International Relations and Organisations (BSc)
Are you interested in international organisations, issues of peace and security, or current changes in global political relations? Would you like to study the causes of terrorism and the resolution of violent conflicts? Develop your scholarship and skills in international affairs in The Hague.
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Discover IRO!
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Watch the video on the original website orGlobal affairs and the dynamics of international cooperation and conflict
The international, English-taught 3-year programme of IRO is part of Leiden University’s Political Science curriculum and is based in The Hague, the city in which politics and international relations converge.
In this specialised bachelor’s programme you'll address transboundary issues from a social sciences point of view. IRO has a strong focus on diplomacy and current world problems, with particular attention paid to the role of major powers such as China, Russia, the USA and the EU, and organisations such as the IMF, NATO, UN, and the World Bank.
It is the right choice for you if you are fascinated by global affairs and the dynamics of international cooperation and conflict. Themes such as war and peace, poverty, refugee crises, humanitarian cooperation, nuclear weapons reduction, and globalisation are covered in detail.
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Watch the video on the original website orStudying International Relations and Organisations means:
- understanding the real story behind today’s headlines;
- working with excellent academic teachers and researchers;
- developing skills in research, writing and presenting;
- being part of an international classroom and community;
- experiencing The Hague: the third UN city and host to many international organisations, embassies, and NGOs.
Farah Shahin
Analyst Consultant, International Criminal Court
I currently work at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an Analyst Consultant, and looking back, the bachelor Political Science: International Relations and Organisations (IRO) at Leiden University played a key role in getting me here.
One of its biggest advantages is its location in The Hague, where being surrounded by international institutions makes everything feel tangible and relevant. For me, this meant that transitioning into a role at the ICC felt like a natural next step rather than a leap into the unknown.
Courses like Introduction to International Organisations gave me early insight into how institutions function internally, while International Security and Introduction to International Relations provided the broader context needed to understand global dynamics, state interactions, and the role of different actors.
Beyond the content, the programme strongly developed my analytical and practical skills. Through the Academic Skills courses and my thesis, I learned how to filter large amounts of information, build clear arguments, and communicate analysis effectively: skills I now use daily in open-source research and report drafting.
While certain aspects of professional life, such as navigating workplace dynamics, are learned on the job, IRO gave me a solid foundation and a clear head start.
Siebe de Roest
Student
I have always found international relations very intriguing; it is a hot topic in the news and everyone likes to form an opinion of it.
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