Conflicts, Territories and Identities

Conflict, Territories and Identities at Radboud University offers an interdisciplinary and comprehensive exploration of the complex issues surrounding conflicts, territorial disputes, and identity formations in the modern world. This programme is designed for students interested in understanding the roots and dynamics of conflicts that arise from geopolitical, cultural, religious, and ethnic differences. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates insights from political science, history, anthropology, and international relations, students will develop a nuanced perspective on how conflicts emerge, evolve, and can be resolved or managed.

The programme emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to interpret the underlying causes of conflicts and the role of various actors involved, including states, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. Students will examine case studies from different regions across the globe, gaining insights into conflicts in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Africa, and beyond. Special attention is paid to issues related to territorial disputes such as sovereignty, border conflicts, and self-determination claims, as well as the social and political identities that influence these disputes.

Throughout the programme, students will explore the impact of globalization and digital communication on conflicts and identity construction. They will also study conflict resolution strategies, peacebuilding processes, and the role of international organizations and diplomacy in managing conflicts. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical exercises, including simulations and policy analysis, to prepare students for careers in international organizations, NGOs, governmental agencies, and academia.

Radboud University’s Conflict, Territories and Identities programme fosters an environment of critical inquiry and intercultural dialogue, encouraging students to develop their own informed viewpoints. The programme is suitable for students with a passion for international affairs, history, social sciences, and conflict studies. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze complex conflict situations, understand the multifaceted nature of territorial and identity issues, and contribute to the development of effective solutions in a globalized world.

The Master’s specialisation in Conflicts, Territories and Identities is taught the Nijmegen School of Management. It has a course load of 60 EC* (one-year). All the courses are 6 EC and the Master’s thesis is 24 EC. The structure is as follows:

Semester 1

• Geopolitics of Borders (6 EC)
• Conflicting Theories (6 EC)
• Political and Geographical Conflict Resolution (6 EC)
• Excursion (6 EC)
• Preparing the Master’s Thesis (6 EC)

Semester 2

• Elective course(s) (6 EC)
• Master's thesis and Research Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 6 EC and meet your interests as long as they, in some way, can be linked to this specialisation and are taught at Master’s level. You can choose courses within Human Geography that are compulsory for other specialisations or from other related Master’s programmes, for example:

• Cross Border Governance (Geography)
• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (Geography)
• Conflict, Aid & Development (CICAM)
• Protection of Human Rights in International Law (European Law)

1. A completed Bachelor's degree from a geography-related discipline
   In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree from a geography-related discipline, such as Urban/Spatial Planning, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Religion Studies, European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Language Studies, Architecture, (Urban) Design Studies, Leisure and Tourism, Conflict Studies and Management Sciences. Your prior education needs to be approved by the Examination Board.
2. Proficiency in English
   In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:
   • A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
   • An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

Conflicts, Territories and Identities is an interdisciplinary master's program offered by Radboud University that focuses on understanding complex issues related to conflicts, territorial disputes, and identity formations around the world. This program aims to equip students with critical analytical skills and a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics that underpin conflicts and territorial disputes. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including ethnic conflicts, national identities, sovereignty issues, human rights, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution strategies. Students are encouraged to explore case studies from different regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, providing them with a global perspective on conflict dynamics. The program is designed for students interested in careers in international relations, diplomacy, conflict management, or policy analysis, and it emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through workshops, internships, and research projects. Graduates from this program are well-prepared to work with international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, or research institutes dedicated to resolving conflicts and fostering peace. The program emphasizes academic research, critical thinking, and intercultural competence, preparing students to analyze complex conflicts and contribute to developing sustainable solutions. It also fosters an understanding of the impact of historical, social, and political contexts on current conflicts, helping students develop nuanced perspectives on issues of territorial disputes and identity formations. Radboud University’s strong links with international partners and organizations provide students with valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights into conflict resolution initiatives. The program’s faculty includes experts in conflict studies, political science, anthropology, and international law, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive educational experience. Students engage in seminars, lectures, and fieldwork to deepen their understanding and develop practical skills. Overall, the program prepares students to become insightful analysts and effective practitioners in the field of conflict resolution, territorial governance, and identity politics.