New MSc Political Science 'Global Environmental Governance' in Amsterdam

In the first part of the programme, students will get a solid foundation in political theory, methods of political science, and international relations. In the second part, they will specialise in global environmental governance, with emphasis on the new actors, mechanisms and interlinkages in this important field of international relations. Students will finalise their studies with an MSc thesis, which may be written in conjunction with the many large-scale international research projects already underway at the Institute for Environmental Studies of the VU University Amsterdam. The Institute’s department on Environmental Policy Analysis was evaluated in 2007 as the top research department in the Netherlands in its field; students in this new MSc programme can also rely on the department’s extensive international networks, such as the Europe-wide Global Governance Project and the worldwide Earth System Governance Project.

The new MSc programme is demanding in its combination of a disciplinary focus on political science within a multidisciplinary field of study. It unites challenging academic work with the search for practical solutions and policy reform. It is targeted at students with both academic and practical career objectives, and it is decidedly international in approach. Moreover, in being a one-year programme, it can be particularly appealing to those who may prefer a shorter timeframe for their academic pursuits. Finally, it is located in one of the most fascinating cities in Europe, known not only for its vibrant cultural life and architectural beauty, but also for its strong environmental policies, with more bicycles per inhabitant than cars.

The new MSc Political Science (Global Environmental Governance) requires a BSc degree or equivalent in a social science, preferably political science. The programme is taught in English. More information is available at www.fsw.vu.nl/nl/opleidingen/masteropleidingen/political-science-global-environmental-governance/index.asp

The deadline for applications is 1 March 2009 for non-European students, and 1 April for students from Europe.