International Relations: Culture and Politics (MA)
Explore the intersection of culture and global politics through critical analysis and interdisciplinary methods.
Best for:Best for students with a background in humanities, social sciences, or international relations who are passionate about cultural politics, media analysis, and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Leiden University focuses on the cultural dimensions of power, resistance, and global politics. Students examine how culture shapes and is shaped by political concepts, transnational production, and soft power dynamics. The curriculum integrates methods from linguistics, media studies, and cultural analysis to dissect unconventional and conventional political phenomena. Graduates gain eligibility for advanced study in the prestigious MA in International Affairs at Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, with full credit transfer for the second year. The programme is ideal for those seeking to specialise in politically engaged cultural analysis and policy-relevant research.
What you'll do
- Analyse the relationship between political concepts and cultural forms using interdisciplinary methods from linguistics, media studies, and cultural analysis.
- Examine transnational production, distribution, and consumption of culture, critiquing national cultural policies and soft power strategies.
- Develop critical perspectives on the complexities of culture within global politics, focusing on power, dominance, and resistance.
- Engage with contemporary issues in international affairs through a research-focused curriculum, tailoring studies to personal career interests.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to explore unconventional and conventional political phenomena through cultural lenses.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Humanities, Social Sciences, or a related field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA)
Language: English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (score ≥180), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (score ≥180), IELTS overall band score ≥6.5, or TOEFL internet-based score ≥90
Instruction: English
- Proficient analytical skills in cultural and political phenomena
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research using methods from linguistics, media studies, and cultural analysis
- Strong writing and communication skills for academic and policy-relevant work
- No specific nationality restrictions
- No residency requirements mentioned
- No age restrictions mentioned
- No prior experience caps mentioned
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal. Additional materials may be requested depending on the programme’s specific requirements.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (Cambridge Certificate, IELTS, or TOEFL)
- Research proposal
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