International Relations — Two Capitals

Virginia Tech and University of Kent, Brussels are excited to partner in creating a unique, time efficient graduate program for students to study international relations in a Euro-Atlantic context. Two Capitals, Two Masters is a new and innovative double Master’s program, designed to offer students the opportunity to study, train, and network in two major centers of political activity, Washington D.C. and Brussels.

With their locations, near the U.S. executive (The White House), legislative (U.S. Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court) branches in Washington D.C.; and NATO and EU headquarters in Brussels, the two universities offer ample opportunities for learning, research and professional advancement. The program is designed for students interested to study the corridors of power up close and personal, as decisions about international politics are being made. The program benefits students interested in government, teaching or non-profit careers, helps them learn to navigate the U.S. and the EU institutional structures, and offers them opportunities to network for their future. It allows students to earn two graduate degrees – an appealing feature in the job market – in half the time, and for half the cost of a typical graduate degree in the United States, making it a cost and time-effective alternative to existing graduate programs in international affairs.

The program consists of the following:

One year of study at the University of Kent, Brussels (UKB): Students select an MA from the following specializations: international relations, international conflict and security, international political economy, European public policy, or international development.

One year of study at Virginia Tech, National Capital Region (VT-NCR): Students enroll in the Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA).

At the end of two years, students earn an MA from UKB, and an MPIA from VT.

Depending on where and when students start the Two Capitals program, they can earn two graduate degrees in two years, or more.

Semesters:

• Fall semester: At University of Kent, Brussels (UKB), the Fall semester starts in September and ends in December. At Virginia Tech National Capital Region (VT-NCR), it starts late August through December.
• Spring semester: At UKB, spring semester starts in January through April. At VT-NCR, it starts in January through May.
• Summer semester: UKB has one summer semester, May through August. VT-NCR has two short summer semesters (six weeks each), from late May through early July, and early-July through mid-August.

Starting the program at the University of Kent, Brussels (UKB):

• The general schedule of study is two semesters of course work at UKB (Fall and spring), and one semester of thesis research and writing (summer). Courses (in UKB they are called Modules) are offered during the day.
• Then students transfer to VT-NCR, starting in late August. The schedule of study is two semesters of course work (Fall and spring), and completion of a major paper during the summer. Courses at VT-NCR are offered late afternoon and early evening.
• Students who choose this option can expect to earn two graduate degrees in two years.

Starting the program at VT-NCR:

• Students complete two semesters of graduate course work (Fall and spring). Courses at VT-NCR are offered late afternoon and early evening.
• Then they transfer to UKB to complete two semesters of graduate course work (Fall and spring), and one semester of thesis research and writing (summer). Courses (in UKB they are called Modules) are offered during the day.
• Then students return to VT-NCR, where the credits earned at UKB transfer towards completion of course work for the MPIA degree. Students have a final project to complete, a major paper during the summer.
• Students who choose this option can expect to earn two graduate degrees in approximately three years.

Starting the program at either university, in the spring semester:

• Students complete two semesters of course work, spring and Fall at VT-NCR or UKB; then they write a thesis (UKB) or major paper (VT-NCR) by the end of the following spring semester. During the summer between the course work, they can seek internships.
• Students who choose this option can expect to earn two graduate degrees in three years or more.

The admissions process for the Two Capitals program is the same as regular admission to the two universities. Students can enter the program by applying at both universities at the same time, or in sequence.U.S. students need an average of 3.2 GPA if they want to enroll in Two Capitals.UKB students need an average score of 60 or better if they want to enroll in Two Capitals.

U.S. students can apply for federal loans or grants in accordance with the law, for both years in the Two Capitals program. Click the link at the bottom under relevant links to find options. Some financial aid may become available from Virginia Tech, on a case by case basis. For inquiries, contact program director, georgeta@vt.edu.

Non-U.S. students need to inquire with University of Kent in Brussels about their options. See the link at the bottom under relevant links.