Europe: Borders, Identity and Governance

Borders, Identity and Governance is an interdisciplinary master's programme offered at Radboud University that explores the complex relationships between borders, national identities, and governance structures in Europe and beyond. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the political, social, and cultural dynamics that shape current border policies, identity formations, and governance challenges in a globalized world. Throughout the programme, students will examine issues such as border security, migration, citizenship, European integration, and transnational governance, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how borders influence individual and collective identities. The curriculum combines insights from political science, sociology, anthropology, and law, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will engage with case studies, policy analyses, and fieldwork to critically evaluate contemporary border-related issues and develop innovative solutions. Radboud University's unique emphasis on intercultural dialogue and societal relevance ensures that graduates are well-equipped to work in international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, or academic institutions. The programme promotes critical thinking, intercultural competence, and research expertise, preparing students for careers that require an in-depth understanding of Europe's borderlands and governance complexities. With a focus on current challenges such as migration crises, border security, and identity conflicts, the programme prepares students to contribute meaningfully to policy debates and practical interventions. The multilingual and multicultural environment of Radboud University enriches the learning experience, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving. Graduates of Borders, Identity and Governance will be equipped to analyze and influence the policies that define borders and governance in an interconnected world, making a positive impact on society and contributing to the development of inclusive, resilient, and well-governed communities across Europe and beyond.

The Master’s specialisation in Europe: Borders, Identity and Governance is taught at 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)
• Multiculturalism, Diversity and Space (6 EC)
• Preparing the Master’s Thesis (6 EC)
• Elective courses (12 EC)

Semester 2

• Cross Border Governance (6 EC)
• Master’s thesis and Internship (24 EC)

Elective courses

You’re free to choose courses that add up to at least 12 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. You could for example take one of the following courses:

• Conflicting Theories: Applying Theoretical Approaches of Conflicts, Territories and Identities (specialisation: Conflicts, Territories and Identities)
• Political and Geographical Conflict Resolution (specialisation: Conflicts, Territories and Identities)
• International Migration, Globalisation and Development (specialisation: Globalisation, Migration and Development)
• European Spatial Planning and the EU Territorial Cooperation Agenda (Spatial Planning)
• Comparative Planning (Spatial Planning)
• International Environmental Politics (Spatial Planning)

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.

The Master's programme in Europe: Borders, Identity and Governance at Radboud University offers students an in-depth understanding of the complex issues related to borders, national identities, and governance within a European context. This interdisciplinary programme combines political science, sociology, history, and cultural studies to analyze the historical developments, current challenges, and future prospects of European integration, border policies, and identity formation. Throughout the programme, students explore topics such as the evolution of borders in Europe, the impact of migration and refugee movements, the role of supranational institutions, and the sociopolitical dynamics that influence national and regional identities. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and encourage students to engage with real-world issues through case studies, research projects, and internships. Graduates will be equipped with analytical skills and theoretical knowledge to pursue careers in international organizations, governmental agencies, NGOs, or academia. The programme emphasizes a multicultural and collaborative learning environment, integrating lectures, seminars, and field visits to diverse European settings. It prepares students to understand the multifaceted nature of European integration and the ongoing debates around sovereignty, multiculturalism, and policy development. The program is typically structured over one year for full-time students and includes coursework, a research thesis, and opportunities for internships or fieldwork. Successful completion of this programme provides graduates with a comprehensive perspective on Europe's borders, identity issues, and governance processes, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and societal debates in Europe and beyond.