Global Conflict in the Modern Era (MA)

Why study Global Conflict in the Modern Era at Leiden University?

The Master's in Global Conflict in the Modern Era explores the patterns of war and peace in the modern world from a multidisciplinary angle. The programme incorporates history, political and social sciences. You will learn about the core concepts and dominant approaches to the study of war, as well as more recent and critical takes on these phenomena. Other prevalent modes of violent expression, such as terrorism, insurgency and genocide, will also be addressed in the programme. As a student of Global Conflict in the Modern Era, you will benefit from the close contacts between the university and (inter)national government institutions in the Hague, as well as the great amount of knowledge on area studies at Leiden University.

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What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in almost every sector of the job market. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as research institutes, international organisations, government bodies, media and academia. Jobs include policy advisor, communications officer, journalist and PhD candidate.

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Is Global Conflict in the Modern Era the programme for you? 

Are you interested in international relations? Do you want to reflect on global conflict today and in the recent past? Then the specialisation in Global Conflict in the Modern Era at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.    

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Manizja Aziz

Graduated in MA Global Conflict in the Modern Era

"After completing an LLM in International and European Law, I had gained a legal perspective on human rights and conflicts. However, I wanted to learn more about how conflicts arise and study concepts such as war and peace from a multidisciplinary angle. That is why I chose to study IR at Leiden University. Furthermore, what pulled me in, was the wide range of elective courses, as this enabled me to really tailor the master's programme to my interests."

Career opportunities 

"I currently work as a Knowledge & Quality Officer at Free Press Unlimited, a Dutch press freedom NGO situated in Amsterdam. In this position, I specialise in the safety of journalists and I am responsible for research, report writing, monitoring & evaluation support and knowledge management."

Academic skills

"The multidisciplinary perspective on global conflict that I gained during my studies, helps me in my current job, as the majority of our partner organisations work in (post-)conflict countries and/or repressive environments. Furthermore, I really got to strengthen my writing and analytical skills during my MA at Leiden University, which are essential in my current job." 

Do a second MA at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe: School of Advanced International Studies

Due to a special agreement, students with a Leiden MA degree in International Relations can earn a second degree at the European Campus of Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Bologna, Italy. Successful applicants gain access to the second year of the research focused Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) and will be given a full year’s credit towards this two-year MA.