conflicts, oppression, security, natural disasters, environmental changes, poor development, poverty, asylum, and politics.

Focusing on forced migration, you gain in-depth understanding of human mobility, international refugees, and internally displaced persons. We put displacement in broad historical, international, and human perspectives. You acquire qualifications in analyzing the complex causes and consequences of refugee and migration issues – as well as needs and hopes of the forcibly displaced.

You will apply the knowledge you gain and your analytical skills in projects together with your study group – and you can also do an internship that provides you with experience in working with problem-solving at local, national, and international levels.

By choosing this track, your job opportunities may include working in international and national governmental organizations, municipalities, and NGOs which work analytically, strategically, and/or practically with refugee and migration issues.

During the third semester, about 75 percent of the IR students engage in an Project oriented course (internship) of their own choosing. Students from the IR program have interned in embassies, government offices, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations around the globe. The internship is an important shortcut to practical experience and network building, which will be crucial in finding your first job after graduation. As a student in the IR program, it is your own responsibility to find an internship either in Denmark or abroad, but there is help available from the international coordinators, the Career office, and the International office at AAU.

See website of the International Office here. 

The internship project
During your internship, you will write an internship project about a problem of relevance to the IR program and the host institution. The project can be a PBL project just like the normal semester projects, or a policy brief training you for your later career. The internship also functions as a convenient way to gather empirical material for your Master thesis.

In the Project Library you can find projects written by the students

Aalborg University has exchange agreements with a number of international universities, which you can find listed right here: AAU international office. 

In cooperation with the semester coordinator at Aalborg University, you must choose courses/seminars within the field of international relations to supplement the courses/seminars you have participated in at Aalborg University.

It is possible to study International Relations for one or two semesters as a guest/exchange student. Note that guest/exchange students who are admitted for one semester will only obtain academic credits but not the diploma. Guest/exchange students begin September 1 or February 1.

If you apply through your home university’s exchange agreement, there is usually no additional tuition to what you may already pay. For information on exchange, please contact your home university. For other opportunities please contact the international office at AAU.

Graduates from the programme in International Relations find employment across many different sectors.

The private sector is an important job market, where graduates in International Relations work with topics related to, for example, international markets, sustainability, gender policy, and lobbying.

Many graduates also work in public administration at both national and regional levels, as well as in consulates and embassies around the world. International organisations such as the UN and the EU are also key career destinations for graduates, who often begin their international careers in NGOs and civil society organisations. For some graduates, this may also lead to PhD studies or a career in teaching and research.

Students from the IR program find jobs in many different sectors. The private sector is an important job market where International Relations graduates work on issues related to for instance international markets, sustainability, gender policies, and lobbying. Many graduates are also employed in public administration on both a national and regional level as well as in consulates and embassies around the globe. International organizations like the UN and the EU are also important career goals for our graduates, who often start their international careers in NGO’s and civil society organizations before progressing to multinational institutions. For some students, the program may lead to pursuing a PhD or a career in teaching and research.

AAU Career helps you on your way from student life to job life in Denmark by giving you the tools to examine your options and find out what to do.

While studying at AAU, you can participate in career and job-related events, find help on our website, and book a personal career counselling session to talk about e.g.:

• Finding your way in your career
• Danish working culture
• Application and CV the Danish way
• What you can offer an employer
• How to go about job search in Denmark – both student job, internship and full-time job

Read more about AAU Career here