International Affairs, Master Programme
120 creditsThe programme is intended for students who have an interest in business intelligence relating to international political issues, studies abroad and international placement.
The Master in International Affairs (MIA) is a two-year full-time programme with a curriculum that develops the skills and knowledge of international affairs professionals with an interest in contemporary international changes and challenges. The main objective of the programme is to prepare graduates to pursue careers in international organizations, businesses, transnational civil society organizations, or within diplomacy. Programme courses are led by highly merited instructors with research and teaching interests in international and European affairs, international state and human security, international corruption and political economy, foreign policy analysis, human rights and sustainable development, and diplomacy among democracies and dictatorships. MIA also offers the opportunity to complete short- and long-term internships and a major final independent study.
Career
After completed studies, you will have advanced knowledge and skills within the field of analysis and investigation, particularly in relation to business intelligence. This makes you suitable for advanced political and/or administrative assignments and investigation work, within the public as well as the private sector, nationally and internationally.
Degree
Master of Science (120 credits) with specialization in International Affairs. (Main field of study: Political Science)
Program Coordinators
More attractive on the labour market
Mikaela Gustafsson chose to continue her studies on the master’s programme International affairs in order to obtain a specialisation in her main area of interest and to be better equipped to reach her career goals. During her internship, she has also come to realise that she is now considered more attractive on the labour market because of her continued studies at second-cycle level.
Read the full interview with Mikaela
Why did you choose to study the master’s programme International affairs?
After having studied political science for three years, I understood that my primary interest is how the world can be analysed based on the relations that different nation states have or do not have with each other. I’m interested in what makes nation states act the way they do and what, if anything, can make them act differently. The programme helps me find and develop analysis tools that I can use to understand and explain this.
Why would you recommend others to study International affairs?
One thing in particular that I like about the programme is the fact it contains practical elements as we have analysed contemporary events and, for instance, challenges within international organisations. In this way, my fellow students and I have learnt how to apply theories to analyse actual events in Sweden and the rest of the world. It can also be argued that international affairs are constantly changing, and that people’s lives are affected by this. Therefore, I would say it is important to learn more about and contribute to an understanding of nation states in an international context. That’s why I recommend others to study this programme.
What is your dream job and in what way do you think International affairs can help you achieve this?
My goal is to work with questions where I actually get to use the knowledge I have obtained on the programme, instead of working with something that just requires ‘some sort of social sciences education’. By studying this programme and developing my skills as an analyst, I hope it will be possible for me to achieve this goal at an earlier stage than what would otherwise have been possible. During the time when I was looking for an internship position, and during my internship, I have come to realise that I’m now considered more attractive on the labour market compared to someone who has only studied for a bachelor’s degree.
Can you describe your internship and what you think it has contributed with?
I’m currently doing my internship at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, at one of their geographical units, The Department for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. During the first months, I got to follow some of the members of staff who work at the department in their daily work, I got to participate at meetings and write different types of documents on the department’s countries. Now, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I have gotten the opportunity to get a unique insight into how the Ministry for Foreign Affairs works and adapts during a crisis, which is very interesting. So far, the internship has, for instance, provided me with an understanding of how I can put my theoretical skills to use in practice, but I have also gained an insight into what role I would like to have at a workplace like the Ministry for Foreign Affairs – and what I can contribute with today. I have also had the opportunity to reflect on what I need to develop and work on in order to reach my full potential at a workplace.
What are your thoughts on studying at Linnaeus University?
I’ve studied at several universities and I think what makes Linnaeus University particularly good is the fact that professors and senior lecturers show a genuine interest in their students and their teaching. I also appreciate the fact that there is hardly any hierarchy, which allows me to believe in myself and my knowledge, to see that I, just as well as them, can have a place in the scientific community or in working life. Also, students are being listened to when we propose something concerning the development of a course or programme, and that’s important to me.
How do you combine studies and leisure time?
In order to create a good balance between my studies and my leisure time, I try to make sure that I always have something to look forward to towards the end of the day. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something big. It can be anything from a cooking night or just a coffee with a friend, to a walk in Bokhultet nature reserve, or a yoga session. In this way, it doesn’t feel that tough to start studying in the morning, and once I have done that I can enjoy my leisure time. I also try to take weekends off. By doing so, I have time for other things that are important to me and I get new energy for the upcoming week.
Växjö
Roughly 15 minutes with a bike from the city centre, you will find Linnaeus University’s campus. It is like a small society with the university, student accommodation, and student life. Here you become part of a creative knowledge environment.
What will you come across on an excursion in Växjö – the city of contrasts? You will find good restaurants, a celebrated hockey team, and cozy cafés where you can enjoy a latte with lingonberry flavour. In Växjö, beautiful nature is always just around the corner; the city is surrounded by lakes and forests. Students like the combination of the city centre and the active student life on campus. Your dream of the future starts here!