Politics and Parliament

Explore the dynamic world of Politics and Parliament at Radboud University, a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of political systems, governance, and the functioning of parliaments in both national and international contexts. This multidisciplinary program combines theoretical insights with practical applications, equipping students with analytical skills, critical thinking, and a nuanced perspective on political processes and institutions. Throughout the course, students will examine the roles of political parties, electoral systems, policy-making, and the influence of various actors within the political landscape. The curriculum emphasizes current global challenges such as democratization, European integration, and international conflict resolution, preparing graduates for careers in politics, public administration, diplomacy, and consultancy.

Radboud University's Politics and Parliament program offers a stimulating learning environment with small class sizes, active student participation, and close collaboration with faculty members who are experts in the field. Students will have access to a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical internships, to develop their skills in research, debate, and policy analysis. The program fosters a critical awareness of societal issues and encourages students to develop innovative solutions through evidence-based approaches. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s extensive network of partnerships with governmental institutions, NGOs, and international organizations, providing valuable internship and networking opportunities.

The program's flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with options to explore specialized topics such as comparative politics, European Union institutions, or public administration. Upon graduation, students are well-positioned to pursue careers in political consultancy, journalism, policy advisory roles, or to continue their academic journey with postgraduate studies. With a solid foundation in political theory, constitutional law, and international relations, Radboud University’s Politics and Parliament program prepares students not only to understand the complexities of political processes but also to contribute actively to shaping society’s future.

The programme contains two obligatory foundation courses, each of which is worth 10 EC study points. These are "American Studies: Theory & Practice" and "America and the World." A central theme is the exchange of cultural and political ideas between North America and Europe and related issues in the field of Americanisation and globalisation. You can explore processes of cultural contact and exchange at the United States' geographical and non-geographical borders in the course "American Borders" or opt for a course on the international cultural and political relationship between Europe and the United States in "Transatlantic Exchange: Europeans and America." Other options include a special course on the Beat Generation, one of America's most influential avant-garde movement; North American Indians; African- American Literature and Culture; American Constitutional Law or the American Public Sphere.

Instruction modes

literature study, research, research project, research proposal, tutorial, lecture, self study

Previous Education

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent, from a research university) in in American Studies or in English Language & Culture with a specialisation in American Studies. If you specialised in English you can apply if you had at least 40 EC in courses related to American Studies. If you have a different academic background, you will need to have achieved 60 EC in courses related to American Studies.

English proficiency

• A TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper-based) or 100 (internet-based)
• An IELTS score of at least 7.0
• A Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of B 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 (€2,083 in 2019/2020). 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 (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Radboud Faculty of Arts Study Funds

Students who receive either the Radboud Scholarship or the Orange Tulip Scholarship are eligible for an additional grant to assist with study costs. The grant consists of 2,500 euros paid in 10 instalments throughout the year.

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.

Transnational America: Politics, Culture and Society is a specialisation in the Master's programme in North American Studies.